A Wild Weekend in Le Mans
At the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, Bentley unveiled the Hunaudières concept, signalling its supercar ambitions.
It is named after the Les Hunaudières straight at Le Mans, celebrating Bentley’s rich racing heritage.
Following Bentley’s acquisition by VW in 1998, the Hunaudières concept showcased new possibilities with advanced technology and resources.
It was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.25-litre W16 engine producing 623 bhp, foreshadowing the Bugatti Veyron’s legendary powertrain.
Bentley paired a 5-speed manual gearbox with rear-wheel drive and aimed for a top speed of 220 mph—a bold departure for Bentley.
It has a sleek, low profile combines Bentley’s classic elegance with aggressive, supercar-like styling.
It was luxuriously appointed with nubuck leather seats and satin aluminium finishes.
The Les Hunaudières was Bentley’s first attempt at a supercar, blending luxury with extreme performance.
It set the stage for future models like the Continental GT.
The W16 engine and engineering concepts heavily influenced the Bugatti Veyron.
Although Bentley considered producing 300 units at £250,000 each, VW decided Bentley should focus on saloons and luxury coupés.
Leaving Bugatti to pursue top-speed records.
The Hunaudières symbolised transition, marking Bentley’s move into the 21st century.
‘Bentley proved that luxury and brute force can be best friends.’
Though never produced, the Hunaudières remains a tantalising glimpse of Bentley’s potential in the supercar world.
It celebrated the brand’s victory at Le Mans in 2003 and honoured its iconic racing roots.
‘The Bentley Hunaudières is what happens when British refinement has a wild weekend in Le Mans’
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