Hasn't every true car geek toyed with the idea of buying a genuine Roller? You'd be able to contemplate the insect-like scurrying of the proles from the leather-and-hardwood comfort of your own living room on wheels, chuckling indulgently at the lesser beings in their above-their-station Benzes and nouveau-riche Acuras. It's a fine dream, all right, but even a project Rolls-Royce costs at least 15 grand. Right? Welcome to the recession, folks- you can now buy this 1982 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur for only $6,950 (and maybe a lot less, as the seller has unwisely disclosed "I am in the car about $5000 and want to make a profit," which isn't the best bargaining position during tough economic times). Just look at this beauty- why, there's no evidence of fire or high-speed collision, and we're sure you'll have no problem fixing the rust. Even the hood ornament is still there! The interior might be something of a challenge, since the seller says it's "blue leather and not in good shape" (in car-seller-ese, that translates to "a pack of coyotes was storing roadkill raccoon carcasses inside, until chased off by all the yellowjacket nests in the A/C vents") and the condition of the wood doesn't sound much better. As for mechanicals, the car had been sitting for "over four years" (probable translation: 15 years), but the seller "put a new battery in it, fresh gas and it started right up." What could go wrong? This car sold for $116,000 new!

What are you, some crass insta-tycoon who struck it rich selling travel stomach pumps that plug into a car's lighter outlet? The forgotten third cousin of a Qatari oilman? You wouldn't be caught dead in a Rolls-Royce from the Malaise Era! No, what you need is a genuine postwar Bentley, from a beat-to-hell Britain that was still digging itself out from the wreckage of the Blitz. They still had wartime-style food rationing in the UK in 1950, so you have to figure an ostentatious luxury car back then made a statement about your rightful place in the social order. Why, you could toss a few shillings out the window as you pass the wretches gnawing their stale breadcrusts at the roadside and bask in the warm glow of your munificence! Thing is, fast-forward to 2008 and- while it's no sweat finding wretches to receive your shillings- it's tough to find a postwar Bentley that's still a project; all you get is those damn concours machines, and where's the hell fun there? Fortunately, Jalopnik is on the case, and we've found this 1950 Bentley Mark VI for you. The seller says it's an "SS1," whatever that is, but there's no arguing with that crazy price: 8,500 bucks! Much like the Silver Spur, it's been sitting for years, yet- miracle of miracles!- started right up. You'll have that big F-head six purring in no time! Then you'll be able to start on the body, which we admit needs some TLC. It appears that the interior isn't so bad, though the blurry photographs make it tough to be sure (where do car sellers get these terrible cameras?), and you should be able to find any missing component on eBay.uk for next to nothing. We're making this too easy!

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I've seen this car at the track for the last couple of years. It's a replica, built by Bob Petersen. Polished aluminum, with a 6.5 liter Rolls straight 8, it sounds just as good as it looks...

Thanks, VintageRacer! More of these great photos to come!

Continental Flying Spur and Continental Flying Spur Speed

INTRODUCTION

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur is set to deliver even greater levels of refinement, comfort and opportunities for customer personalisation. The class-leading 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp (610PS) Continental Flying Spur Speed. The most powerful 4-door car ever produced by the British manufacturer, the Flying Spur Speed offers the pure driving experience and uncompromising performance synonymous with all Bentleys bearing the Speed legend.

The Continental Flying Spur has been an extraordinary success story for Bentley since its launch in 2005. Its unrivalled combination of exciting performance, luxury, craftsmanship, style and four-door practicality has broadened the appeal of the Continental range. The Flying Spur has become the most successful 12-cylinder luxury saloon in the world and has played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of Bentley.

The instantly recognisable style of the Flying Spur undergoes a subtle evolution with changes to the front and rear design. The new, more upright grille and bolder lower air intake accentuate the distinctive Bentley profile, while the new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.

A comprehensive range of noise-absorbent measures including acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheelarch liners ensure that cabin refinement, already a hallmark of the Continental Flying Spur, is best in class.

The new Flying Spur may now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.

As a further option, the new Naim for Bentley audio system provides the world's best in-car sound stage. Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, the system features an 1100 Watt amplifier, the most powerful unit offered in a production car, and 15 custom-built Naim speakers, including dual Naim sub-woofers. The next-generation Digital Signal Processor further enhances the listening experience.

The aluminium-intensive suspension of the Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort and refinement.

Bentley's commitment to the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer personalisation is highlighted with an enhanced choice of beautifully crafted wood marquetry and chrome inlays. In addition, seat piping, a traditional Bentley feature, is introduced on Flying Spur together with two new hide colours. Three new colours and four duo-tone paint combinations are added to the exterior paint palette.

The 600bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed unleashes the same potent performance and intense levels of driver engagement as its highly acclaimed stablemate, the Continental GT Speed.

Inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed' models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures including a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.

A lowered ride height, uprated and redesigned suspension as well as retuned steering deliver outstanding agility and body control. Exceptional grip comes from the unique 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tyres.

The Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues which emphasise its performance credentials, including dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the new range:

"The global success of the Continental Flying Spur has created a new generation of Bentley owners. Responding to their feedback, we have refined an already remarkable car and with the debut of the Flying Spur Speed we are extending its appeal."

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR RANGE - NEWS IN BRIEF

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

Styling evolution

- New front end design with:
o More upright front grille with bright chrome matrix
o Larger, lower air intakes
o Chromed headlamp bezels
o Optional bright chrome matrix lower grille

- New, more slender rear bumper design with:
o Wraparound brightware and black valance.
o Bright tail lamp bezels.

