2011 Smart Fortwo Nightorange Limited Edition

Smart has unveiled the new ForTwo NightOrange special edition.

The new NightOrange edition combines an exclusive orange metallic finish with black insertions on the headlamp trims, black mirror caps, and roof. The same black and orange theme continues on the interior with a mix of leather and fabric seats in black with an orange sport stripe in the middle, black door trims, a black instrument panel, and a black 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and gear knob.

The interior is using same color theme with the black seats in a mix of leather and fabric sporting an orange stripe in the center, as does the knee pad in leather look. Contrast components such as the instrument trims are painted in pearl black, while the 3-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and the gear knob are covered with black nappa leather.

2011 Smart Fortwo Nightorange Limited Edition customers can choose from three petrol versions, two versions of 71HP and 84HP and 54 HP diesel models to produce economic and two body styles, coupe or convertible.




Press Release

At dealers from February 2011 - New special edition: smart fortwo nightorange

Sindelfingen - smart is ringing in the spring with a fresh colour: the new limited special edition smart fortwo nightorange combines bright orange with elegant black. The striking two-seater can be ordered now and will roll to dealers from 22 February 2011. Customers can choose between three variants: two petrol versions and a diesel version and a coupé or cabrio body.

Colour psychologists regard orange as active, confident and trendy, whilst black is seen as resolute, elegant and strong-minded. The limited special edition fortwo nightorange is an exciting mix of both colours and is bursting with urban chic. The most striking feature of the exterior is the exclusive orange metallic finish combined with a black tridion safety cell and black 3-double-spoke alloy wheels fitted with tyres in size 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the rear. The special edition also features black painted headlamp trims, black mirror caps and nightorange logos in the mirror triangles. The smart fortwo nightorange cabrio has a black soft top.

The interior takes up the colour concept of the body with a design that is both sporty and chic: the black seats in a mix of leather and fabric have an orange sport stripe in the middle, as does the knee pad in leather look. They provide a dramatic contrast to the black door trim and black instrument panel. Contrast components such as the instrument trims are painted in pearl black. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and the gear knob are covered with black nappa leather. The audio system basic (RDS radio with AUX/USB interfaces and two loudspeakers) is already on board as a standard feature of the smart fortwo nightorange, as are dashboard instruments (cockpit clock and rev counter).

The new smart fortwo nightorange is based on the passion coupé and passion cabrio. Among other features the passion equipment line comes with softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind. Options include electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart surround sound system with six loudspeakers or the audio system navigation / multimedia with touchscreen display.

The fortwo nightorange can be ordered with a 52 kW (71 hp) petrol engine with micro hybrid drive technology, a 62 kW(84 hp) petrol engine or a 40 kW (54 hp) diesel engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter.

Here are the prices for the new smart fortwo nightorange in Germany:

Engine/power	Engine type	Engine capacity	Price in € (incl. 19% VAT)
smart fortwo nightorange coupé
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	13,995
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	14,565
0.8 l (40 kW/54 hp) cdi diesel with diesel particulate filter	3-cyl. common-rail turbo engine	799 cc	15,255
smart fortwo nightorange cabrio
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	17,086
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	17,655
0.8 l (40 kW/54 hp) cdi diesel with diesel particulate filter	3-cyl. common-rail turbo engine	799 cc	18,345

Fenice Gold And Diamonds Fiat 500C【Video】

A Chinese businessman, who wants to remain anonymous, commissioned the Italian coach Fenice Milano a Fiat Abarth 500 C, with various elements in gold and diamonds, inspired by the prototype ‘La Dolce Vita’, presented last October.

The model was commissioned from Italian design house Fenice Milano which has labelled it "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp". Even the outside of the car features 24K gold particles in the golden pearlescent white paint and there's a gold thread finish to the hood too. But that's just the beginning.

This Fenice Fiat 500C uses 24K gold on everything, from the instrument panel, to the dashboard and other trim parts.

