Full Speed Ahead for New Bentley?

Volkswagen AG’s Bentley unit is close to approving its EXP 10 Speed 6 coupe for production. The company unveiled the stylish two-seater in concept form at the Geneva auto show in March.

Company officials tell Top Gear that the EXP checks all the right boxes in terms of fulfilling a targeted market niche for Bentley. Board members now are finalizing the business case from a technology, financial and capacity standpoint, according to the report.

If it gets the go-ahead, the EXP would ride on VW’s flexible MSB architecture. The platform also is expected to carry several other next-generation Bentley models and the replacement for the Porsche Panamera. Power likely will come from a new V-8 engine that generates as much as 600 hp.

In addition to the base coupe, which could arrive by 2019, a convertible EXP also is said to be under consideration.