Best-in-class cabin refinement

o Acoustic glass to side and rear windows
o New acoustic tri-laminate undertray and wheelarch liners
o Retuned exhaust system

Enhanced driving dynamics

- The aluminium-intensive suspension features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre, for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort, response and refinement.
- New design 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.
- Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel.
- New 'Sport Traction' mode from ESP 8.1 system offers superb traction without being intrusive.

- Optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes provide improved brake feel (only available on 20-inch wheels).
o Discs last lifetime of car and pad life doubled (in normal driving conditions).
- New, follow-to-stop precision radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control with five time-gap settings.
- Power output of the twin turbo 6.0 litre W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS/412kW).
- Top speed of 195mph (312km/h) and 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2).

Enhanced cabin comfort and customer convenience

- New optional exclusive Naim for Bentley audio system with 1100 Watt amplifier provides the world's best in-car sound stage.
- New optional glovebox-located iPod, MP3 & USB interface connects personal music to the in-car infotainment system.
- Multi-layer seat construction for enhanced comfort.
- New optional full width rear seat with electrically adjustable outboard positions and fixed central seat.
- Park distance control system with new graphics on infotainment screen
- Aluminium foot pedals incorporating the "B" Bentley logo.

Improved personalisation and bespoke choice

- Enhanced choice of handcrafted interior and exterior finishes include:
o Contemporary style marquetry with crossbanding to door waistrails (Walnut & Chestnut veneers only).
o Traditional style marquetry with crossbanding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper centre console (Walnut & Chestnut veneers only).
o New chrome inlay strip to door waistrails.
o New two tone interior hide colour options providing greater opportunities for personalisation.
o Two new interior hide colours, Linen and Imperial Blue.
o Seat piping now available in 16 colours to allow customer to match secondary hide or single tone interior.
o Three new standard exterior paint colours (Havana, White Sand and Onyx) along with four unique duo-tone paint combinations (Havana, Dark Sapphire, Onyx and Midnight Emerald) for the first time on the Continental family

THE NEW CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED

The new Flying Spur Speed shares the enhancements of the Continental Flying Spur model above with the following additions taken from the acclaimed GT Speed:

- A more powerful 600bhp (610PS/449kW) version of Bentley's highly acclaimed W12 with 553 lbft (750 Nm) of torque.
o A 9% increase in power and 15% increase in torque.
o Maximum torque constant from 1750 rev/min.

- More engaging Bentley driving experience through uprated chassis:
o 10mm lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
o Exceptional roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
o Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
o 'Dynamic' mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
- 0-60mph in 4.5 secs (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and a top speed of 200mph (322km/h).

- Unique Speed model styling cues:
o Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
o Bright chrome grilles available as a no cost option.
o Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
o 'Speed' treadplates to all four doors.
o 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel.
o Optional bright or dark tint aluminium fascia panel.
o Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever.
o Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and door panels.

THE NEW 2009 CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

With typical Bentley understatement the styling of the new Continental Flying Spur is both evolutionary and subtly effective. At the front, the new bright chrome radiator grille, now more vertical, has a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the distinctive Bentley profile.

Beneath the grille, the new lower bumper features a wider, bolder central air intake. The black matrix grille also provides a 14 percent increase in airflow for the more powerful Speed version and the charge cooler intakes are positioned on the corners.

The lower grilles may also be specified in bright chrome to complement that of the main radiator. Chromed bezels around the headlamps complement the new frontal design.

At the rear, the new bumper with black lower valance and wraparound chrome trims make for a more slender appearance that is complemented by new chromed tail lamp bezels. Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel explains the styling evolution:

"The Flying Spur is instantly recognisable on the road and we were keen to retain its individuality. The subtle styling changes have given the car a fresh look at the front and sleeker, more balanced appearance at the rear."

Enhanced cabin refinement

Since its launch in 2005, the Continental Flying Spur model has achieved a well-deserved reputation for outstanding cabin refinement. For the new model range, the Bentley engineering team were tasked to build on this success and create a unique cabin ambience with best in class refinement and comfort.

Key to that improvement is a comprehensive package of enhancements to the Flying Spur's already impressive acoustic suppression technology. The complex double-glazed windows, a standard feature since launch, now feature a sophisticated acoustic laminate inner layer for all side and rear windows. In addition, new tri-laminate acoustic underbody trays and wheel arch liners absorb road noise.

A redesigned exhaust system provides greater refinement while maintaining the sporty, baritone character of the exhaust note. Overall, these changes deliver a substantial improvement in cabin refinement.

Bentley's Head of Body and Trim Engineering, Peter Guest, explains the effect of this acoustic management:

"We are immensely proud that the cabin refinement of the new Flying Spur is best-in-class. While achieving superb levels of noise insulation, the sporting character and sense of connection with the road is undiminished."

Enhanced driving dynamics and ride comfort

At the heart of the Continental Flying Spur is Bentley's 6-litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine, the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production. The 48-valve head employs four camshafts and continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via an uprated ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The W12 engine continues to produce 552bhp (560PS/412kW) at 6100 rev/min and a maximum torque of 650Nm (479lb ft) from 1600 rev/min across virtually the entire rev range.

In common with all Continental models, the Flying Spur employs a complex four-link suspension at the front and a trapezoidal multi-link system at the rear.

Much of the suspension is made from lightweight aluminium, benefiting steering feel and rolling comfort. Self-levelling air springs are standard, constantly monitoring and adjusting the ride height and damping according to road conditions.

Outstanding levels of ride quality and comfort were the target for the new Continental Flying Spur and to achieve this, Bentley engineers have recalibrated both spring and damper settings and introduced a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero UHP tyre.

