Automotive

Classic British car marque takes flight again with Bullet speedster

Classic British car marque takes flight again with Bullet speedster
The Bullet's body is formed of carbon fiber composites, so as to achieve high strength and rigidity, with a low weight
The Bullet's body is formed of carbon fiber composites, so as to achieve high strength and rigidity, with a low weight
View 9 Images
The Bullet's body is formed of carbon fiber composites, so as to achieve high strength and rigidity, with a low weight
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The Bullet's body is formed of carbon fiber composites, so as to achieve high strength and rigidity, with a low weight
There are striking features, including hunched front fenders that house circular front lights
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There are striking features, including hunched front fenders that house circular front lights
The fenders flow back along the length of the car before tapering into two pointed rear wings
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The fenders flow back along the length of the car before tapering into two pointed rear wings
The car has a thickset form reminiscent of the recent Rolls Royce models, but it is pulled together with more graceful and refined curves
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The car has a thickset form reminiscent of the recent Rolls Royce models, but it is pulled together with more graceful and refined curves
Some of the Bullet's features reference Bristol's history of aircraft construction
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Some of the Bullet's features reference Bristol's history of aircraft construction
Contoured sports seats, finished in British hide, are aimed at providing comfort and support over long distances
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Contoured sports seats, finished in British hide, are aimed at providing comfort and support over long distances
The dashboard can be finished in wooden paneling, a modern herringbone carbon-fiber weave or a hand-laid unidirectional carbon-fiber weave
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The dashboard can be finished in wooden paneling, a modern herringbone carbon-fiber weave or a hand-laid unidirectional carbon-fiber weave
The concept for the Bullet is said to have come about when the company's new owners found a neglected speedster model under a tarpaulin in the old factory
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The concept for the Bullet is said to have come about when the company's new owners found a neglected speedster model under a tarpaulin in the old factory
The Bullet is powered by a 4.8-l V8 Hercules engine that kicks out 370 hp (275 kW) and a maximum torque of 490 Nm (370 lb-ft)
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The Bullet is powered by a 4.8-l V8 Hercules engine that kicks out 370 hp (275 kW) and a maximum torque of 490 Nm (370 lb-ft)
View gallery - 9 images

Storied British car marque Bristol has launched a new model to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The Bullet signals the rebirth of the brand after it was saved from insolvency five years ago, and recalls its heritage in aviation and luxury car production.

Bristol Cars came into being in 1945 as the carmaking subsidiary of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It has been producing cars since 1947, but the Bullet is its first since 2003, before it went into administration.

The concept for the Bullet is said to have come about when the company's new owners found a neglected speedster model under a tarpaulin in the old factory. The car has a thickset form reminiscent of the recent Rolls Royce models, but it is pulled together with more graceful and refined curves.

There are striking features, including hunched front fenders that house circular front lights and that flow back along the length of the car before tapering into two pointed rear wings. Others, like the well-proportioned, deep-set grille and the arched bonnet with its slitted air intake, reputedly reference Bristol's history of aircraft construction.

The car has a thickset form reminiscent of the recent Rolls Royce models, but it is pulled together with more graceful and refined curves
The car has a thickset form reminiscent of the recent Rolls Royce models, but it is pulled together with more graceful and refined curves

The Bullet's body is formed of carbon fiber composites, so as to achieve high strength and rigidity, with a low weight. Inside, the dashboard can be finished in wooden paneling, a modern herringbone carbon-fiber weave or a hand-laid unidirectional carbon-fiber weave. Contoured sports seats, finished in British hide, are aimed at providing comfort and support over long distances.

Despite the classic style of the exterior, the car's interior boasts a number of modern features. A multitouch screen on the dashboard, for example, is used to control the digital radio, as well as smartphone, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Playback over Wi-Fi is said to offer a high-quality audio experience, while screen-mirroring from supported mobile devices allows drivers to use their preferred audio playback and navigation applications.

The Bullet is powered by a 4.8-l V8 (the V8 being traditional for Bristols) Hercules engine that kicks out 370 hp (275 kW) and maximum torque of 490 Nm (370 lb-ft). It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Production is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of next year.

Source: Bristol Cars

View gallery - 9 images
7 comments
7 comments
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really nice. I would not mind driving one of those.
gizmowiz
Looks like they plagiarized the front end of a 1956 Ford Cobra.
Martin Hone
The engine name is Hercules, which also harks back to Bristols aviation past.
Boondocks
@gizmowiz The 1956 "Ford" Cobra was a "Shelby" Cobra, which was essentially a re-engine British AC Ace. At the time AC, Bristol and several other British car marques all had a very similar look. Incidentally the AC Ace used an engine made by Bristol. So I would argue this new Bristol is not plagiarising anything apart from their own history.
ArtofSpeed
That is just but pitifully ugly and i predict Bristol will be out of business again in less than two years. Note also the first (Shelby Cobra) was not made until 1962.
Stephen Colbourne
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Cars#/media/File:1956_Bristol_405_Drop_Head_Coupe.jpg
I dont think you can say this is copied from the Cobra. The above picture is a 1956 Bristol which is almost identical.
StWils
Art can pound salt. I think it is a stunning classic car design. So, what is the pricetag? If that lottery investment plan ever actually works out I could well be in the market for a few new rides! Also, left hand drive an option?