The interior of the Fenice Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth has been decked out with teak inserts, special leather and diamonds. The console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel and teak and 24K gold inserts dashboard, whose profiles are hand-shaped by Fenice Milano’s artisans.





Press Release

€ 500,000 for a gold and diamonds 500C commissioned to Fenice Milan and Stuart Hughes

After the great interest achieved from the presentation on the market in September 2010, Fenice Milano (www.fenicemilano.com) receives a commission from a wealthy Chinese businessman to build a special version of its "little one", which adds exclusivity and determination to the retro charm of the initial project. The new, unique model was named "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp". A name that, by itself, sais it all and briefly describes the extraordinary budget that justifies a price of almost €500,000.

Further improved in performance thanks to the recently established partnership with the famous car technician Romeo Ferraris (www.romeoferraris.com) - specialized in car engine modifications and road racing since 1959 - and enriched by the installation of new electronic devices such as the prestigious "Supreme gold and diamonds Ipad" produced by the English Atelier of Stuart Hughes (www.stuarthughes.com).

The starting point for this event is the 500C Abarth, fully mechanically revised, to reach the extraordinary level of 200Hp, and whose precious finishes result in a real jewel of style and Made in Italy workmanship.

Thanks to its compact size (355cm long, 165cm wide and 149cm in height), this little jewel is ideal to comfortably move in the city, without sacrificing the luxury and exclusivity guaranteed by several inserts of precious materials, such as 24K gold and quality woods such as teak, entirely handmade by Fenice Milano's artisans. Pleasure and excitement in driving are guaranteed, due to an increase of 68hp from the original, permitted by the new ECU and exclusive use of an increased turbine entirely developed by Romeo Ferraris' Factory, combined with pipes and fittings made from scratch, as well as the complete exhaust system with 200-cells catalytic converter designed to improve engine performance. To add security, the brake system has also been completely revised, in order to balance the increased power obtained. The front axle has in fact been provided with an improved kit by Brembo equipped with adjustable dampers able to tame the exuberance of 'La Dolce Vita' and making it both safe and fun.

Inside, the redesigned steering wheel has the outer ring made of the teak and the interior one made in leather with controls in 24K gold, even the original carpet floor was replaced with teak. The console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel and teak and 24K gold inserts dashboard, whose profiles are handshaped by Fenice Milano's artisans.

The last major innovation provided in "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" is in fact the placing in central position of an Ipad Supreme Edition made in 24k gold and diamonds by English designer Stuart Hughes, specialized in developing technological applications in precious materials. Especially designed for those who want to make the most of innovation and exclusivity in the onboard control instruments, the space for the Ipad provides a complete interaction of the device with the car, which is fitted with a GPS navigation system, a last generation hi-fi that can handle MP3 and all Ipod features and also an internet connection run by wi-fi and a appropriate sim card.

The golden pearlescent white painting includes 24K gold particles. The electric hood is provided in technical natural colored fabric with gold thread finished. The redesigned seats are also sewn with the precious material, the interior elements are full grain leather and natural-colored Alcantara with handmade on sight stitching.

Curiositiy:
The future owner wants the delivery of its new "little treat" to be made in absolute concealment, in a jewelry shop owned by a friend, as depicted in the animation video.

Fiat 500 by Gucci【Video】

Gucci and Fiat unveiled the 500 by Gucci, the special-edition model is available in a black and white exterior color with Gucci scheme green-red-green stripes. The vehicle will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The stripes also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets and on the seatbelts. The interior also features chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the “radioboard,” the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

Based on the 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol powered model, outside, the car comes with 195/45 R16 wheels, with rear brake calipers in Gucci green.

While Fiat marked the collaboration with the car, Gucci has come out with a a range of clothing and accessories to mark the occasion, including bags, hats, scarves, sunglasses and even a wristwatch. Both were launched at Milan Fashion Week, and will be displayed at a dedicated stand at the Geneva Motor Show next week.




