The Brand New Bentley EXP 9F SUV = Put Your Budget Up, Nigga!

"Bentley’s SUV Is a Rapper’s Delight
By Peter Orosz


GENEVA — It isn’t often that a car literally makes you say WTF aloud. But it isn’t often that you see a V12-powered SUV. A Bentley SUV, no less.

Pictures cannot convey the obnoxious scale of the Bentley EXP 9F concept here at the Geneva auto show, so we’ll tell you it rides on 23-inch wheels and leave it at that. It’s hard to make sense of the 9F and its unashamed bling at a time when so many automakers are stuffing small engines into small cars, or eschewing engines and petrol for motors and batteries.

Naturally, the 9F comes with a 12-cylinder engine, although Bentley’s Peter Guest was quick to note a plug-in hybrid would be an option, were the behemoth to make it into production. Bentley is currently gauging reception from the few hundred people in the world who a.) would want a Bentley SUV and b.) could afford it.


The 9F feels terribly wrong on all levels until you sit in on a few press conferences with luxury automakers who say the United States remains their largest market, but China isn’t far behind. Maserati, for instance, already sells half as many Maserati GranTurismos in China as they do in the states. And Bentley, which saw a banner year in 2011, enjoys particularly brisk sales in China.

So from that perspective, the 9F makes a ton of sense (more like four tons, given the car’s dimensions). It’s perfect for a violently nouveaux riche market. It’s big, it’s brash and it’s completely obvious, a Continental GT on steroids.

The EXP 9F — Bentley has since 1919 used the EXP designation for all experimental or concept cars, and says it “is meant to stand for ground-breaking innovation” — looks like it was carved from a block of alloy. It’s got everything you’d expect from a vehicle that will never go off-road, including all-wheel drive, along with a 6.0-liter V12.

No word on when, or if, the 9F might see production, but Bentley did say many of its current customers also have an SUV in the garage, and there’s no sense giving that business to, say, Mercedes-Benz.

Information Courtesy Of: Wired.Com x Forbes.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Some observations merely hold a single grain of weightless truth whilst others constitute an entire private beach's worth of sea soaked sand. The recent Wired.Com piece titled "Bentley’s SUV Is a Rapper’s Delight" (NOTE: Cited for this entry) which simultaneously extols both the virtues AND the ridiculous appeal of such a vehicle to a small yet perpetually papered up "violently nouveaux riche" market represents the latter. Yeah, this is 1 of those "The truth hurts" moments ... lol.

I admit it, I can be hyper-sensitive to the casual contempt with which "Hip Hop" culture is addressed and remain particularly weary of the ever-present sly-grinned silhouette of passive racism that likes nothing more than to loiter around such conversation.

That having been said, the all-wheel drive, 6.0-liter V-12 Bentley EXP 9F SUV behemoth just unveiled @ the 2012 Geneva Auto Show IS poised to be EVERY rapper's new car crush! Fuck the dumb shit.

Y.O.U. should fully expect brash EXP 9 (NOTE: Since 1919 Bentley Motors has used the "EXP" designation for all experimental or concept cars and says it “is meant to stand for ground-breaking innovation”) wishes to infiltrate the verses of your favorite "look-at-me" luxury enamored MC any day now. Shiiiiiiiiiiiit, I wouldn't mind spilling some Perrier-Jouët Brut Rosé on these diamond-quilted shouldered, saddle leather seats my damn self ... lol. You've gotta do it early though ... no "Johnny-come-latelies" on this trip ... lol. It is what it is.  This is Livestyle!

The Breitling Chronospace Automatic Watch For 2011 = Above The Crowds x The Clouds.

"Last year saw Breitling release the new large-sized Chronospace models equipped with Swiss Superquartz multi-function movements. That same 46mm wide steel watch will now come in an automatic chronograph form with a Brietling calibre 23 (base ETA) COSC Chronometer certified movement. Not bad looking, the Chronospace does feel a bit "Breitling Generic." As though most of the features could be found on other models. Most iconic for the collection are its large size, applied square style hour markers and bezel style.

The watch dial does have a rotating slide rule complication, and is seen here with the optional mesh metal bracelet. The case is rather easy to read thanks to the large hands and a lot of SuperLumiNova luminant. The case is water resistant to 200 meters and has a sapphire crystal. Dial colors include blue, black, gray, and silver. While not extremely original, this watch will fill a spot in the collection that needs to be filled by non Brietling for Bentley large sized timepieces. Look for the new Breitling Chronospace Automatic soon."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com x Blog.Breitlingsource.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Few watch firms can claim to be "fly" and actually mean it. However, Breitling SA - originally founded in Saint-Imier, Bernese Jura by Léon Breitling in 1884 - has secured a lofty place in both the hearts of aviators and affluent horological enthusiasts alike.

