Bentley Takes Wraps Off New Grand Convertible at LA Auto Show

Bentley unveiled what it is calling a ‘concept’ convertible based on its popular Mulsanne at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Wolfgang Durheimer says, ‘The U.S. is the single biggest market (for Bentley) and inside the U.S., California is very important. L.A. was the place we wanted to test this concept.’ While it's being called a ‘concept’ car, Durheimer says if it gets positive reviews from car enthusiasts, the Grand could go on sale as early as the end of 2015. Durheimer says for the luxury buyer there is an appetite for a car like this because it can carry more people. Under the hood, it has a 6.75-liter twin turbo V8, 530 horsepower engine. The Grand can go from zero to 60 in under five seconds. Inside, the leather upholstery is made of 14 bull hides which have been quilted in a diamond pattern. The slick wood veneer covers the inside of the convertible. Durheimer says behind the U.S. is China which he says is the automaker’s second most important market in terms of sales. But, while China sales may be slowing slightly, Durheimer says the automaker can ‘overcompensate with Europe and the Middle East.’ As for the trend by other automakers to use aluminum instead of steel, Durheimer says Bentley is already using carbon fiber for some of its cars to make them lighter. TheStreet’s Ruben Ramirez reports from Los Angeles.