Using the same technology as the 20-inch performance tyre introduced on the 2008 Continental GT Speed, the 19-inch version is specially developed to optimise ride comfort and noise suppression, while providing outstanding grip and agility.

The hydraulics of the speed-sensitive Servotronic rack and pinion steering system have been retuned to reduce friction and improve steering feel and driver feedback.

The uprated advanced electronic stability control (ESP) 8.1 system has a new 'Sport Traction' mode that moderates ESP intervention at low speeds whilst providing a greater degree of driver interaction and control, offering superb traction without being intrusive.

Both Flying Spur models can now be specified with Bentley Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

As with conventional cruise control, ACC will maintain, within close limits, a 'set speed' as selected by the driver. In addition, ACC uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts braking and acceleration to maintain a 'time gap', as selected by the driver.

The 'time gap' also controls the vehicle dynamic response. The larger the time gap the more relaxed the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to tune the ACC system to suit their own driving style and traffic conditions.

All Flying Spur models are equipped with the largest brakes of any production passenger car on sale today, with 405mm x 36mm ventilated front discs and 335mm x 22mm rears.

Bentley's carbon/silicon carbide brakes (CCB) are offered for the first time as an option on Continental Flying Spur. With even larger 20mm x 40mm cross-drilled front discs and 356 x 28mm rears, with eight-piston callipers, they may only be specified with 20-inch alloy wheels.

The lightweight, fade-resistant braking system minimises disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal driving conditions the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and brake pad life is doubled compared with the standard system. A 20kg reduction in rotating and unsprung mass also benefits steering response and handling.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments:

"True to the Bentley tradition, the Flying Spur delivers effortless power while significant advancements in ride quality and comfort further emphasise its deserved reputation for world-class luxury. The new Speed model exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver truly exceptional performance and driving enjoyment."

Enhanced cabin comfort and customer convenience

The 2009 the Continental Flying Spur is the first model to feature the new Naim for Bentley audio system to create the world's best in-car sound stage.

Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, it features an 1100 Watt amplifier - the world's most powerful production unit fitted in a car - and 15 speakers. The speaker drive units are specifically tailored by Naim to the cabin of each model in the Bentley range to provide a unique and personalized audio experience.

Bentley is also the first car manufacturer to use a next-generation Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in its audio system, enhancing the listening experience still further.

All cars are now fitted as standard with a handset allowing rear passengers to control the main infotainment system.

A new optional iPod, MP3 and USB interface is located in the glovebox, enabling customers to connect personal music to the in-car infotainment system. When an iPod is connected, the tracks are displayed on the infotainment screen.

This perfectly complements the optional rear seat entertainment package that comprises two headrest-mounted 7-inch LCD screens, a 6-DVD multi-changer and two sets of headphones. An enhanced remote control unit now incorporates the rear seat entertainment systems.

A further driver convenience feature is introduced for the park/distance control. The new graphics readout on the console-mounted infotainment screen complements the audible signal.

All new Flying Spur models also benefit from significant developments to the cabin interior. The seating of all new models is extensively redesigned, with a multi-layer seat construction the comfort of which is optimised using different materials.

Employing the latest body profiling databases, the seats are constructed to offer the optimum shape for front and rear seat occupants. In addition, the rear seat cushions are lengthened by 40mm for additional comfort and support.

For the first time on Flying Spur, customers specifying a five-seat configuration may now opt for a rear-seat configuration with fully adjustable outboard positions and a fixed central seat. The outer seats have full lumbar adjustment together with heating and massage functions and a facility to adjust the position of an unoccupied front passenger seat for even greater legroom. Seat ventilation is available as an optional extra.

Improved personalisation and bespoke choice

Already renowned for its unrivalled standard of interior craftsmanship, the cabin of the Continental Flying Spur is now even more luxurious, offering unparalleled opportunities for personalisation in this segment of the market. This follows an extensive development programme that marries the latest production technology with the skills of Bentley's craftsmen and women at its factory in Crewe, England.

Continental Flying Spur customers may now choose from an array of beautifully crafted inlays. These include chrome inlays to door waistrails and a choice of intricate marquetry wood inlays in contemporary and traditional designs, creating a unique and personalised appearance.

The contemporary style inlays comprise crossbanding to the door waistrails while the traditional style inlays feature crossbanding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper centre console. Both are available for Walnut and Chestnut veneers.

To further enhance the interior specification, seat piping is now available as a cost option and can be ordered in a contrast or non-contrast condition from the full colour palette of interior hides.

In addition, a new approach to the interior hide colour combinations provides customers with greater opportunities for personalisation. The door waistrails and lower door panels may now be matched to secondary hide while the centre door pads and armrests remain matched to the main hide colour creating a new two-tone effect.

Additions to the 2009 Flying Spur palette include two new hide colours (Linen and Imperial Blue) as well as three new standard exterior paint colours (Havana, White Sand and Onyx). Four unique duo-tone paint combinations (Havana, Dark Sapphire, Onyx and Midnight Emerald) are available for the first time on the Continental family.

THE NEW CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED

Following the highly successful introduction of the Continental GT Speed coupe in 2007, Bentley - almost half of new Continental GTs now sold are Speed versions - Bentley now offers the 600bhp (610PS) W12 powertrain in the new Continental Flying Spur Speed to deliver a more powerful and engaging Bentley driving experience.

The Speed engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, 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 200mph (322km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability.

The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model.

New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels available in both bright silver or darkened tungsten carry bespoke Pirelli PZero performance tyres introduced on the GT Speed model, which provide the car with superb grip and feedback.