Press Release

Fiat and Gucci announce the "500 by Gucci": a new italian design icon is born

In the year that sees the celebration of both the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci's 90th anniversary, Gucci and Fiat are proud to unveil the 500 by Gucci, a special edition of the iconic Fiat 500 customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile. This unique collaboration between two of Italy's most respected brands represents the perfect - combination of craftsmanship and style. Launched on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, the 500 by Gucci will also be on presented at the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3rd to13th, in a dedicated Gucci pop-up store within the Fiat stand.

Frida Giannini said, "In the 50s the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly become the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in this Gucci's 90th anniversary year".

The black and white colours of the 500 by Gucci, in unique eye-catching glossy pearl glass paint, set the stage for a neo-classic black and white film. These two distinct colors complement one another: black, with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors that contrast sharp black and white, for a contemporary and racy attitude. White, with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.

The exterior is further personalized by rims for 195/45 R16 wheels, including the unmistakable retro design of the rays, harmonizing with the surrounding exterior colors and representing a novelty for this category of car. The hubcaps feature the interlocking GG in the same color of the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well on the doorpost. The version equipped with 1.4 of 100 horsepower comes with rear break callipers in Gucci green. The car's silhouette is outlined by Gucci's signature green-red-green stripe, which runs along the entire perimeter and links the exterior to the interior. The stripe also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets, and in an innovative finish on the seatbelts. The interior space of the 500 by Gucci is stylish yet functional down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the "radioboard," the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

The communications activity behind the worldwide launch of the 500 by Gucci is being developed with the support of Lapo Elkann and his agency, Independent Ideas, and will include a fully integrated above and below-the-line campaign. Commenting on the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said: «I am honored that I was able to connect Fiat and Gucci, especially in such an important anniversary year for Italy. Being Italian, it makes me proud to have contributed to this 500 by Gucci, which brings together the spirit of two brands that so perfectly symbolize our country's savoir faire in the world. It has indeed been very gratifying to work again on the car I love most with Fiat's Centro Stile and with Frida Giannini».

The 500 by Gucci will initially be available from April 1st to June 30th exclusively by pre-order online at www.500bygucci.com, with a list price in Italy that starts from 17,000 euro all inclusive. The car will also be displayed in exclusive locations in metropolitan cities such as Paris, London and Tokyo, followed by the European commercial launch in July. It will then become available in the rest of the world at the end of the year.

Completing the customization is the exclusive 500 by Gucci collection, including travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online at www.gucci.com from April 2011.

2011 MINI Cooper Matt Edition

MINI launched on the French market the MINI Cooper Matt Edition which will be sold in 250 units.

Dubbed the Matt Edition, the car features a matt black exterior wrap, checked mirror covers, unique side vents, and an individually-numbered key ring.

The new limited-edition will be available with all engines available across the standard lineup, including the 1.6-liter with 118 hp, the 1.6-liter turbo with 208 hp and the 1.6-liter diesel with 110 hp, as worldcarfans.com wrote.

To make the MINI even more customization, side vents and the inner insert receive a specific numbering and a numbered key ring specially created for the occasion will be given to each client.


Press Release

MINI Mat Edition : une série limitée à 250 exemplaires

Avec son look fun et indémodable la nouvelle MINI va encore plus loin dans la personnalisation en proposant une nouvelle série limitée et numérotée appelée « MINI Mat Edition ». Cette série, de 250 exemplaires seulement, sera disponible exclusivement en France sur une courte période. Plusieurs motorisations au choix : Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S et John Cooper Works. Le coloris noir Mat confère à la MINI un design incroyable qui sera encore surligné par les coques de rétroviseurs extérieurs et intérieurs en damier et une antenne sport (plus courte). Pour rendre cette MINI encore plus personnalisée, les ouïes latérales et l'insert intérieur reçoivent une numérotation spécifique et un porte-clefs numéroté spécialement créé pour l'occasion sera remis à chaque client.

