Bentley X Concept revealed in Austria
Bentley has revealed a glimpse into off-road heaven, as it announced a new multi-year brand partnership with FAT International.
The X concept — which was showcased at the FAT Ice Race in Zell Am See, Austria — is potentially the first glimpse of an enhanced off-road capable Bentayga, with Bentley saying it has been gathering feedback from the concept’s outing on the ice.
Starting with a Bentayga Speed packing a 641bhp 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission, the X Concept adds off-road capability to the raw power and comfort that Bentley is so famous for.
Specialist-made single-piece 22-inch rims with large aspect ratio off-road tyres have been added to the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, while there are changes to the width and height too. The Bentayga is 120mm wider for greater stability, while the ride height has been increased by 55mm for maximised suspension travel and ground clearance. These changes are accommodated by 40mm extended wheel arches.
Off-road adventuring is aided by roof-mounted storage and four spotlights for greater visibility, bringing the overall height of the Bentayga to 2.49 metres. The concept demonstrated the storage capability by carrying an electric Bambino-size Go Kart, currently used in the FAT Karting League. The titanium sports exhaust at the rear is mirrored by the addition of twin towing eyes at the front.
The new partnership will also see Bentley take cars to the upcoming FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana at the end of February and a 24-hour takeover over FAT Mankei in Austria later this year. The unique racing event features various classes, including the distinctive mixed class of Skijöring, which sees a person on skis pulled by a vehicle, and is derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring, meaning ‘ski driving’.
Driving a Bentayga Speed in the Skijöring event will be none other than Top Gear’s Chris Harris, who will be towing Norwegian freestyle skier Hedvig Wessel. Harris showed images from his practice session with Wessel on Instagram this week.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Bentley