WORLD-FIRST THREE-DIMENSIONAL WOOD PANELS IN ALL-NEW BENTLEY FLYING SPUR

Bentley is offering a ground-breaking new Three-Dimensional Wood rear door trim for the first time, launched today for the all-new Flying Spur. Three-Dimensional Wood is a world-first for the automotive sector – a striking, diamond-shaped pattern enhanced with a three-dimensional surface finish machined directly into the wood.

The new option is one of the unique veneer choices from the Bentley Mulliner ‘Collections’ and forms a contemporary luxury design statement, bringing tactility to the natural beauty of wood. Each rear door and quarter panel is handcrafted from a single block of sustainable American Walnut or American Cherry timber, in a harmonious marriage of traditional skills and modern technology.

The concept for 3D-machined wood was first shown in Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, and received wide acclaim. The distinctive feature was inspired by the form of leather used for the diamond-quilted areas in Bentley’s Mulliner Driving Specification interior suite. Three-Dimensional Wood required 18 months of production development by expert technical craftsmen before Bentley Mulliner could then bring the complex concept to reality.

The Three-Dimensional Wood parts are not made using veneers, as is typically applied to the fascia and waist rails. Instead, each is created from a single block of timber. To achieve the three-dimensional surface, skilled operators carve the wood with a multi-axis routing machine to a tolerance of 0.1mm, less than the thickness of a human hair, hand-finishing the cuts for perfect results. An open-pore lacquer is then applied, allowing the true colour and texture of the wood to shine through for a refined, natural appearance.

Bentley’s Head of Interior Design for the Flying Spur, Brett Boydell, comments:

“Three-Dimensional Wood is the next interior design element we’ve taken from concept car idea to production reality. It works in perfect harmony with the three-dimensional leather quilting across the cabin of the Flying Spur and creates an even more special environment for those being driven.

“The principle of milling a geometric three-dimensional diamond form into solid wood was so well received at Geneva, it confirmed the value in translating the concept into reality for the customers of Bentley’s all-new Flying Spur.”

The back or ‘B surface’ of the log is machined to match a die cast aluminium door panel template. The timber is then bonded to the template before the assembly is placed back into the machine and the front or ‘A surface’ is cut into its three-dimensional form.

The Highest Quality Sustainable Timbers

Both American Walnut and American Cherry timber are sustainably sourced from North American hardwood forests. Bentley selects the very finest timbers, with no knots or resin inclusions through the depth of the wood. Only these logs offer an attractive grain and smooth finish, plus a natural texture and warm colour to complement the superbly appointed Flying Spur cabin.

American Walnut and American Cherry are both popular growing stock in North America, offering an abundant supply of sustainable wood. American Cherry woodland is increasing by more than seven million cubic metres each year after harvest, while American Walnut is increasing by three million cubic metres.

American Walnut is one of the most sought-after species of wood in markets around the world. It is darker than European Walnut, as well as tough, hard and of medium density. American Cherry is highly prized for furniture and interior joinery – the wood finish varies from rich red to reddish brown.

The Benchmark For Refinement & Luxury

The all-new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury Grand Touring sedan, the perfect combination of performance-orientated agility and exclusive four-door, limousine-style comfort.

Bentley’s flagship model has introduced a new era of luxury mobility, uniquely designed to satisfy both driver and passengers alike. With a bold and exciting road presence, the Flying Spur features a sumptuous cabin and innovative technology, handcrafted in the world’s first carbon neutral luxury car factory.

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Notes to editors

Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.