Porsche to share Panamera platform with Bentley, will underpin all future models

C. Charles Hahn

C. Charles Hahn

CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Bentley to share platforms with Porsche

Development of the Porsche Panamera chassis will underpin all future Bentley models



Porsche%20Panamera.jpg


The new Porsche MSB platform will underpin next-gen Bentleys



A Porsche-developed platform is set to underpin all future Bentley models, following the Volkswagen Group’s takeover of the Stuttgart firm in July.



Porsche engineers are currently working on a new platform for the Volkswagen Group derived from the Porsche Panamera. Labeled MSB, it will form the basis of all future Bentley models in both two and four-wheel drive format.



The platform is likely to be composed from a mix of both steel and aluminium and has the potential to offer significantly improved weight distribution over current Bentleys, owing to the engine being positioned further towards the rear of the axle line.



Future models are likely to be V12-powered, with Bentley becoming the main stomping ground for the Volkswagen Group’s next generation of high-end 12-cylinder engines. The long-running 6.75-litre L-series V8 engine will be phased out from 2013, as the unit would require an expensive re-engineering programme to meet Euro 6 regulations. However, it is still likely to drive the upcoming Mulsanne Convertible recently revealed in sketch form.



CONTINUE AT: Bentley to share platforms with Porsche | Autocar
 
And in the near future, Mustangs will be available in Europe (plant for production not set at this time), the Ford E Series van models are going away to be replaced with a bigger version of the Transit van.

Lots going on around the world.

Was surprised that Mazda changed it's mind to build the new "6" in Mexico, instead will build all of them in Japan.

Of course, I will be surprised if Mazda is even around in 3 or 4 years the way they have been going.

Grumpy
 
Ron Ketcham said:
And in the near future, Mustangs will be available in Europe (plant for production not set at this time), the Ford E Series van models are going away to be replaced with a bigger version of the Transit van.

Lots going on around the world.

Was surprised that Mazda changed it's mind to build the new "6" in Mexico, instead will build all of them in Japan.

Of course, I will be surprised if Mazda is even around in 3 or 4 years the way they have been going.

Grumpy
Click to expand...



And it's a sad thing, too.... the new 6 is absolutely gorgeous, a total departure from the current family styling.



Unfortunate that they're phasing the E-series out, but I suppose the new global transit platform is going to be much more efficient. Evidently the EcoSport and Edge will be heading to Europe as well. I'll be surprised if the Mustang sells in much volume over there.



GM is now the only manufacturer who will continue on with a traditional BOF van, which itself is overdue for a refresh, at the very least in powertrains.



I just hope VW group doesn't fall into the badge-engineering practices that got GM in trouble in the 80s-90s.
 
Mazda is controlled by a banking group and since Ford bailed on them, according to my people at Mazda in California, it's been a real Chinese fire drill for them.

A lot of talented people are bailing out here in the states, Canada Mazda is in the same turmoil.

Grumpy
 
I don't like the looks on that Transit replacement....not one bit! I know by the time the bossman is ready to replace our rigs, this platform would already be stateside for some time. We'll see how it holds up in the EMS world, If it looks and feels cheap like the Sprinters.....Underdawg will not be a happy puppy!



Although I do like the GM/Chevy Express van, maybe that'll still be around by the time we look for new rigs!
 
I see no reason why you shouldn't buy a Mazda, if it fits your needs.

I am speculating on their leaving the USA, based on some information from long time with Mazda, people I worked with, still have contact with.

Grumpy
 
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