British automaker Bentley recently celebrated its centenary anniversary of inception with the exposé of its newest concept, the EXP 100 GT. An acronym for experimental centenarian Grand tourer, the car pioneers Bentley’s design that will underpin its future portfolio.
The autonomous vehicle with active driving capabilities courtesy of a retractable steering wheel is fully electric and capable of travelling an astonishing 700km on a single charge. This is made possible by deploying solid-state battery packs that ensure higher charge density without overloading the chassis, thereby helping limit the weight to 1900 kg.
The EXP 100 GT’s piece de resistance, however, is Bentley’s opulent styling resulting from its tryst with signature styling cues that feature on all its cars, namely the B shaped elements, knurling and crystal cut stemware design for its lights.
The car sits long at 5.8 metres; the doors themselves are two meters wide and open upwards to a height of another three, giving it a presence, once only known to their estranged cousin at Goodwood. Unlike many other concepts, it does not detract from its ethos, the front being unmistakably borrowed from the aristocratic Mulsanne. The expansive front grille is overlapped by round headlamps at the flank, which then further continues into thin light strips to mark the turn signals. Use of total internal reflection to create a shimmering effect when the car is switched off while employing a lighting sequence to illuminate the entire front grille with the lights as one approaches the car almost instils a sense of life to it.
The design continues towards the back with a full glass roof swooping into the tailgate, much like the Continental GT or R type of yore. Three-dimensional tail lamps with a flourishing design add to that sense, with red LED pulsating to reminisce blood coursing through the veins. Intakes on the sides of the tailgate have an air filtration system for the occupants built in.
The EXP 100 GT is being touted as a place to be in, rather than a device to be operated. The interior reeks of extravagance, but is fabricated from sustainable materials such as wood, copper, glass and textile derived from wine waste. The seats feature hollow headrests with a triangular side profile, which continues into the backrest to complete the Bentley B shape that also sees deployment at other places around the car,
The central console is made of Cumbria crystal and serves as the interface for the artificial intelligence system built into the car. The electrochromatic roof is capable of harnessing sunlight by means of prisms and fire optics to channel natural lighting into the car.
The EXP 100 GT comes with modes that can capture the driving experience and replay it as per the desire of occupants. The artificial intelligence assistant can capture smells and sound and recreate them while redirecting the recycled air to aid aerodynamics.
While we want the EXP 100 GT to go into production the way it is, it is not likely to happen anytime soon. However, it does give us an understanding of what to expect in the new generation of cars that shall wear the winged B badge.
