A second handset developed by luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu for luxury carmaker Bentley has been unveiled.

Part of a five-year partnership between the two British firms, the new Vertu Signature for Bentley was revealed at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed which was held from June 25 to 28 in Goodwood, UK.

Priced at a mere $22,000, according to various reports, the new smartphone will also be on display at other seasonal events this summer, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, US, in August. 

It will be officially launched on September 18.

Since its first appearance in 2002, Vertu says its voice-centric Signature mobile has become a luxury icon in its own right, “coveted by discerning buyers seeking slim-line elegance, beautiful construction and peerless call quality”. 

Meticulously handcrafted from the finest materials, and with its simple choice of ‘call’ or ‘text’, Signature maintains a huge appeal alongside Vertu’s contemporary smartphones.

The new Signature for Bentley elevates its status as a rare and collectable tem, with a combination of new materials and unique finishes, says Vertu. 

Signature for Bentley is inspired by the Bentley Mulsanne Speed, the car maker’s pinnacle model, characterised by its outstanding performance, and peerless luxury and style.

Various tangible design cues drawn from the car include the carbon fibre pillow on the Signature which shares a similar carbon weave design pattern to that on the Mulsanne Speed; the polished stainless steel sides which offer a tactile knurled finish reminiscent of Bentley control knobs. 

In addition the Beluga Black calf leather which encases the handset is sourced from the same tannery used by the world-leading automotive company, as is the phone case which is also embellished with a Bentley Flying B Titanium.

The Flying B logo is inscribed on the front of the phone, adorning the sapphire face piece below the key pad. It is also a key characteristic of the software power-up graphics and, along with a selection of Bentley images, features in the phone’s wallpapers.

Using the Vertu Made to Order online configurator, customers can match their phone and case to their Bentley car leather and stitching or create something of their own design from 2,300 combinations.

Owners can choose from the eight Bentley leather and stitching colours; Hotspur, Beluga, Linen, Newmarket tan, Burnt Oak, Fireglow, Imperial Blue or Saddle. A contrasting stitch colour can be selected from eight other options; Citric, Kingfisher, Light Blue, Magenta, Orange, Pillar Box Red, Yellow, White. 

Ten Vertu alligator colours - Raven Black, Dove White, Cocoa, Storm, Red Cherry, Navy Blue, Plum, Tangerine, Hunter Green or Fuchsia Rose  - provide further options. Black metal or sapphire keys can be complemented by a select key, chosen from one of six gemstones; White Diamond, Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Orange Sapphire, Ruby or Tsavorite. A personal engraving on the back plate provides the finishing touch.

Focused on voice calls and high-quality sound reproduction, Signature uses refined technology to deliver simply superb acoustics. Whether you’re making or receiving calls, Signature offers crystal-clear voice clarity, while side-mounted speakers, enhanced with stereo widening software, ensure impressively rich and accurate sound.

The new phone is composed of the strongest materials, handcrafted to withstand the toughest possible conditions. As with every Vertu, Signature is protected by a screen of virtually scratch-proof sapphire.


SERVICES

Signature for Bentley ownership includes a year’s complimentary access to Vertu Concierge offered by a dedicated Lifestyle manager, providing expert assistance designed to meet a user’s every need, 24 hours a day. 

Vertu Concierge is accessed via the dedicated Vertu Key – a ruby button on the side of the handset and is accessible via voice or email from anywhere in the world. 

Vertu Signature for Bentley is now available for pre-order.

Bentley Motors is one of the most sought after luxury car brands in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. 

The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best

The Vertu range of mobile phones is made up of three models – Signature, Signature Touch and Aster.  Vertu mobile phones are handmade in England using the world’s finest materials, with each one assembled by a single craftsman.

The phones are available from around 500 stores, including 70 Vertu boutiques, in 66 countries.