The Speed's sporting performance is complemented by a highly capable chassis. Tauter handling and greater steering response with sharper turn-in and improved driver feedback is achieved through a retuned Servotronic steering system, direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings.

Improved agility and body control is also achieved through uprated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car's high-speed dynamics, the Flying Spur Speed's self-levelling air suspension sits 10mm lower.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models, provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.

The Flying Spur Speed offers a new 'Dynamic Mode' that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.

Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering, comments:

"The new Flying Spur advances its Bentley performance credentials while delivering outstanding refinement and comfort through our unique application of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship.

With 600 bhp and a sports-tuned chassis, the Flying Spur Speed redefines customer expectations of a large, four-door luxury saloon. The performance, handling and agility set new benchmarks."

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
MODEL TYPE Four-door

ENGINE
Type 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
Installation Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
Construction Alloy heads and block
Bore/stroke 84 x 90.2mm
Capacity 5998cc
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valve gear Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
Power Flying Spur: 552bhp/560PS/412kW @ 6100rev/min
Flying Spur Speed: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
Torque Flying Spur: 479lb ft/650Nm @1600rev/min
Flying Spur Speed: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
Fuel 98 (95) RON

TRANSMISSION
Type Continuous all-wheel drive
Gearbox ZF 6-speed automatic
Ratios 1st: 4.17
2nd: 2.34
3rd: 1.52
4th: 1.14
5th: 0.87
6th: 0.69
Final drive: 3.526
PERFORMANCE
Top speed Flying Spur: 195mph (312km/h)
Flying Spur Speed: 200mph (322km/h)

0-60mph (0-100km/h) Flying Spur: 4.9 seconds (5.2 seconds)
Flying Spur Speed: 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)

0-100mph (0-160km/h)
Flying Spur: 11.3 seconds (11.3 seconds)
Flying Spur Speed: 10.5 seconds (10.4 seconds)

50-70mph (80-120km/h) Flying Spur: 2.6 seconds (3.3 seconds)
Flying Spur Speed: 2.4 seconds (3.1 seconds)

SUSPENSION
Front Complex multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar

STEERING
Type Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
Turns lock to lock 2.7
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.8m (38.7 ft)

BRAKES
Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm carbon/ silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm carbon/ silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
Anti lock Standard with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

BODY & CHASSIS
Construction Steel monocoque
Length 5290m m (208.26in)
Width (inc. mirrors) 2118mm (83.39in)
Weight 2475 kg (5456lb)
Height Flying Spur: 1475mm (58.1in)
Flying Spur Speed: 1465mm (57.7in)
Wheelbase 3065mm (120.67in)
Front track 1623mm (63.9in)
Rear track 1607mm (63.27in)
Wheels Flying Spur: 9.0J 19-inch Alloy (optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy)
Flying Spur Speed: 9.5J 20-inch Alloy

Tyres (bespoke) Flying Spur:
275/40x19 bespoke Pirelli P Zero (optional 275/35x20)
Flying Spur Speed:275/35x20 Pirelli P-Zero
Tyre pressure monitoring standard

Luggage volume 475 litres (16.7 cu.ft./ 0.47m3)
Fuel tank capacity 90 litres (19.8 gallons/23.8 US gallons)

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Front legroom 1054mm (41.5in)
Rear legroom 980mm (38.58in)

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
Fuel consumption Urban: 11.2mpg (25.3 litres/100km)
Extra Urban: 24.3mpg (11.6 litres/100km)
Combined: 17.0mpg (16.6 litres/100km)
Carbon dioxide emissions 396g/km
Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV II
EPA Drive Cycle City Driving: 10.0mpg (US)
Highway Driving: 17.0mpg (US)

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR STANDARD FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDE:

EXTERIOR FEATURES
Bright chromed grille
Black lower grille
Twin Bi-Xenon headlamps with chrome surrounds
Twin oval stainless steel tail pipes
Keyless entry and ignition
Power latching to all doors
Rain sensing wipers
Electronic tyre monitoring system
Choice of 16 standard exterior colours

INTERIOR FEATURES
Burr walnut to fascia, front & rear console and door waistrails
Choice of 17 standard interior hide colours
Single tone, 4-spoke hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
Hide and chrome trimmed gear lever with
manual shift change facility
Four-zone electronic climate control
Electronically adjustable front seats with memory and heat settings
Integrated Bluetooth phone system with remote SIM access profile (rSAP)
Telephone voice dialing
Infotainment system with DVD Satellite Navigation and hi-fi system with remote control and 6 CD changer
Breitling clock
Steering column-mounted gear shift paddles
Engine stop/start button
Electronic cruise control
Footpedal with Bentley 'B' emblem

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDE:

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dark chromed radiator and lower grille
Sports tuned exhaust with twin rifled oval stainless steel
Sports tail pipes
Lowered sports suspension (10mm front & rear)
Painted black finish to engine cover
20 x 9,5J wheels with bespoke performance tyres

INTERIOR FEATURES Unique treadplates bearing 'Speed' name
Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and doors
Embroidered Bentley emblem to head rests
Indented hide headlining
Single-tone, 3-spoke hide-trimmed multi-function
Sports design steering wheel with silver switch surround
Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals

A SELECTION OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY:
· Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System
· iPod/ MP3/USB interface
· Traditional style cross banding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper
centre console (Walnut and Chestnut veneers only)
· Contemporary style cross banding to door waistrails (Walnut and Chestnut
veneers only)
· Chrome inlays to waistrails
· Choice of upgraded veneers
· Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium
· Fascia panels, header and centre console in bright or dark tint aluminium*
· Rear seat configuration with fully adjustable outboard positions and a fixed
central seat.
· Seat piping to front and rear seats in 17 colours
· 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
· Exterior paint match service to customer specification
· Exterior paint colour from Arnage range

