The Bristol Bullet two-seater will be the precursor of a new generation of high-tech range extender models, which will begin once the planned run of 70 V8-powered roadsters is complete towards the end of next year. Shown at Bristol’s recently refreshed Kensington showroom, the new model is the first new vehicle to emerge from the company since it was rescued from administration in 2011.
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The company says the Bullet signifies the rebirth of the brand, while paying tribute to Bristol’s rich heritage in aviation, commercial and luxury automobiles.
The new Bristol Bullet has been revealed as a Gentleman’s Carriage with supercar performance thanks to its 4.8 litre V8 from BMW. After the company went into administration in the same year, it was later reborn as a specialist restoration operation, joining forces with Frazer Nash Research, offering full rebuild on classic Bristol models.
Bosses at the company claim that the Bristol Bullet has a top speed of 155 miles per hour and has a BMW manufactured V8 Hercules engine inside. Named after Bristol’s 14-cylinder 1300bhp Hercules engine, the powerplant is apparently built by BMW and “finished” by Bristol – a fitting engine partner for a company that used BMW engines early on in its history.
“This auto has got its own 100 per cent carbon fibre body structure, the way it’s been manufactured, the shapes and forms you find in it couldn’t have been made any other way”.
Adding to the old-meets-new theme is the car’s interior, which again focuses on a chrome-rich retro look trimmed in British leather, wood and carbon-fibre. It also includes wifi and Bluetooth connections, screen mirroring and smartphone connectivity.
The auto was initially announced as “Project Pinnacle” at the Hampton Court Palace Concours.
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The Bristol Bullet will be available from the company’s sole showroom on Kensington High Street in London.
