Rolls-Royce and Bentley go head-to-head

Former bedfellows compete for the attention (and money) of the wealthyFormer bedfellows compete for the attention (and money) of the wealthy

For nearly seventy years Bentley was owned by Rolls-Royce and offered essentially the same models with different badges and radiator surrounds.

Since 2003 the two marques have been rivals, coming from different factories (Bentley's in Crewe and Rolls-Royce's in Goodwood), with two different German owners pulling the strings. BMW owned Rolls-Royce is looking to increase the range of models offered with a smaller, less formal car. Codenamed RR4 it is Rolls’ first direct rival for Bentley’s Continental series. Meanwhile Bentley, part of the Volkswagen empire, is replacing the Arnage – a model that dates back to before the companies split.

The new “grand Bentley” is, for now, just a teaser photo. From what the picture shows the front end will be similar to the Arnage, with a sculpted bonnet and raised edges to the front wings. Bentley also wants the new car to retain the proportions of the outgoing model. Under the skin things are likely to be quite different with an aluminium spaceframe, similar to that of the Audi A8. Also under speculation is the choice of powerplant although the VW stable is not short of suitable engines, including V10 and V12 engines from Audi while the 987bhp sixteen-cylinder engine from the Bugatti Veyron has also been suggested. Don’t rule out the possibility of the 6.75-litre V8, which dates back to 1959, being carried over. The grand Bentley is due to be unveiled this summer.

More is known about the “small” Rolls-Royce. We’ve seen the 200EX concept which gives a clear indication of what the new car will look like. It will be called “Ghost”, after the 1906 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP model - the first vehicle dubbed the best car in the world. Mechanical highlights include a 6.0-litre, turbocharged V12 engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox and computer-controlled air-suspension. Rolls-Royce has stated that production will start in September on a second production line at the Goodwood factory.

Even though the cars aren’t aimed at quite the same market - the Ghost will compete with Bentley's cheaper VW-based Continental models, the Grand Bentley with Rolls-Royces' big Phantom - comparisons between them seem likely to be inevitable.