BENTLEY has returned to its heartland with its limited-edition Brooklands, which is destined to become a collectors' classic.

Just 550 examples of the hand-assembled coupe are to be made with customer deliveries due to begin in 2008 - the first year's production is already sold out.

Power comes from a 530bhp twin-turbocharged six-and-three-quarter litre engine, the most powerful V8 that Crewe has ever produced.

For Brooklands, Bentley's engineers have introduced a new free-flowing air induction system and a sports exhaust, together with a recalibration of the valve timing and engine management system.

The V8 engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with locking torque converter that provides an instantaneous response.

A semi-automatic function allows manual gear selection for even greater driver control and faster acceleration in every gear.

As a result the four-seater can reach 60mph in five seconds and has a top speed of 184mph.

The Brooklands copes with the power of its V8 engine thanks to a uniquely engineered chassis, developed from the Bentley Arnage, and a stiff body structure.

Strengthened steel in the A-pillars, door sills, rear-three-quarter sections and cant-rails provide torsional stiffness.

The independent, front and rear double-wishbone suspension employs coil springs, computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride height control with auto load compensation.

As an option, Brooklands may be specified with new carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake discs - the largest diameter of any production passenger car on sale today.

The Brooklands' bloodline is a rich history of elegant, potent, two-door luxury coupes and this comes through in the low roofline with dramatically raked front and rear screens, pillar-less, elongated glass area and prominent haunches.

The roof is 13mm (0.5in) lower than the Azure and a full 47mm (1.9in) lower than a four-door Arnage.

The exclusive character of Brooklands is further distinguished by "Le Mans" front wing vents, a jewelled fuel filler cap, brushed aluminium Bentley Brooklands treadplates and a dark-tinted steel Bentley matrix grille with optional Flying B retractable radiator mascot.

Its sporting intentions are reflected by larger-diameter exhaust tailpipe finishers with rifled detailing to the inside surface while it rests on 20-inch alloy wheels - a first for the Arnage family of cars.

Customers will be able to specify their car in an extensive choice of "standard fit" colours which includes 42 exterior paints, 25 hides and three veneers.

The hand-crafted, luxury cabin features a cabin headlining made entirely from leather while the individual, electronically reclining rear seats are set 100mm (four inches) further back than on Azure.

Wood veneers (including new dark stained Vavona) are premium quality and unbleached Three new hide colours (anthracite grey, Newmarket tan and cashew) are introduced.

Brooklands' sporting atmosphere is emphasised by the new "sandwich" piping which sits flush with, rather than proud of, the stitching. In addition, a range of optional aluminium and carbon-fibre veneer inserts complement the aluminium foot pedals and footrest.