*Available on Continental Flying Spur Speed only

THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION
( OPTIONAL ON CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR ONLY)
INCLUDES:
• Choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and door panels
• Embroidered Bentley emblem to headrests
• Indented hide headlining
• 20'' 7-spoke 2-piece alloy sports wheels

[Source: Bentley]

Here's a perfect example of the type of asks the Sultan would make to automakers. The V8 Vantage of the '90s was an awesome piece of brutish British muscle. In our mind, the only way to make it more badass was to add more doors, and it would appear the Sultan was of the same mindset as the Brunei royals ordered Aston Martin to convert some Virages to Lagonda-badged sedans and wagons. Some were even converted to Vantage technical specification.

Done in-house by Aston Martin Works, the Aston Martin Special Series 1 was styled to look like the classic DB4 Zagato. But while the old DB4 had to make do with an inline-six, the Series 1 rode on a V8 Vantage platform complete with twin-supercharged V8 power. Because when you've got the money to make it happen, you make it happen.

Where the Series 1 was pure retro, the Series 2 was the culmination of contemporary. Striking a nice balance between elegant and aggressive, the Special Series 2 was also believed to be based on the V8 Vantage. Sounds like a nice way to counter-balance the design of the Series 1. Or at least the Sultan seemed to think so.

The AM3 was the most non-traditional design of all the custom Astons. Perhaps this was because it was bodied by Pininfarina in Italy. The lights were given a smoked treatment to blend in with the black plastic front fascia. And like all great contemporary designs, it still looks modern today.

Although the AM4 was much more conservative than the AM3, it too was designed by the denizens of the clay workshops of Pininfarina. Also on the V8 Vantage chassis, we think it looks something like a big DB7.

Before the Porsche Cayenne or Cadillac Escalade, if you wanted an SUV with a stuck-up sense of over-built purpose, there was only the Range Rover. Unless you were the Sultan, in which case you'd commission Bentley to construct a batch of SUVs with a unique Bentley chassis and Range Rover 4WD systems. At least they didn't ride on 24" spinners.

Originally the Java was a concept to show what a Bentley based on a BMW 5-series might look like. Apparently the Brunei royals liked it enough they had Bentley build a convertible version of the show car. The gleefully exorbitant brand-bastard madness didn't stop with the drop-top, as it appears he had some wagons built as well. Though from what we understand they didn't actually use a BMW for these functioning examples of concept gone crazy.

We told you this guy loved wagons — and an extended-end Bentley is certainly an expensive way to show that love. While we're not too keen on the I'm-Lovin'-It McDonald's themed interior on the jaundice-colored Bentley, we adore the styling on the silver one. What's better, if you believe the badges, these were equipped with four-wheel-drive. Think of it as a Volvo wagon — except symbolizing the opposite of every ideal of the Swedish brand.

Back when all Bentleys were styled starting with Lego models, the Rapier was designed to be a modern and forward-thinking interpretation of the brand. The flowing lines are still more sleek that the current lineup from Crewe. Although now, the front view might cause people to initially confuse it for a Jaguar XF.

The BMW 850CSi was the best you could get from Bavaria, but that wasn't good enough for the Sultan. This version of the big coupe is tuned by Alpina and called the B12. In addition to those fancy stripes and vents, the car had a V12 pumping out about 350 HP.

Yes, that's right, with a 16-cylinder engine made from two V8s stuck together, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T was one of the most ambitious hypercar projects ever attempted. The engine was mounted in a Fiero-like sideways fashion, instead of the longitudinal way you'd expect in a Lamborghini. Even the headlights were over-the-top, it had two flip-up lamps on each side.

Known as the Dauer 962 Le Mans, it's an extremely limited edition street-version of Porsche's dominant 962 race car. It's also said up to five of these once lived in the Brunei royal garage, but we're told this yellow example was apparently the favorite. At one time, they were arguably the fastest road cars in the world. That is, if you actually consider them "road cars."

The Ferrari 456 is arguably the most elegant car to come from Maranello in recent years. That being said — why stop with mere elegance when you're a Sultan. No, a Sultan demands indulgence. Which we're assuming is why he built himself a four-door sedan and wagon version of the Italian stallion. With a wave of his hand, he commissioned design-shop Pininfarina to build some super-sized versions. We're even told the Sultan reportedly had them set up shop on the royal grounds, just for this sort of special project. Must have been why they tossed in that sexy drop-top 456 Spider at no extra cost.

The Ferrari F40 only came in red, right? Not if you're the Sultan. It's ironic to see the most exciting car of its day in the most drab color imaginable, but we think it's awesome.

Obviously, this wasn't the only McLaren in the garage, but where else are you gonna find one in yellow? And we all know what yellow is good for. We can see it now — the Sultan cruising — one chick magnetically sealed to each side due to the raw yellow magnetism of the McLaren. Yeah, or else he had so many credit cards in his pockets, the stripes on the back actually became magnetized. Whatever the reason, we're assuming the man doesn't need a yellow McLaren. But we're also assuming that wasn't his reasoning behind the color either.

Essentially a re-bodied SL, the Argento Vivo design was originally a Honda concept car by the same name. But what sets a Honda concept apart from a Mercedes is all about what's under the hood. In this case, an AMG 7.3-liter V12, the same engine used in the Pagani Zonda.

