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| Bentley Series 51 Continental GT Speed, What I drove last night: Posted: 09 Dec 2010 07:29 AM PST  Jake Lingeman The Bentley Series 51 Continental GT Speed
A night in a Bentley is never a bad night, or at least it hasn’t been yet. The Series 51 Continental GT Speed was no exception. This version of the Continental is the British automaker’s way to order your Bentley however you want. According to Bentley, it’s called 51 because the automaker’s styling department was created in 1951. So if you want to individualize your Bentley, one of the ways to do it is to get a 51. It’s still a subtle package. The only Speed branding noticeable is on the sill plates to go along with the new 20-inch rims, a rear spoiler and a slightly lower body. In fact, some of my colleagues said the car was a bit of a sleeper--except it’s nigh on impossible for any Bentley to not attract celebrity-like attention. Countless people wanted to talk about and look at this GT. As you’d expect, the hand-done interior is top-notch. Anyway, about the driving: With the Speed, horsepower is up to 600 from 552. It will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and go 200 mph, according to Bentley. The W12 makes the same beautiful, bassy sounds as ever. The speed can sneak up on you, though. I drove this car for quite a while and couldn’t understand the fuss. But step on the gas with any kind of authority, and oh, my goodness, is this thing fast. The power is such a smooth whoosh. It’s faster than you’ll anticipate--you’ll find yourself a bit stunned at first. Yes, the car is heavy, but you don’t really notice it once you step on the gas. And the engine is so flexible. At any speed, tromp the gas and off you go, all the way to 202 mph, if you dare. I would think the all-wheel drive would make it suitable in any weather as long as you have suitable tires. It is a slightly harder ride than a regular Continental GT, but the softest suspension was too wallowy, in my opinion. The middle setting seemed the best to me. There are lots of fast cars and some will argue better- looking ones as well. But this combination of looks, speed and exclusivity? Not so much. Always a privilege. 2010 Bentley Series 51 Continental GT Speed Base Price: $213,995 As Tested: $237,175 Drivetrain: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12; AWD, six-speed automatic Output: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 553 lb-ft @ 1,700-5,600 rpm Curb Weight: 5,181 lb Fuel Economy (city/highway): 10/17 mpg |
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