In Rap circles the Breitling for Bentley Motors watch has recently become the "belle of the ball" for ballers and regularly makes appearances upon the wrists of the simple minded nouveau riche awash in a sea of diamonds of questionable quality. Now, to be clear, the Breitling for Bentley watch is a very catchy chronograph, but, here @ Livestyle we are adamant about the pursuit of singularity and the celebration of individualism. To that end, today (NOTE: As with pretty much every other post that I make of this nature) I would like to highlight a Breitling model just off the common pedestrian beaten path - the brand new Breitling Chronospace Automatic Watch for 2011.

Composed of the standard Breitling 23 calibre movement, this star bezeled beauty is a marriage of contemporary form and classic technical function. Lovers of colossal chronographs, this is your watch!

Available with a choice of 4 dial colors – Volcano Black, Mariner Blue, Tungsten Gray and Stratus Silver - this woven steel bracelet linked paragon of airborne engineering would make a great addition to any budding watch collection. I would imagine that Y.O.U. could cop this bad boy for under 5 racks ... and that's saying something my nigga! Remember, whenever possible, buy low and FLY HIGH. Good shit!

The Rolls-Royce White Ghost Limited By Mansory = This Is A Mansory Man's World!

"The last time Mansory showed us one of its Rolls-Royce Ghost creations, it was OMG! drenched ihe last time Mansory showed us one of its Rolls-Royce Ghost creations, it was OMG! drenched in blue and gold. But if you took that same car and re-hued it in white, well, all of a sudden we could be on to something. The White Ghost Limited is a three-of-a-kind special that adds a mild body kit and rear spoiler, LED running lights up front and on the mirrors, and a new dual exhaust out back.

The inside is a little more intense, but put into Mansory context next to the Bentley Vitesse Rose and Panamera Turbo, it's as subtle as an English butler. Thankfully, things are upgraded under the hood, with a 66-horsepower jump to 629 ponies and a boost of 60 pound-feet to 634. That means a 4.5-second run from zero to 62 miles per hour and a higher top speed of 180 mph. It'll run you €119,800 ($152,407 U.S.) on top of the price of the standard Ghost ..."

Information Courtesy Of: Autoblog.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In Livestyle I have created a center for free thinking individuals that celebrates the art of "Solitary Refinement" (NOTE: The name of my sleeping giant of a clothing company that I started in 2003) - that is the unabashed encouragement that one embrace and actively cultivate their more unique self-indulgent side.

To that end, although the German based aftermarket luxury automobile tuning company Mansory has been vilified by purists as a Dr. Frankenstein like mangler of fine cars, I can appreciate some of their ambitious modifications. The Rolls-Royce White Ghost Limited By Mansory is 1 such stellar creation.

This 3-of-3 gift to the wealthy and edgy fans of Rolls-Royce is more about visual enhancements than actual performance upgrades (NOTE: Under the hood the engine did receive a 66-horsepower boost from the V12 engine for 629 HP overall.) The body kit features fender vents, a spoiler and side skirts all with a blinding pearl white paint job. This is NOT for the faint of heart ... so, don't mention this whip to Dick Cheney ... lol.

If you've got an extra $152,000 to drop for this mod bod on top of the $250,000 Rolls-Royce Ghost base price, go for yours! A "limited" run on anything usually means unlimited fun and stuntin' opportunities ... lol. It is what it is. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne = Move Over Maybach, It's Mulsanne Music Time!

"2011 Bentley Mulsanne unveiled
08/16/2009, 8:02 PM
By Nick Aziz


Bentley took the wraps off its new Mulsanne flagship ultra-luxury sedan, which replaces the aging Arnage and takes aim at the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Previously thought to be named ‘Grand,’ the Mulsanne is said to be inspired by the Bentley 8 Litre of the 1930s and it is set to arrive in showrooms next year as a 2011.


Displayed for the first time ever at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, the Mulsanne will be the centerpiece of Bentley’s showcase at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Specific details like engines, new technologies, pricing, and features will likely be announced then.

“The challenge we set for our engineers was to create a new grand Bentley that would stand as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, offering the world’s most exclusive driving experience,” said CEO Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen.

“They have responded to this challenge with real passion and the result is a luxury grand tourer that sets new standards in terms of comfort, effortless performance and hand-crafted refinement – the very qualities for which Bentley is renowned.”

Design chief Dirk van Braeckel said the car represents the next evolution in Bentley’s design direction. “From the very first hand sketches in the styling studio, we were inspired by the traditions of the grand touring Bentleys and have sought to evolve this story for a new generation of Bentley enthusiasts.”

Information Courtesy Of: Leftlanenews.Com


Read The Official Bentley Mulsanne Press Release Here: Mulsanne.Bentleymotors.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Much as Daimler-Chrysler and Rolls-Royce resurrected both their historic Maybach and Phantom names respectively, the British purveyors of automotive aristocracy @ Bentley Motors are set to reintroduce their epic Mulsanne series to the luxury market.

