The GTC is the latest of the modern Bentleys to get the Speed treatment. The first, the Continental GT, was an enormous success. It immediately made the Continental GT the car it should always have been. Taught; responsive; sharper handling; noticeably more powerful and more aggressive visually, it turned a very good car in to a great car.

But Bentley decided that the Speed option should be rolled out across the range, and last year it added the Flying Spur Speed to the range. It did make it an incredible car, but for me it was a step too far. The Flying Spur is the VW answer to the veteran Arnage (which commendably is still in production) and a fine car it is. But I never really ‘got’ the Arnage T, and nor do I ‘get’ the Flying Spur Speed.

It feels as anomalous to me to have a big Bentley saloon with a harsh ride and jittery handling as it does to take a Ferrari F430 and give it softer springs and a higher ride height and call it the F430 Wallow. We don’t need it. Who needs that sort of aggression in a big saloon car. One that is designed to waft imperiously in comfort at that?

So a 50% hit rate in my book. And that just leaves the GTC Speed.

Bentley has done much the same with the GTC Speed as it did with the GT Speed. It has lowered the ride height and stiffened up the suspension, adding bigger wheels and tyres in the process. The nose gets the same, more aggressive, treatment as the GT, and the usual proliferation of ‘Speed’ badges. It also gets the Mulliner interior package (which I really like) and a choice of some pretty good new colours. But does it work?

Sadly, we’ve not got hold of one yet. I like the GTC, but in a different way to the GT. It was a real wafter of a car. And the huge plus was the great soundtrack from the big W12. It sounds like a wonderful V8, but more so, and its something you never get to hear in the coupe under normal circumstances.

But the worry is that all the ‘Speed’ tweaks to the suspension may highlight the normal soft-top deficiencies. It would be sad if the GTC Speed turned out to be like the DB9 Volante – great looking put rotten to drive. I do hope not.

Please, Bentley. Send me one soon!

Bentley has laid off workers recently due to the worldwide drop in demand for all cars. But any business that doesn’t try to move forward is going to whither and die. So, despite the gloom, Bentley are moving forward with their ‘Power Pack’ plans. The Azure T is one, and you can expect the Continental GTC Speed to be close on its tails.

The Bentley Azure is that old-fashioned drop-top that is more associated with the ‘Old Rolls’ school. But it is has come a long way over the years, and is now a very competent, 21st century Boulevard Car. It’s not exciting to drive, but nor is it a dog. What it does, it does very well, and it looks the part. But, despite the economic problems we are all facing, there is a real demand for ultimate performance, which is why Bentley is intent on producing power versions across its range.

The Bentley Azure T offers a very useful increase in power of around 10%, in both the BHP and Torque. That translates to a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 180mph. Now that is seriously quick by any standards, but in a drop-top monster weighing the wrong side of 2 tonnes it is remarkable. It gets 20″ Alloys, big tweaks to the suspension and what would be called a Mulliner pack on other Bentleys. It is a great combination.

Will it sell? Well, not in droves at the moment. But the world will recover from its madness eventually, and even now there are enough people out there, with enough money, to see sales of this very limited Bentley being made.

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After what seems like endless teaser shots (they actually turn off the interest for me) Lamborghini has shown the new 4-door concept at Paris. Concept, you say? I thought it was a new model? Well, you’re probably right. Just like all the car makers these days, they’re scared to just announce a car. They have to float it as a concept first. I think they’ve learnt that from the major political parties on both sides of the pond, who seem equally afraid to announce policy without first ‘floating’ the idea to the media and public. But you can be pretty sure that the Estoque (which is pronounced es-toh-kay, with the emphasis on the ‘toh’) will be a production car. Why? Because, as I said last week, the 4-door coupe is the ‘in-vogue’ car, and everyone from Aston to Porsche and Mercedes to VW is in on the game. So it only makes sense that Lamborghini should join the party. And it puts one over Ferrari, which is always a plus for the boys from Sant’Agata.

