Motoring Weekly

Flying machine

December 10-16, 2008

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By Stan Szecowka

editor@gulfweekly.com

ACCORDING to the makers, some cars make the heart beat faster. Some make it race. Only a Bentley makes it fly.

Fortunately, when driving instructor Peter Barnes took me and photographer Ansar Al Halal for a spin around the Bahrain International Circuit the Continental Flying Spur stayed firmly gripped to the tarmac.

I'm not sure where my heart was but I was fortunate enough to be born with a cast iron constitution and no matter how fast and furious this incredible machine manoeuvred I was able to keep my breakfast down.

Peter enjoyed putting this beast to the test with emergency stops, wheel spins and breath-taking high-speed steering to avoid annoying obstacles planted along the way.

The series of performance manoeuvres were devised by driving experts to demonstrate the handling of the 2009 model of the Continental Flying Spur and its meatier young brother, the Continental Flying Spur Speed.

Instead of a collection of orange cones just imagine if there were people wandering dazed across the highway after a crash.

At speed this car will weave in and out without a shudder. Point it in the direction you want it to go and that's exactly where it will head.

For surprises on the road, said Peter knowingly, I would not want to be driving any other car.

He's obviously had a taste of some of Bahrain's barmy roadside manners.

The Bentley Driving Day event was organised by Bentley Motors and Ahmed Zayani & Sons to offer jounalists in the kingdom the opportunity to try out a selection of these prestige vehicles.

For 2009, both the Continental GT and the Continental GT Speed coupes benefit from an extensive range of new standard and optional features, including an upgraded Park Distance Control, innovative Adaptive Cruise Control, an iPod Interface, a 'Naim for Bentley' premium audio system and special 20-inch alloy sports wheels.

Both models receive new graphics for the Park Distance Control which are displayed on the Infotainment screen. Areas to the front and rear of the car are divided into nine zones and within these zones orange bars indicate the distance to obstacles. As the car moves closer to an obstacle, the corresponding bar will move closer to the car image on the screen.

Among the new options for 2009 is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which uses radar to monitor traffic and adjusts the car's throttle or brake to maintain a 'time gap' to the vehicles ahead, depending on local traffic conditions.

To enable customers to play their favourite music through the car's audio system, the new optional iPod Interface links to the Infotainment system. Supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5mm AUX jack, the system includes a 12-volt power outlet for charging purposes.

For the Continental GT, 20-inch, two-piece, seven-spoke alloy sports wheels are available with the optional Mulliner Driving Specification - clearly differentiating these models from other GTs.

The 2009 GT and GT Speed will also be available in three new standard exterior colours (Havana, White Sand and Onyx), and with two new standard interior hide colours (Imperial Blue and Linen).

Now you're sitting comfortably, the action can begin. Driving a Bentley is a dream; you can feel the power and the prestige in your bones.

Nigel Stoddard, Bentley's events co-ordinator, described the motor as a harmonious medley of a state-of-the-art family saloon boasting super car attitude.

Imagine for a moment, he said. You meet the girl of your dreams, she becomes your wife, and you have a family and live happily ever after.

Your life can continue to change in the knowledge that your Bentley will always deliver.

Nice thought, Nigel, but when I was a trainee reporter on £12 (BD6.760) a week, the best I could do was find a battered old VW Beetle with a wobbly wheel.

I did eventually move on to a very smart two-seater MGB but the passenger had to cling on to the door because it kept swinging open at roundabouts.

And, when family life took over, I moved on big time to a trashy Talbot Horizon. But I have decided that I was really born to have a Bentley ... even if it was only for a 30-minute test drive.

If you really can afford one it will only cost you around BD70,000, give or take a few thousand dinars, and it will be worth every fil.

Two truly inspirational Bentley coupes

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200 mph (322 km/h). A potent addition to the company's highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The exterior style of the Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by their wide, lower air intake and upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed's engine. Its 600 bhp (610 PS) W12 engine develops 15 per cent more torque and nine per cent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202 mph (326 km/h), a zero to 60 mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Continental GT Speed

The most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12 engine delivers 600 bhp (610 PS/449 kW) and 553 lb ft (750 Nm):

A nine per cent increase in power and 15 per cent increase in torque.

Top speed of 202 mph (326 km/h).

0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s).

0-100 mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.2s).

Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70 mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120 km/h in 3.0s).

Continental GT

Top speed 198 mph (318 km/h), with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8s).

Improved ride comfort thanks to the addition of new low-friction dampers.

In combination with the all-wheel drive system, the uprated ESP 8.1 with new 'Sport Traction' mode ensures superb traction, without being intrusive.

Continental GT - Technical specification