Yet another awesome wagon, the special S-class Touring model was designed just for the Sultan. Of course, it never hurts to have some extra power to drag around all that extra cargo room, so AMG installed another one of their 7.3-liter V12s under that pretty hood.

No, that's not just a sheet-metal restoration. It's been restored by HWA, the people that made the CLK-GTR, and was given modern underpinnings from a (then) new S-class. Style of the old, power of the new. We like that combination.

The Sultan didn't just use HWA for the 600 above. Like many tuning houses, the Sultan of cars had them take a swing at a few four-wheeled wonders. Like the Mercedes above. Sure, it looks just like a normal 300 SL, but it's got a modern drivetrain. That gives it plenty of "go" to match the gullwing "show."

Ok, so this wasn't actually called "The Panty Dropper" or "The Shaggin Wagon" but it might as well have been. Why else would you have a yellow Mercedes Sprinter with a red interior? We're wondering if those seats fold down conversion van-style. What happens in Brunei, stays in Brunei, right?

What could be better than the Rambo-Lambo? How about a wagon version? Just looking at this thing pumps enough testosterone into our system to make us want to go on a Lion-hunting expedition. In the middle of a war zone.

Think Jaguar's XJ220 is just too ugly? Of course not. So why would you have one re-styled by Pininfarina? Because you can, and because the end result looks absolutely fantastic.

Nowadays, it's common to see stretched Escalades and Navaigators, but this Range Rover was stretched long before big SUVs were played out. We wonder how it'd do off-road? Our bet is we'd find out right about the first time we tried to scale a rock taller than a foot.

Styled by Bertone, this one-off Roller dubbed the Majestic is distinct enough to be noticed by those in the know, but subtle enough to be overlooked by most everyone else. Much less vulgar than say, a current Phantom.

What collection would be complete without a basic stretched Rolls-Royce? We're sure the Sultan had plenty of limos like these, but something about this Roller just gives it the quintessential "rich guy" flavor.

Photo Credit: Supercars.net
[Information gathered from a variety of sources including but not limited to: AstonMartins.com, bentleyspotting.com, benzworld.org, classicdriver.com]

Some of the highlights:

Life Is Better With Wheels: "It is...clear that mobility is becoming a fundamental component in perceptions of today's quality of life."

Bentleys Are Irrational: "As a luxury performance brand, the reasons for purchasing a Bentley are based on a more emotional than rational need for transportation."

Emergency!: "As this document makes clear, the world is facing a potential crisis over climate change and access to energy."

Upshot is that Bentley is putting its money, it heaping piles of money, behind FlexFuel. But not really first generation biofuels, which because they are derived from crops that people need for food has caused, as the report points out, riots. They are basically endorsing second-generation biofuels, made from heaps of decomposing filth waste products. Later, the situation will get completely kick-ass, when we brew up all our biofuels from farmed ocean algae, and also drive FlexFuel Bentleys in a future in which their is no sickness or war and we all live to be 317.

But you know what? We approve of this high-ground-taking on Bentley's part. Leadership! Even if they persistently remind us that emissions generated by Bentleys amount to the equivalent of "two cans of Cola in an Olympic sized swimming pool"—in other words, not very dang much, when compared to other carmakers. Of course, that's a bit of a bogus claim when you consider that Bentley might not even exist were it not for the global auto industry.

Oh, yes, the same damn thing happened at the Rolls-Royce press conference at the Detroit Auto Show. A highly competent looking man of British descent stood up and said things, not new things, but things that were full of confidence and self-assurance. With BBC-caliber diction. Nice.

Bentley has three vehicles here in the City That Never Sleeps but would probably be perfectly happy to sleep in a Bentley, if the opportunity arose. We saw the GT Speed, the friskily monikered Continental Flying Spur, which ought to fly with a V12 under its aubergine hood, and the Bentley Broadlands cou-pay, in opalescent pearl. Yes, they are all gloriously beautiful and sumptuously appointed.

However, according the company, beauty plus brawn does not necessarily satisfy all the needs of the finicky Bentley customer. No, the members of that elevated tax bracket (or lack thereof, Monaco Bentley owners!) want an alternative-fuel strategy from the brand. And the brand does not intend to disappoint.

"The consequences of climate change cannot be ignored," intoned Stuart McCullough, Bentley board member and master of sales and marketing.

I'll break it down for you and see if it makes sense. Seventeen lousy pages—how long can it take?

Ever since I caught that '69 MGC-GT on the street in Alameda, I've been toying with the idea of buying a one-way ticket to Crazy Town by getting my very own MGC project. As a former MGB owner, I should know better, but there's just something so perfect about a sporty little British Leyland-built machine with a primitive six-banger installed by Ozzy Osbourne and his BL coworkers using sledgehammers, gin, and anger as their primary tools. Fortunately for me, the C is hard to find... but if you really look, you can get one. Say, this 1969 MGC (go here if the ad disappears), which is currently full of Colorado snow and available for a mere six grand. The car appears to have been exposed to the elements for many years, and you figure most buyers might want to know about the rust situation... but the seller knows that it's a waste of time to describe a car you want to sell; what buyers really want is a block of copy/pasted stats about the car when it was new. But we do get the very valuable info that "all the parts are there but the flywheel," a statement that tends to inspire more questions than it answers. But it's a genuine MGC, folks!