So, apart from the pretty body, what has the Estoque got to offer? Well, it seems that Lamborghini aren’t too sure. The early money was on a turbo V8, but there is also talk of a V10 or even a hybrid. Again, a chunk of this has to do with how the options are received. But my money’s on a blown V8 plus some sort of hybrid. But, rather than me try and pull the salient bits from the hype bits of the press release, read it for yourself:

It is a Lamborghini like no other before it: a four-door sports car that brushwood resolutely to its creed. The Lamborghini Estoque belief has everything that defines a Lamborghini: fanatical, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian, it brings a totality new versatility to the name’s DNA – with its four seats and ample luggage space, this “everyday sports car” is a wonderful fit for an evenly versatile lifestyle.

Lamborghini Estoque is an analysis, a theory bent specifically for the 2008 Salon d’Automobiles in Paris. From the very first glance there can be no misgiving that this is a Lamborghini – a car with compelling specter, both matchless and unmistakable. The long wheelbase, the low profile, the broad trail, the mighty, accentuated wheels, the hygienic surfaces and razor-severe definition – every specific line breathes the will of the Lamborghini trademark.

A new and unique elegance

The Lamborghini Estoque is a totally new interpretation of the Sant’ Agata drawing ethic: it is a prototype that provides a filmy indication of the outlook. This applies to the new, elegant self confidence of the title themselves, but even more to the sculpt of the vehicle. The Lamborghini Estoque is the first vehicle in the memoirs of Automobili Lamborghini, though “vehicle” is more a location to the number of doors than any other characteristics. Even sports vehicle is an inadequate classification: the Lamborghini Estoque establishes a new variety of super sports sedans. With a deep front mid-engine, enduring all-veer push and a sophisticated, precision-tuned armature, the Lamborghini Estoque boasts a matchless technology wrap.

A sign of success

In Paris, the Lamborghini Estoque demonstrates the innovation, the creativity and the target style of the Lamborghini mark, presently represented by the giant star enjoyed by Lamborghini Gallardo and Murciélago super sports cars.

As a thought, the Lamborghini Estoque represents one of some possibilities for a third product sequence within the Lamborghini produce line-up. At this face in time, no decisions have been taken in obey of both a third class sequence of any kind or of the Lamborghini Estoque model in particular.

Of course, as a rightful Lamborghini, it goes lacking proverb that the Lamborghini Estoque also bears a duly eloquent name with a wealthy heritage from the Spanish Corrida – bull fighting. The Lamborghini Estoque is a blade (sword), about 90 centimetres (35.43 inches) long, worn in a bull conflict by the Matador.

The Concept

Lamborghini Estoque embodies the belief of a Lamborghini that is both the fanatical sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo. As a vehicle with four doors and four individual sports seats, it is a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles.

Relaxed Gran Turismo

The Lamborghini Estoque is the flawless travelling companion, be it en path to thing meetings, the theatre, the golf course or even a weekend away with the kids. At the end of the day, it is the only car that allows you to disclose the singular major pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one guise – maybe even with the thorough family. And there is still enough scope left over for weekend luggage or some golf bags.

Despite its awfully low profile – at a plain 1.35 meters (4.43 feet) high – the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly drudgery. The furtive mendacity in its very long wheelbase which, in nastiness of the rearwards positioning of the front mid-engine, enables a relaxed, athletic seats title. Entering and exiting is also pleasingly straightforward through the large, varied-breech doors.

Challenging: a thoroughbred sports car

At the same, the Lamborghini Estoque is a thoroughbred sports car with exceptionally refined right method, razor-abrupt precision conduct and a weighty engine tone. Challenging dynamic pleasure on a winding mountain path, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable journey along miles and miles of motorway- the Lamborghini Estoque is commanding across the intact major spectrum, at the premier intensity. The Lamborghini Estoque’s versatility makes it the precise addition to the balance of Lamborghini super sports cars.

Design

Such a Lamborghini must be immediately recognizable in its devise as a rare and unmistakable work of art. For the Lamborghini Estoque, this is openly a folder of “mission accomplished.”

