At Geneva 2008, Bentley makes the astonishing promise that it will cut its fleet CO₂ emissions from more than 400 g/km to 120 g/km by 2012.

CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen says that the first step will be improving engines and transmissions, and cutting weight, to deliver savings of 15%.

A completely new engine for Arnage and Continental Flying Spur/ Continental GT & GTC will emit 40% less CO₂.

Finally, a switch to fully biofuel-compatible engines will deliver the remaining reduction. Bentley wants its entire range to be capable of running on 2^nd-generation biofuels - those made from waste material, rather than food stocks - by 2012.

Bentley says that FlexFuel cuts "well-to-wheel" emissions by 70%, and promises to make the technology standard across the Continental range as of the 2011 model year.

Bentley considers a switch to diesel. Rumors suggest that the Arnage could receive Audi's 5.0-liter V10 TDI or 6.0-liter V12 TDI engines. There is also talk of a completely new engine, given that the V12 TDI unit is too large to fit under the hood of the Continental GT.

However, Bentley eventually denies plans to produce diesel models. Porsche - a key competitor - might be bringing diesels to market, but Bentley says that most of its buyers are opposed to diesel. Moreover, many Bentleys are sold in the U.S. and Asia; it would be costly, the company adds, to develop a diesel just for Europe.


Bentley Motors is established in London in 1919. The company is acquired by Rolls-Royce in November 1931. From that point forward, the Bentley acquires more and more features of the Rolls-Royce, until the two makes become nearly indistinguishable.

Today, pitching itself as an authentic fusion of prestige and performance, Bentley is part of the VW Group.