British sports cars are great fun, of course, and owning one will build up that all-important knuckle scar tissue that tells the world you're not afraid of a little Hell (which reminds me: I ran across a Whitworth socket in a seldom-opened drawer in my toolbox the other day, and I dropped it like a red-hot coal once I realized what it was). But what if you need to show your homies that you roll with class these days, in stark contrast to their Chevy Berettas with 24s, yet you still want to go British? That's when you need to go with a Bentley! And not some boring old Malaise Bentley, oh no- you need a Bentley that reeks of cocaine and junk bonds! Say, this '88 Bentley Mulsanne S (go here if the ad disapppears), available for less than the average value of the pharmaceuticals stored in its glovebox during a typical 1988 business day. The Mulsanne S packs the 411-cube Rolls-Royce V8 under the bonnet and a sporty suspension suitable for high-speed evasion of ex-business partners packing Glocks under their tuxedos. This example needs some work, we'll admit, but the asking price is only $3,000! Just head on down to your local Pick Your Part and grab a Mulsanne grille and... hmmm... well, OK, you might have to spend a few bucks on parts here and there. Does it run? Is the interior nice? These questions and more remain unanswered, but: $3,000 Bentley!

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[The San Diego Collection]

Normally you need to spend, like, a cubic yard of Benjamins if you want a reasonably complete Bentley S3; after all, the 1963 model sold for $16,355- $111,671 in 2007 dollars- and collectors swarm like sharks maddened by the scent of blood when a nice one goes on the market. That's why you might wonder what's wrong with this '63 Bentley S3, which has been bid up to a mere $5,600 at the time of this writing. Well, nothing much- just the matter of a little Katrina damage, that's all. Surely you've got the skills to get this slightly damp British dream machine shipshape again, right? There's rust, there's rot, there's a bunch of engine parts sitting on one pallet and who-knows-what-all parts sitting on another pallet. But... how hard can it be? You could probably fit a GMC Twin Six in that vast engine compartment, and a quick trip to Tijuana would do wonders for the interior. Tub the rear and put some Mickey Thompson steamroller rubber underneath, and you'd have just the ride for unwinding after a hard day of throwing your Lotus through the twisties.

We're going to push the admission price up a bit- well, quite a bit- for our second choice today, but you'll understand when you see it. Yes, it's a 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 cabriolet, currently bid up to $31,100. Now, as you look at that battered hulk squatting forlornly in the snow, try to imagine what it will look like fully restored. As the seller puts it (twice): "THIS IS A VERY RARE CAR AND COULD BE RESTORED TO A VERY NICE CLASSIC." It might cost a few bucks to find the bits and pieces you'll need... bits and pieces such as, oh, every single interior component. There's rust, though apparently not as much as you'd expect from a car that's been sitting in the woods of Ohio for decades. The engine and transmission are still there, but the seller admits "I AM SURE THE CAR WOULD NEED SOME MECHANICAL WORK." Yes, we're sure of that, too.

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Oh, and they eventually get past all the rich people bait and onto driving the cars. They found the Bentley very similar to the Phaeton, its platform twin, in terms of driving characteristics. The article is hilarious and worth reading until the end for a little payoff. [Dubspeed Driven]

Made up of 26 bagpipers and drummers, the band hasn't had a hit since 1972 when their cover of "Amazing Grace" rocked the glen. But now that the queen's on board we're sure that's to change. A source close to the queen said "The queen loves to relax to the band's music, especially when she is being driven to her royal engagements." God Save the Queen! [M&C]

Some may regard these marginal increases in performance metrics not worth the GT Speed's price premium ($199,990, $24,000 over the GT), but these people have tiny yachts you can't even land a helicopter on.

What about the Rolls-Royce/Bentley V8 as a workhorse engine of the day? It's hardly a plebian motor, but considering it can be made to pass 2009 emissions regs still pump out more power than most vehicles on the road, all while celebrating its 50th birthday, I think it's pulled its fair share of the weight...

Well put comrade, well put. The Jalopnik Politburo might have some use for you yet. As for the mighty Boxer-like 6.75-liter V8 (think Animal Farm, not Porsche/Subaru), with its "adequate" power in either normally aspirated or turbocharged form and ultra smooth operation, we award it the "50th Anniversary of Victory Medal in the Great Patriotic [Horsepower] War." Dasvedanya.

Autocar goes on to report that Bentley could use an adapted version of the hybrid system Audi debuted at the Frankfurt show in September. By incorporating the electric motor into the gearbox, that system could eliminate any potential packaging issues.

According to Autocar, the hybrid power train could form a part of the Arnage's replacement, due in 2010. That vehicle will share a significant number of parts with its Audi stable mates, including their Quattro four-wheel drive system. The first evidence of this new eco-friendly approach is due to appear at the 2008 Geneva motor show.

Paefgan is quick to assuage any doubts that this could mean a dilution Bentley's traditional values, telling Autocar ""This will be a totally independent car. It will not be like the Continental, a derivative of a VW Group product, although it will use components from the group."

All that leads us quite nicely to Bentley. Like most prewar manufacturers, Bentley Motors was founded by a car enthusiast. Walter Owen Bentley (usually just called W.O.) and his brother H.M. began selling French cars in 1912. However, Owen couldn't stand their mediocre performance so he tuned the crankshaft and threw in aluminum pistons. During the war to end all wars, he worked for the Royal Air Force improving the design of the engine used in the Sopwith Camel and Snipe aircraft. For his good work, he was awarded 8,000 pounds sterling by the Commission for Awards to Inventors. It was a fine time to start a car company of his own.