The proportions of the Lamborghini Estoque are basically fascinating: no other automobile combines so convincingly the style of duration with the fair attributes of a low profile and impressive coverage. Or to put it into numbers – the thought painted in an all-new flush, is 5.15 meters (16.89 feet) long and 1.99 meters (6.53 feet) wide, with a height of only 1.35 metres (4.43 feet). The wheelbase is an imperial 3.01 meters (9.88 feet) – a likewise important phase of elegant vehicle architecture.

And it is unequivocally Italian – the downright fedora, the long wheelbase, the narrow chance openings, the downright rear that ends decisively with an unhelpful profit – it is all unmixed “Italianità” on wheels; everything bears the originate lingo of the large classic Italian four-door cars, albeit with a unique, advanced interpretation. Pure Lamborghini.

Clearly a sports car

The front end of the Lamborghini Estoque is a gain and unambiguous avowal of its sports car credentials. Its place with the family of Lamborghini super sports cars is also deceptive and unmistakable – with it’s swooping V-nature, its two large air intakes pulled frontward and the small front spoiler between. This front end devised gives the Lamborghini Estoque a stiffen, low stance, while providing brilliant aerodynamic efficiency. The large air intakes simplify the cooling air that is important for such a high-performance vehicle and the spoiler was specifically planned to enrich aerodynamic consider at high speeds.

Such distinctive sports car architecture is only probable by positioning the front mid-engine well towards the rear. Despite the very low boater, it goes lacking adage that the Lamborghini Estoque fulfils all wellbeing regulations and pedestrian protection values.

Taut muscles

The boater of the Lamborghini Estoque makes the origins of the sheer ability of this vehicle immediately apparent. The setting of the engine is clearly evident through the evident sector formed by two large air outlets and the additional stress of a pivotal vigor part. Farther air outlets are positioned both left and right in the wings, behind each of the front sweep arches.

Together, with the branch of the fedora, these rudiments add mass to the region above the wheels, framing the front end of the Lamborghini Estoque like a nervous muscle. The stable all-turn steer that is normal for all Lamborghinis means that the 22 creep wheels, with their new five double-spine pattern, also do their part in delivering faculty to the road. Here too, the Centro Stile has mystified safely to the Lamborghini tenet that form forever follows operate; after all, the ample cooling air flowing into the high-performance driveline also has to move briefly out of the vehicle.

Tremendous tension along the flanks

Its proportions assurance the Lamborghini Estoque an impressive appearance. The skilled sectioning along the flanks of the vehicle gives the body case an incredibly strong form. Beneath the lifeless surfaces of the panama, the incredibly emotive shoulder line, an extend trait line rising vaguely towards the rear and, finally, the uniformly manifest ridge line all add weight to the surge of license from the engine to the magnificent 23 creep rear wheels. The denial finished the masculine profile restore of the rear end. This adds auxiliary tension to the form of the Lamborghini Estoque – the totality car looks twisting and orderly to swoop at the reduction of a hat. These spiky mold form fascinating interplay of surfaces across rounded and dished curvatures. The Lamborghini Estoque clearly displays the conceive writing of the Centro Stile Lamborghini with a distinctive chic.

Powerful style at the rear

The emanate of form is brought to its conclusion by the broad, even field of the rear end. The horizontal part created by the emphatic LED light clusters and the large, enmesh-covered decrease air outlets bring additional emphasis to this extent. A narrow, faintly skewed “edge” panel surrounds the entire rear outlook and more highlights its distinct chic.

Precise facts, such as the hexagonal fuel caps on both sides of the vehicle, characterize the wisdom of the blueprint prose. The front headlamps, featuring bi-Xenon and LED technology, stock familiar a theme evident in both the Lamborghini Reventón and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 – the Y-shape of the daytime operation light. The tiny green/fair/red standard adorning the front wings discretely highlights that an automotive testimony as uncompromising as this one can come from only one country on Earth – from Italy.

The interior

Despite its really low profile, the Lamborghini Estoque offers a surprisingly generous opinion of spaciousness. The strip of the interior simplifies the relaxed spaces position for all four individual seats and theater a significant role in the supreme comfort of the super sports sedan over long distances. The interior reflects rudiments of the outdoor proposal talking, also evident in the lodge of the Lamborghini Estoque – in the distinctive shape of the door panels or in the swooping V-shape applied to the ring, reflecting the form worn on the front end and on the bonnet.