Le rendu Mat est obtenu par l'application d'un film sur la totalité du véhicule ce qui présente l'avantage d'un entretien facile et la possibilité de revenir à une teinte de carrosserie classique à tout moment. Le film Mat, garanti 2 ans, et les équipements composant cette série limitée seront proposés à un tarif client de 2800€ TTC supplémentaires.

La « MINI Mat Edition » sera disponible à partir du 21.01.11 et pourra être découverte en exclusivité dans les MINI Stores de France lors des journées portes-ouvertes du 22.01.11. Elle fera par ailleurs l'objet d'un plan de communication musclé en ce début d'année avec notamment une campagne d'affichage (plus de 10.300 panneaux au niveau national en janvier) et un dispositif Internet spécifique.

Retrouvez l'ensemble des informations de la marque MINI sur : www.MINI.fr

Renault Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition

Renault has unveiled the Megane Coupe Monaco GP limited edition, that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Based on the trim level that sounds like a Drum Beat – Dynamique TomTom – the Megane Monaco gets some pretty Arctic White pearlescent paint set off with gloss black alloys and gloss black mirrors, rear diffuser and fog surrounds.

All three models allotment accepted administration treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white acrylic developed accentuated by Etoilé atramentous physique apparatus including the ancillary mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, atramentous headlight masks and “Monaco GP” brand plan on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP analysis adds pearlescent white berth data (console, strip, aperture handles), “Monaco GP” bond on the seats, a numbered bowl and “Monaco GP” careful mats.

There are 5 engine options available: – dCi 110 EDC, dCi 130, dCi 160, Tce 130 and Tce 180. Renault brings the Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP with 2.0 L 16 valve turbo engine making 250 hp, 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver’s seat with Monaco GP stitching, gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gear-knob.





Press Release

MONACO GP LIMITED EDITION EXTENDED TO MÉGANE COUPÉ AND MÉGANE R.S.

• Having played a headlining role in the finest moments at the motorsport mecca that is the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault has developed the Monaco GP limited edition for its coupé models, aimed at fans of elegance, sport and style.

• Launched in 2010 on Laguna Coupé, the luxury signature is now featuring on two new models:
? Mégane Coupé Monaco GP, based on the Dynamique trim level.
? Mégane R.S. Monaco GP, based on Mégane R.S.
• The three models will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
• Launch will begin in March 2011. The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition models will be sold in 14 countries.

• A new version of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP will also be launched from March 2011 in 14 countries.

A shared signature for the Monaco GP limited edition: elegance, sport and style

Sporty, elegant bodywork
The Monaco GP limited edition models are big on personality. On Mégane Coupé, the front end with its sleekly drawn headlights and large air intake expresses a resolutely forward-moving style, while the rear end features a broad shoulder line. The sporting credentials of the line are emphasized by classic styling, rigorous proportions and a harmonious whole.

? The pearlescent white paint developed specially for these models underlines their exclusive air.
? The dynamic and powerful design is accentuated by Etoilé black body components (including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds), black headlight masks and "Monaco GP" badge work on the sides.

Exclusive interiors
Everything inside the two new models expresses build quality, stylish sportiness and a passenger-centric approach. Originality is boosted by:
? Pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles),
? "Monaco GP" stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and "Monaco GP" protective mats.
Athletic and reassuring roadholding
Both models feature the very best in technology for unrivalled efficiency and peace of mind, with a precise course regardless of grip conditions thanks to ESP, together with bi-xenon directional headlights and latest-generation dual-chamber airbags. The chassis was specially designed to bring drivers optimal control and driving thrills, with no detriment to comfort. The Monaco GP models are concentrates of agile handling, dynamism and precision. These qualities are further emphasized on the R.S. version, which is fitted with an independent pivot arm on the front axle for pure motoring pleasure. The vehicle course is precise and reassuring whatever the grip conditions, whether on track or in town.