Formally unveiled over the weekend @ the majestic annual convention of rare and collectible cars that is the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in California, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is a magnificent mobile monument to superior engineering and elegance. Originally produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1980 until 1992, this direct precursor to their beloved Azure and Continental T models, shares a healthy heritage and provenance with other redesigned celebrated nameplates.

Effectively replacing the popular Bentley Arnage, the new Mulsanne - featuring a V-8 engine and the handcrafted excellence that we have come to expect from the Bentley brand - is a grand tourer for those with more than a few extra grand to drop on some wheels. Niiiiiiiice.

Keychain Vain.

"You make a statement with the Bentley you own, and sometimes it just feels as if you own the road as well. Such is the impact of anything that spells big money and how would it feel to carry your Bentley every where with you just to show off? Now you can flaunt your status even without driving into the hallway in your Bentley, just flash your Bentley car key!

A diamond-studded Bentley continental car key from Alexander Amosu is just what you need to drive others crazy. The key is handset with 101 diamonds on the Bentley famous wings with a total of 1.09 carats. A perfect gift this Christmas for anyone with a Bentley in their driveway. And if their auto line-up includes a Lamborghini, Mercedes or a Ferrari then Amosu has created their luxury keys as well."

Information Courtesy Of: Elitechoice.Org


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In no way am I suggesting that Y.O.U. put the cart before the horse or, in this case, the keychain before the actual keys and the accompanying horsepower ... lol. This opulent accessory should simply serve as more motivation to get that Bentley, Mercedes (don't play yourself C-Class ... lol), Ferarri or Lamborghini. This keychain designed by young Nigerian self-made millionaire Alexander Amosu makes a bold statement without venturing into "Tacky-Land". Good shit.

Bon Voyage Bentley Arnage.

"So Long: Bentley Arnage Final Series

Date posted: 09-24-2008


CREWE, England — Now in its 11th year, the Bentley Arnage is coming to the end of its production run. To mark its passing, the company, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is building a limited edition of 150 cars that will be badged as the Arnage Final Series.

Bentley says the Final Series will combine the refinement of the Arnage R with the performance of the Arnage T as "the ultimate expression of class-leading luxury and effortless power" while signaling "the end of an era."

The Arnage made its debut in 1998 as one of the last products engineered under its previous owner, Rolls-Royce. Under new parent Volkswagen, Bentley has launched several new-generation models, including the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Continental Flying Spur.

The Arnage Final Series gets the 500-horsepower 6.75-liter V8 from the Arnage T, mated to a six-speed ZF gearbox with a locking torque converter. Standard features include an electronic stability program, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, twin tailpipes and a retractable Flying B hood ornament.

Inside, the car is fitted with a rear cocktail cabinet with stainless steel flask and shot glasses, two picnic tables finished in unbleached veneers, four Bentley umbrellas and a 1,100-watt Naim audio system.

What this means to you: The last legacy from the old Rolls-Royce days will soon bite the dust. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent"

• Arnage T powertrain with 6 ¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque
• Six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard
• 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Retractable ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot
• Body colored headlamp bezels
• Dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles
• Lower front wing air vents
• ‘FINAL SERIES’ badge on front wings
• Bentley ‘Jewel’ fuel filler cap
• Twin exhaust tail pipes
• ‘FINAL SERIES’ treadplates to front doors
• Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals
• Waistrails with inset chrome strip and recessed Bentley marque badges (for the first time on Arnage)
• Rear cocktail cabinet and document stowage trimmed in hide
• FINAL SERIES stainless steel flask and shot glasses
• Two picnic tables available in a range of premium unbleached veneers
• Four Bentley umbrellas with wooden handles
• Large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
• Removable rear cup holders for rear centre armrest
• Hide covered boot rail
• iPod interface
• Rear remote control for infotainment system
• Naim for Bentley audio system: 1100W, 10 speakers and next generation Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with 8 modes to create the world’s best in-car sound stage.

Information Courtesy Of: Edmunds.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Only while preparing this entry for your rabid consumption have I discovered that the Arnage model Bentley is a relatively new design for this auspicious company. I just always assumed that it was 1 of their classic cars 1) because of it's look and 2) because of it's popularity with a wide range of car enthusiasts. I guess that Bentley wanted this celebrated model to go out on top and aint nothing wrong with that.

Based on the sporting Arnage T (Jay-Z owns a 2002 model; pictured on the set of his "Lost Ones" video below) this whip is mean ... like Biggie's rottweilers fresh off a steady diet of gunpowder mean my nigga! LOL. Let's see which rapper/mogul busts out with this 1st. Don Pooh are Y.O.U. already on the waiting list homie? Don't let Manny beat you to it ... lol. Holla @ ya boy in BK!