Luxurious interior

The dominant relevant of the interior is highest-quality Nappa leather. The four individual seats possess fair contours, supreme long-distance comfort and huge electrical positioning options.

Cockpit with large-screen display

The arena presents the driver with a large-area LCD monitor displaying vehicle and path information. A span of presentation formats are offered for medley depending on delicate preference – a distinctive classical arrange with circular instrument dials, or an innovative digital pageant. A top-period audio installation and a sophisticated rear seat entertainment scheme about off the utensils.

Like the interior, the luggage compartment of the Lamborghini Estoque is also surprisingly spacious. Despite the low-profile rear end, it has loads room for some golf bags or pieces of luggage.

Production feasibility

As a natural notion car, the Lamborghini Estoque is a construct essay and an extend indication of the innovative license of the Lamborghini stamp. Yet, it is based on a realistic nominal theory that offers an entire vary of fascinating alternatives for the body bombard and driveline.

Just like the strain’s super sports cars, the Lamborghini Estoque uses a mid-engine draft. However, the high-performance driveline used here is not located in front of the rear hinge, as in the Gallardo and Murciélago or in the Reventón, but behind the front hinge. This front mid-engine concept, with the driveline set way back, simplifies balanced weight distribution and a centre of gravity close to the vehicle’s vertical axis. Both ensure the unparalleled quickness and managing precision of a mid-engine vehicle.

Reserves in every situation

Like all contemporary Lamborghini models, the Lamborghini Estoque is also equipped with enduring all-swing ambition. It distributes the engine faculty to all four wheels, hence making for greater toehold in all lashing situations, as well as, providing added assets for extremely sporty lashing and for challenging endure conditions.

A span of drivelines is conceivable for the Lamborghini Estoque. This is ascended by the highly-acclaimed Lamborghini ten cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4 – with more torque and senior revving than virtually any other engine. A complementary alternative could be a turbocharged eight-cylinder resulting from this V10. A particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, reworking would be a V8 with a cross module or an extremely high-performance TDI.

The Centro Stile Lamborghini

With the Estoque, the Centro Stile Lamborghini has created farther resistant of its creativity and attention to fact. The model centre that opened in 2004 is a studio of creatives, designers and model makers that combines the nation and the spirit of the stamp with the command of innovation and of creating a new aesthetic. The Centro Stile Lamborghini is part of the best tradition of Italian vehicle pattern, and is primary the way advance with the newest in effective techniques.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 sq. Meter (31,215 sq. Feet) feature, where it occupies two interconnected floors. The generously proportioned mean studio is equipped with two packed-dimension appear tables and their associated tooling and measuring utensils, while farther areas house the newest in mainframe workstations for the creative experts and a workshop for the model makers. The Centro Stile is also attached promptly to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico – the direct link to Lamborghini’s development department ensures the hasty realization of dreams. Speed is a key aspect for Lamborghini, for both its cars and its effective processes; the Reventón was created in the video time of less than one year.

In-house creativity and implementation

From the first sketches made either on paper or using the three-dimensional mainframe train, through 1:10 or 1:4 scale models to sate-extent models, the complete object procedure is organized within small, tight-moving teams.

Since it was founded, the Lamborghini type has been bringing innovative motif trends to the profound atmosphere of the world’s most desired automobiles, and producing vehicles with absolutely unmistakable quality. Models such as the Miura and the Countach were way upfront of their time, but quickly attained the rank of undying classics. From their first appearance, every new Lamborghini is destined to become a legend and sought-after collectors’ piece.

With the stream Murciélago and Gallardo, Lamborghini has once again perfected an innovative goal speech. The exterior proportions afford an indication of the force and dynamic appeal of the driveline. Crisply-defined edges, precision position and scrub surfaces significance in an originate that is cheap to its very essence.

Every quantity is designed quite in accordance with its behave. Examples of this on the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 contain the mutable cooling air intakes and the asymmetric sills; on the left elevation of the vehicle, the air intake is significantly superior to accommodate the pour of crisp air to the oil cooler.

