Geneva - In an auto show teeming with ultra-high-performance sports cars from the world's most prestigious carmakers, we should've expected something like this. Then again, who really expects hell to freeze over?
The eye-popping sports car, in this case, appeared at the Bentley press conference. Yes, Bentley, maker of powerful luxury cars, is now dabbling in the art of the mid-engine sports car.
Let's cut to the chase: the "Hunaudieres" is powered by an 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder engine "W" engine that has an output of 623 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Torque peaks at 561 foot-pounds, 85 percent of which is on tap from 1500 rpm. The engine is made of two banks of eight cylinders, fitted in a W shape. For future reference, call it a W16. No word on the Hun's street performance, but we imagine it's fast.
The mouthful that is "Hunaudieres" is actually the name of the front straight on the Le Mans Circuit, where Bentley enjoyed much success in the roaring 1920's. Thanks to the company's recent acquisition by VW, we wouldn't be surprised to find Bentley roaring again.
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