Bentley S3 E Concept news - Heavy mettle -2008

Here's another cast-iron lump of retro cartoonish excess in the shape of Arturo Alonso's Bentley S3 E design concept.

We've got a feeling that this is going to be another one of those love-it-or-hate-it cars, but there's no denying that it radiates an intimidating elegance. Like a gazelle with a shotgun.

To create the concept, Alonso took a vintage Bentley S3's coachwork and chassis, and bunged a 4.4-litre BMW V8 up front, so there should be the sound and fury to match the looks.

Fattened-up bodywork, dropped suspension, a big exhaust and 20-inch forged alloys complete the picture - but we can't help wishing he'd gone for a nice old set of wire wheels. Not that you'd actually be able to turn the things.

Alonso plans to build three S3s over the next couple of years, with the price tag expected to be in the region of $150,000. Sadly, that doesn't include the obligatory driving attire of top hat, white gloves, skull jewellery and pimp cane. It's the only way to ride.