Two Mégane Coupé versions
The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited editions features all the equipment of the Dynamique trim model plus:
- 17-inch Celsium gloss black rims
- GT/GT line front and rear bumpers
- Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP stitching
- Rear parking assist
- Power-folding side mirrors
Five engines are on offer:
- The dCi 110 EDC provides optimized torque and power levels and the best fuel economy/driving thrills combination on the market. The six speeds of the exceptionally smooth EDC gearbox are controlled automatically or manually. Double clutch and twin mass engine flywheel technology ensure fast and imperceptible gear changes.

- The dCi 130, astonishingly powerful and silent, uses the best in dCi combustion and turbo technology and emits just 130 g/km of CO2.
- The dCi 160 brings drivers a top-level balance of performance and fuel consumption and is impressively silent in operation.
- The Tce 130 benefits from the latest advances in downsizing, enabling a 1.4-liter powerplant to boast the torque of a 2 liter and the power of a 1.8 liter.
- The Tce 180 is exceptionally responsive while offering a gradual increase in available torque, for spritely acceleration from the lowest engine speeds.
Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP limited edition features all the equipment of the R.S. version plus:
- 18-inch Keza gloss black rims
- Leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver's seat enhanced with Monaco GP stitching.
- Gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.
Main options for this version: Bose Sound System, Cup Chassis with limited slip differential, 19-inch diamond-effect STEEV rims.
One engine on offer: 2.0 16V turbo, 250 hp.

A new edition of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP
In response to the success of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition, a new version is set for launch in the spring. It will retain the exclusive pearlescent white body paint but also come in pearlescent black.
Five engines available, depending on the country:
- 2.0T 205 hp.
- 2.0T 170 hp, auto box
- 2.0 dCi 150
- 2.0 dCi 180
- 2.0 dCi 175, auto box
The wealth of equipment and comfort features rivals the car's elegance and sportiness:
In all countries:
o 18-inch Interlagos Chrome Shadow rims
o Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP electropatch
o Rear parking assist
o NFA Live Navigation system
In some countries:
o 4 Control (4RD)
o Bose Sound System
o Leather seats with Monaco GP stitching
o Hands-free card
o Power-folding side mirrors

2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus has releases a new entry-level sports car, the Elise Club Racer 1.6, priced in Europe from around $45,000. which will have its world debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The Elise Club Racer is a full 52 pounds lighter than the standard car, and Lotus achieved this by removing the noise insulation and using a motorsport-derived lightweight battery. This might not seem like an enormous weight savings, but when you consider that the base Elise already weighs in under the 2,000-pound mark, even a small weight reduction is noticeable.

Powering the Elise Club Racer is the same 1.6-liter four cylinder VVT-I engine with an output of 136 PS (100 kW / 134 hp) as on the series' variant. Lotus did not provide new performance numbers for the Club Racer but the standard Elise does the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.5 seconds, which the Club Racer can only beat, if but slightly.

Priced at £27,500 / €34,450 / $46,750, the Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus. Customers can choose from a range of six exterior colors (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey), plus various bespoke design elements.




Press Release

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Maximum fun, minimum collateral

Anyone harbouring under the misapprehension that Lotus might be moving away from performance through lightweight only needs to take a quick ride in the new 1.6 Lotus Elise Club Racer to know that's definitely not the case. The bright engineers at Lotus put even the lightest of Lotus' modern cars on a diet and managed to shed a further 24kg.

So how did Lotus manage to make one of the lightest models on the market even lighter? The engineers behind the Elise Club Racer took a stripped-to-the-bare-bone approach visualised by the body-coloured seats but materialised in many ways such as the motorsport derived lightweight battery and the deletion of noise insulation. Attention to even the smallest of details has ensured that Lotus' passion for performance through lightweight has been translated throughout the car.

For the first time ever an Elise variant comes complete with a Sport setting for the DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) allowing even the less experienced sports car drivers to feel at the top of their game, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track orientated drivers. DPM combined with improved agility courtesy of Lotus finely tuned sport suspension and an adjustable anti-roll bar will make the Elise Club Racer equally versatile for both road and race track fun.

