Bentley Continental GT
As a consequence of a styling change introduced on the then newly introduced Continental GT Cabriolet, SDC were asked by Bentley to produce a prototype rear seat for market evaluation on the existing Continental GT in order to support styling and market evaluation activity.
Working from CAD data, the GT’s existing rear centre console was replaced with a centre cushion section and lower squab infill pads. The integration of the centre cushion had to take the styling cues from the Cabriolet while matching the remaining trim interfaces.
All this had to be achieved in less than 2 weeks.
Using Bentley’s existing Catia package data, SDC’s design office initiated the design of a cushion under structure to act as the BIW interface, foam support and the trim retention point. Utilising the cabriolet “A” surface data as a style guide and technical direction from SDC’s in-house Trim Engineering Department for offset and overbuild information, a foam pad was then modelled . Infill pads and support structures were also designed to bridge the gap between the cushion and the base of the centre armrest.
These new design’s for the foam pads and support structures were then passed to SDC’s own metal development and trim development departments for manufacture.
Utilising the knowledge and techniques gained through years of experience in the automotive industry components were produced to meet the exacting standards of craftsmanship demanded by the customer.
Finally trim covers were developed and patterned in SDC’s trim department to match the existing trim. In SDC’s workshops the fully trimmed assemblies were then built back into vehicle for fit and function assessment.
Only when all checks and inspection were complete was the vehicle released back to the customer.
The whole project was completed a day earlier than plan with the customer being delighted with the standard of craftsmanship and quality. |
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