Other Volkswagen Group vehicles may benefit from technology developed for the one-off state limousine presented yesterday to the Queen at Windsor Castle.
“What we have learned from building this car will go into the enormous knowledge pool of the group and there are certain to be processes, systems and components that will be considered for future Bentleys and other group products,” media relations chief Sarah Perris told just-auto.
“It’s too early to be specific at this stage,” Perris added.
Designed for a minimum lifespan of 25 years and 125,000 miles, the limousine was developed by Bentley with help from Mayflower Vehicle Systems (bodywork), Leoni Wiring Systems (electrics), TWR Group (trim packaging), Radshape (brightware), Ricardo PLC (powertrain) Intier (interior trim substrates) and MSX International (structural analysis and validation).
Bentley took charge of design and styling, developed the chassis and assembled the limousine which has a rear compartment ‘glasshouse’ claimed to have “posed questions few design teams have ever faced”.
With such a large rear cabin and so much glass, the car would be subject to huge solar loadings when used for a royal tour to a hot climate which would swiftly result in intolerable interior temperatures.
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By GlobalDataHeavily tinted glass would be the usual solution but the Queen was keen that visibility both into and out of the car was reduced as little as possible.
The solution was laminated glass in all windows with a reflective coating sandwiched between the two layers which allowes a tint of just 15% and is barely noticeable inside or out. Roof panel tint is 40%.
Uprated air-conditioning is designed to work well without the benefit of airflow over the car while on ceremonial duty because its average speed in processional occasions will be around 9mph (14km/h) and could drop as low as 4mph (6km/h).
Computer modelling and testing at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) developed a system that produces a large and slow-moving mass of cool air, distributed silently about the car.
A feature for a future VW Phaeton or Audi A8 limousine, perhaps?