Wolf Zimmermann Chief Technical Officer Lotus Cars said: "The traditional Lotus approach of reduction and purity has lead to one of the most zeitgeist and contemporary sports cars around. For over 15 years the Lotus Elise has become an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated following of lightweight fans. The new Club Racer will definitely give these people something extra to get their teeth stuck into. This car epitomises everything that's cool about the Elise - it's fast, raw, responsive and a huge amount of fun to drive."

Quality throughout the vehicle has been a top priority, highly regarded component suppliers such as Eibach for springs and Bilstein for dampers ensure that the Elise Club Racer is a car of substance as well as style.

The Elise Club Racer pleases the eye as well as the soul with a choice of six striking colours (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey) and bespoke design elements that emphasise the character of the car.

It's pocket pleasing too, at £27,500 / €34,450 / CHF48,900, the Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus. And with the Elise standard of just 149g CO2/km plus the weight reduction, the new Club Racer provides maximum fun without so much of the green-guilt usually associated with high performance driving.

Lotus Elise Club Racer: Purity, performance, pleasure - a TRUE Lotus.

Bentley Continental Supersports sets world speed record on ice

The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible breaks the world speed record on ice. And we never even knew there was a world speed record on ice.

The Continental Supersports convertible with all-wheel-drive, 6-liter, 12-cylinder Bentley was Finland's four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen. The world's fastest all-wheel-drive soft-top convertible allowed Kankkunen to shatter his own 2007 world ice speed record of 321.6kph (199.83mph), which he set in a Continental GT at the same location.

Last time in 2007, he missed the 200 mph mark, and achieved a speed record of 199.83 mph in the Continental GT at the same location.

A limited edition of this most extreme Bentley will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Production will be limited to just 100 examples!





Press Release

BENTLEY SUPERSPORTS SHATTERS WORLD SPEED RECORD ON SHEET ICE

Rally champion, Juha Kankkunen achieves 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) in extreme Bentley convertible

(Oulu, Finland. 15 February 2011) Finland's four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, at a breathtaking 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) to set a new world speed record on ice.

Kankkunen was in irresistible form with his all-wheel drive, 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible which, in line with the Company's CO2 strategy, ran on biofuel. The world's fastest soft top enabled Juha to shatter his own 2007 world ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in the Continental GT at the same location.

With the help of his own experienced team and Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven on a 1000m long measured distance with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police. His new world record was based on the average of two runs in opposite directions with measured speeds ratified by a representative of The Guinness Book of Records.

"The last time, I narrowly missed the magical 200 mph mark in a Continental GT. When I heard about the Supersports I was determined to go record breaking again with the Bentley Boys. This time, with over 600bhp under the bonnet, a Quickshift transmission and the security of the all-wheel drive system, the Supersports convertible was the perfect car to go for the record. " Kankkunen said.

"200mph came up after 5km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There's nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment which gives you the confidence to push even harder."

As with the previous record-breaking drive in the Continental GT the Anglo-Finnish team used a car with minimum modification. A fully-welded, heavy-duty safety roll-cage, along with Pirelli winter tyres (Pirelli SottoZero II 275/40R20) and a rear bumper-mounted parachute provided reassurance in case of an emergency. Front and rear spoilers provided optimum high speed stability on the treacherous surface.

To highlight Bentley's environmental commitment to sustainable fuel sources, Kankkunen's Supersports Convertible was fuelled with E85 bioethanol rather than petrol (gasoline). All models in the Continental range are capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any combination of the two.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley's new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

"The ice speed record is an amazing feat by Juha Kankkunen, whose skill and courage in extreme conditions truly make him one of the modern-day Bentley Boys. We will be celebrating this achievement with a very special ‘extreme' Bentley, which will be the most powerful model ever to bear the famed Winged B emblem."

A limited edition of just 100 examples of this most extreme Bentley will be made and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1st March.