To us, the most remarkable and noteworthy point about Bentley is that W.O. founded the company in 1920 and won Le Mans in 1924. That is, especially considering Carroll Shelby's grizzled words, "Le Mans isn't a race - it's an endurance test." Bentley went on to win Le Mans from 1927 to 1930, a remarkable achievement, largely accomplished because his cars were just so damn stout. Competitor Ettore Bugatti referred to the rival British machines as, "the world's fastest lorries," usually from the pits where his own gorgeous yet Faberge-egg-fragile machines were smoking and wheezing. The Bentleys weren't just fast and reliable, they were also innovative. W.O.'s 1924 Le Mans winner, the Bentley 3-Liter, was the first car to feature four valves per cylinder and dual spark plugs. But even with fantastic racing success, performance that was well ahead of the competition and a well-earned reputation for reliability, W.O. was having a hell of a time making ends meet. Enter the Bentley Boys.

Rapscallions? Absolutely. Ne'er-do-wells? That would be a firm and solid no. The Bentley Boys were a group of wealthy pistonheads and racers who became involved with Bentley when the marque's financial fortunes turned south in 1925. They comprised an aviator, a steeplechaser, a Sir, a doctor and even (gasp) an automotive journalist (the most righteous and revered Sydney Charles Houghton "Sammy" Davis). But chief among all the other boys was Joel Woolf "Babe" Barnato. At age two Barnato inherited millions and millions of pounds from his African diamond mining father, Barney Barnato. (When I was two I came down with an ear infection.) Impressed by W.O. and his cars, Babe Barnato became the majority shareholder of Bentley in 1925.

The Blower Bentley

Once established, Barnato along with fellow Boy Henry Birkin, convinced/forced W.O. to develop the infamous Blower model, even though Bentley knew it would be troublesome and perform poorly in endurance races. Still, Babe was the (new) boss. The Blower had an insane thirst. The normally aspirated Bentley 4½ L in racing 130 hp trim returned 15 mpg. With the Blower, Babe and the gang got their 180 hp, but just 2.5 mpg! Worse than that, it broke down constantly. Birkin however, was able to set a Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record of 138 mph in a Blower, which stood until the still-maniacal 24-L Napier Railton went 168 mph two years later. W.O. knew that the key to more power and success at Le Mans lay in a bigger engine.

In 1926 Bentley introduced the 6½ L. It was essentially the 4½ L with two extra cylinders. The OHC straight-six had four valves per cylinder and produced about 200 hp. That was more than the Blower. Better yet, the 6½ L came with the usual bulletproof Bentley reliability, a key ingredient for racing success. Ride and handling were also improved and for the first time since its founding, rival and eventual owner Rolls Royce was nervous. Still, while a fantastic car, the 6½ L was burdened with heavy, formal coachwork. It may have had the power and reliability, but it couldn't run at Le Mans.

A Speed Six In Action

In 1928 Bentley released his masterpiece, the Speed Six. Think of it as a 6½ L with twin carburetors, lighter body work and a shortened chassis. Power was up, weight was down and performance was the stuff of both history books and legend. Barnato and Birkin won Le Mans in 1929. In fact, the Speed Sixes finished first, second, third and fourth. Then, in 1930, Barnato and fellow Bentley Boy Glen Kidston did it again, in the same car. The boys nicknamed it "Old No. 1." As Babe Barnato only entered Le Mans three times (he won the 1928 race with Bernard Rubin in a Bentley 4½ L), this gives him a perfect record and one that will probably stand for all time.

Obviously, back-to-back Le Mans victories alone would qualify the Speed Six for our Fantasy Garage. Being utterly gorgeous doesn't hurt its case, either. However, there is one more piece of information that should make the Speed Six a shoe-in: the race against Le Train Bleu. While no doubt tanked one night at the Hotel Carlton in Cannes, Barnato accepted a 200 pound wager that he could drive his Speed Six to London before the Blue Train could reach Calais. So, with his amateur golfing pal Dale Bourne as second driver, Captain Barnato set off from the South of France against the French train the very next evening.

Long story short, Baranto, Bourne and the Speed Six were having drinks at the Conservative Club in London by the time the Le Train Bleu reached Calais. They in fact beat the locomotive by four minutes. (What, you thought Clarkson just thought that stuff up on his own?) For many years it was believed the car Barnato and Bourne used to beat the train was the deeply sexy Gurney-Nutting coupe, which is still known as "The Blue Train Special." Only problem is, the race took place in March 1930 and the Gurney-Nutting wasn't delivered to Barnato until May 21. Turns out that Barnato was piloting one of his three Le Mans spec Speed Sixes, not the coupe immortalized in Terrance Cuneo's painting. Oops. We do know that once delivered, Barnato had the Gurney-Nutting fitted with a bar in the back seat. We'd like a splash of champagne, please. Happy voting.

[Funny tidbit: Bentley didn't bother entering any 6½ L cars in the 1926, 1927 or 1928 Le Mans races because the cars were simply too powerful, fast and heavy for tire technology of the time.]

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The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, So Far:
RUF RT12 | 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Honda 1300 Coupe 9 | 1931 Daimler Double Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe | Ferrari 288 GTO | Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 | 1970 Buick GSX 455 | First Generation BMW M Coupe | Bugatti Veyron 16.4 | Ford GT | Citroen SM | Porsche 928 | Jensen FF | DeTomaso Vallelunga | Audi Quattro S1 | Buick GNX | Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R | Honorary Fantasy Garager: The LS1 Powered Rotus | Lamborghini LM002 | Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe | Ferrari 250 GTO

Press Release:

New 600bhp Continental GT Speed extends the worldwide appeal of Bentley's iconic GT coupe 1 August, 2007

- The most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph.

- Inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed' models of the1920s.

- A harder-edged, more sporting Bentley driving experience.

- Builds on the success of Bentley's iconic Continental GT coupe.

Introduction

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/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 new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent 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 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed's high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary 'Speed' models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley's engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company's founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre 'Speed Model', complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consump