Clear lines, perfect details

The unmistakable form of a Lamborghini is something that always speaks for itself: ornamentation or decoration of any kind has absolutely no place here. The securely chairs the stream models that stand the precursor of the bull within the best traditions of their brand and of 60s and 70s Italian vehicle outline. The sports cars of that time were acclaimed for their hone proportions and for their objective, functional elegance that necessary no embellishment of any kind.

The stickler execution of the defenses is complimented wholly by the passion for conscript possessed by the designers in Sant’ Agata Bolognese. The rear vista of the Murciélago LP 640 is distinctive not only for its impressive brawn, but also for the well interplay of the rudiments in the sophisticated rear light cluster.

The sensuality of precision and performance

A Lamborghini is a high performance athlete. Its high extent of sensuality is based on precision, performance and spontaneous action. This typed of elegance is the elegance of unsullied, unadulterated nation. This Lamborghini DNA is carried redirect into upcoming goods at the Centro Stile, which is destined to remain to set filmy point trends – the Lamborghini Estoque is the accurate example.

The purpose centre on the spot of the historical birthplace of all Lamborghinis guarantees the super sports cars with the bull brand will remain undivided, corporeal and challenging – and always unmistakably Italian.

So, we wait and see. But one thing is pretty much for sure. The Estoque will be for sale – sooner rather than later.

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Unlike its coupe brother, that I found very slightly disappointing when I first drove it, the Flying Spur was as close to the perfect Bentley as I could imagine. It had oodles of power, and not bad handling, but it cosseted driver and passenger alike in a cocoon of sybaritic luxury – nothing this side of a Phantom came close. And that was its strength; it knew what it should do, and it did it perfectly. But now there’s a speed version. Hmm.

I shouldn’t be surprised that there is now a Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed for sale. Every manufacturer looks for niche markets to fill, and I’m sure there is a market for a sporting Albert Hall. But in the same way that I always preferred the Arnage R to the Arnage T, I don’t really ‘get’ the Speed. I admire it hugely, and it is fun to drive, but around town, and on anything other than perfect roads, it’s just too stiff. Paradoxically, I absolutely adore its coupe brother, the Continental GT Speed, as that is exactly the car the original GT should have been from the start. It’s what you want in a GT coupe; oodles of power, terrific handling and exceptional feedback from the road. But I don’t really want that in a big saloon car.

The new Speed gets the same power upgrade as the GT Speed, and similar tweaks to body styling and suspension. It looks great, and it’s a great place to sit. And, on the odd occasion where you want to see what the Albert Hall feels like in a power slide, it is enormous fun. But for my money I’d have the original Flying Spur. It has 99% of the real world power of the Speed, but it’s a much nicer place to be; much more cosseting and relaxing. And, as a two year old buy, it beats the best that the S class can offer in to a cocked-hat!

So, will the Speed be a sales success? It’s hard to say. Unlike the GT Speed, where I firmly believe that every prospective buyer should choose it over the standard car, I truly believe that anyone wanting a big, impressive, luxury limousine should go for the standard car. They will sell, just like the Arnage T did, but not in the way I’m sure Bentley hope.

Great Car. But a step too far for me.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

I was chatting today, as I do, to a very nice guy at a Bentley main dealers. And he was bemoaning the fact that the GT Speed isn’t massively in demand. True, there is still a waiting list, but he concludes that people just aren’t aware enough of just what a stunning car the GT Speed is. And you know, I think he’s right.

On paper, the GT Speed just doesn’t look special enough. Less than half a second to 60 quicker than its sibling, the standard Continental GT. Just a handful of miles an hour quicker. It doesn’t seem much for the extra money. But honestly, the figures belie the car’s performance and feel.

The GT Speed is, without doubt, the most astonishing car you will ever own or drive. A real heavyweight (literally) it picks up its skirts and flies, and handles, like a real thoroughbred supercar. And don’t forget, it’s damn nearly as quick as an F430. And it’s all leather, 4 seats, quiet and comfortable. There is nothing to compare. Its handling and feel are in a different league to the standard GT.

Just look at what some of the motoring press have to say:

The result is a compelling and utterly addictive car. The GT Speed’s mighty W12 emits a fabulously purposeful yet understated rumble when roused, and throws you down the road in epic fashion.

Evo Online

overall it feels more involving than ever. Although the uprated and lowered suspension has undoubtedly made the ride firmer, softer anti-roll bars mean the Bentley never feels uncomfortable.

Times Online

And they’re all in this vein. And I agree completely. Forget the Arnage (glorious though it is), and forget any other comparable car (there isn’t really one anyway!). This is unbeatable.

Do yourself a huge favour, Get in a Bentley Continental GT Speed. You know you deserve it!

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Zagato’s styling tends not to be massively radical. In many ways it’ a case of less is more. You still know what the car is, but it looks different; exclusive; special. And Zagato have certainly achieved that with the Bentley GTZ.

Based on the pick of the bunch Bentley, the Continental GT Speed, Zagato have taking a very desirable car and made it unique. The front bumper disappears, replaced by a big air intake, with added vents in the bonnet. The back gets a similar treatment, and the roof gets a ‘double-bubble’. New alloys add to the visuals, as do the restyled arches. And it’s all topped off with a two-tone paint job.

The already excellent interior (styled by British firm Adaptive Space) is left pretty much as before, but a few additional options are available. Mechanically it’s all standard – but the standard on the GT Speed is exceptional by any standards.

If you love the GT Speed (which I do) and you have deep pockets (which I don’t!) the Zagato is for you. They are being made in tiny numbers (only 9 – all LHD), and will be available through Bentley dealers. Or you could save the wait, and give us a call. We have one available in July.

In the seventies and early eighties snooker was at its peak. Prime time coverage on TV and big prize money made for a nation obsessed. From the ‘old-timers’ like Ray Reardon and the relative newcomers like Cliff Thorburn (and his fellow Canadian Bill Werbeniuk, who managed to convince the game’s authorities that he needed 20 pints of lager per game for medical reasons!) and the completely unpredictable Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins, the sport managed to become interesting. Even Steve ‘interesting’ Davies, who wasn’t the most flamboyant player in the world, became big news because of his uncanny ability to pot everything in site in a plodding, pedantic style. And they all got rich in a sport that didn’t even raise a sweat.

But snooker got boring. The characters disappeared and it was just another late-night slot on TV. But one man stood out. A sometimes tormented soul, with a complicated private life, whose natural ability in the game made it a must-watch again. That man is Ronnie O’Sullivan. And yesterday saw him achieve a maximum break on TV in the most flawless fashion. And what does Ronnie intend doing with his prize for the maximum break? He’s going to look for a Bentley Continental GT Convertible for sale (or more correctly a Bentley Continental GTC for sale) and spend the summer with the top down, cruising.

I was always a tad disappointed with the Continental GT. It lacked edge, but wasn’t really a cruiser in the Bentley mode. Then along came the GT Speed and put that right. But what of the GTC? Well, unlike its hard-top brother I always felt it worked really well. A convertible doesn’t need an edge. Sure, there are convertibles with a real edge; proper drivers machines. The F430 and Gallardo spring to mind. But the GTC is about the waft. And the power. And the interior. And the noise. And especially the noise. In the hard-top you just don’t hear it. But in the GTC there is definitely a glorious, Thor-like soundtrack. And I love it. The interior is beautifully appointed and the seats extremely easy on the body. And it goes. I mean, it really does go. And it seems to go even more with the top down! It still feels nose-heavy in the bends if you push hard, but the GTC isn’t going to be used like that. But put your foot down on a nice long straight and you experience what feels like an endless wave of power. Overtaking, at even the slightest opportunity, is simplicity itself. You just seem to be transported from where you were to where you want to be in an instant. It is very intoxicating.

So enjoy your Bentley and your Summer, Ronnie. You deserve it (if you can find time between the runs). And if you want a good deal on the car, give us a call!

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Now that the Bentley Brooklands is for sale, at around £225,000, it seems a good idea to have a quick look at what’s on offer, even though the first years production is sold out (but if you want one now, it’s not a problem!). If you’ve been here before you’ll know that I have a big soft spot for these old-school Bentleys. And this one is a peach.

Based on the Arnage, the Brooklands is in many ways a successor to the old Continental R (a name Bentley couldn’t of course use for this car as it would be confused with the ‘VW’ Bentleys). A glorious, powerful and luxurious coupe, harking back to the Bentley glory days of the 1920s. There is nothing else like it on the market anymore. I suppose the biggest competition comes from Ferrari with the Scaglietti or in-house with the Continental GT. But this is much bigger; much more a traditional car.

The V8 lump in the Brooklands has a huge 530bhp (the most ever from this engine) and a planet turning 750lb ft of torque. That’s enough to propel this huge car to 60mph in a smidge under 5 seconds, and on to 185mph. But the mid-range performance is the most impressive. With all that torque you’re looking at around 1.5 seconds for the 30-50 range. That will make it hugely impressive on the road.

Rolls Royce already has something similar up its sleeve at the moment, and don’t think Maybach won’t jump on this big, luxury coupe niche as well. It’s been pretty empty for a while, but that’s all going to change. Should be interesting.

A quick recap on what I said back in September:

The Speed badge has always denoted the fastest Bentley (well, since it was first used in the early 1920s), but it’s not been used for a while. But now it has, and the Speed can wear it with pride. On the face of it the performance figures on the new Speed seem only slightly up on its sibling (202mph and 0-62mph in 4.3seconds), but it feels so different. It’s crisp; it’s sharp; it’s wonderful! That nose-heavy feeling when you turn in has all but gone. The exhaust has learnt how to sing. The engine feels alive, and it all works so well together.

Prices for the Speed start at around £137,00 (before you start adding extras like ceramic brakes at £10,000!), so it’s a fair bit more expensive than the standard GT. But it is a very much better car, and I have no doubt it will end up being a bigger seller than the standard GT. And so it should. Now I’m looking forward to a full road test in the very near future, instead of just a drive.

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly, and I can’t think of anything that would make me more jolly than one of these in my Christmas stocking. Are you listening, Carla?!

Just four short years ago Bentley were struggling to churn out 1000 cars a year; just 3 a day. But then along came VW and, contrary to what everyone expected, completely revitalised the brand and turned it into a must-have car for the rich and discerning. And now they’re selling 10,000 cars a year.

The Bentley brand now has a selection of the most desirable cars in the world. The Bentley Continental GT was the first, and many thought it would be just a Phaeton in drag. But it wasn’t. It encompassed most of the desirable traits of the marque whilst at the same time addressing all the quality issues that had plagued it in the past. Yes, it had its faults (but they were few and far between – mainly it’s slightly dead feel and heavy front end), but VW even addressed that by launching the Bentley Continental GT Speed this year (which is a simply incredible car). They’ve even thrown in an option for the poseurs out there – the Bentley Continental GTC.

And still the Bentley Arnage soldiers on. But actually it’s not just soldiering on. it’s going from strength to strength, with a new model in the planning. And most remarkably of all VW is so committed to the ancient (but wonderful) 6.75 litre engine that they are planning not just to make it comply with upcoming emission limits, but making sure it complies with those for 2013! Now there’s commitment for you. And in the face of competition from their own grand-cruiser, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, they’ve found room for them both. Wonderful.
According to Bentley Sales & Marketing Director Stuart McCullough, speaking this week at the Tokyo Motor Show, Bentley are now considering a three shift system to keep up with demand. They’ve sold 1,000 Bentleys in the Asia Pacific region alone in the last year, and 400 in China. That’s twice what they expected, and they’re not even coming close to fulfilling demand.

It’s great to see a British brand (even though it’s owned by the Germans) succeed by producing world-class products once again. Just the same with Rolls Royce. Maybe the Brits and the Germans do work well together after all. We owe the Germans a lot for reviving these two archetypal British marques and restoring them back to the world-beaters they once were. And I never thought I’d find myself saying that!