A combination of jet...
A combination of jet lag, tradition and technology means that I’m writing this column at an absurdly unsociable hour from my temporary office-cum-studio on one of the best-known driving streets in the most notorious car city on the planet. I’m jet lagged because I’ve just travelled from China, which is eight hours ahead of the UK, to Los Angeles which is eight hours behind. So it’s little wonder that my body clock is more troubled than a Ford corporate accountant and I’m wide awake at 3.30am, penning these words on the eve of the LA Auto Show.
The four-door Grand...
The four-door Grand Tourer blends Bentley tradition and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. It is inspired by the Continental Flying Spur of the Fifties, and - just like the 2003 Continental GT - makes the most of the firm"s heritage. We exclusively revealed both machines in issue 695, back in early 2002. Based on the same chassis as its two-door stablemate, the Flying Spur offers a 6.0-litre turbocharged W12 engine, four-wheel drive and air-suspension.
Work began on the Dirk van Braeckel-styled car in 1999, alongside the development of the Continental GT. As a result, the Flying Spur shares part of its design with the GT, with the lights, bonnet line and exhausts familiar to both. Although the styling process of both cars was started at the same time, the projects were split in 2001, allowing the saloon to develop a unique character.
"We were conscious that the Flying Spur had to make a sporting statement - after all, it is a Bentley," said van Braeckel. However, that doesn"t mean the manufacturer abandoned its aim of building understated luxury cars. While the exterior is subtle, the cabin takes a no-holds-barred approach to luxury.
Four and five-seat cabins are to be offered. Customers can then choose a two-tone leather trim combination from 17 colours. The chairs are sumptuous, with plenty of head and legroom available, while the trademark "bullseye" air vents and brushed alloy detailing also feature. A six-speed auto box promises a smooth shift which makes the most of the W12"s huge torque reserves. In fact, with the maximum amount available from 1,600rpm, the transmission has been tuned to prevent kick-down under acceleration, giving a more refined feel. Even so, 0-60mph should still take less than five seconds.
Prices have yet to be finalised. However, Bentley says it expects to pitch the car at a similar level to the Continental GT, which costs í‚á£112,750. The real appeal, though, will be the fact that the model aims to offer much more prestige and luxury than rivals. These include the flagship BMW 760Li and the Mercedes S65, both created from wide ranges centred around lesser six-cylinder diesel and V8 variants.
Bentley says that final testing of the model will begin this week, which means undisguised cars will shortly hit the road in the hands of engineers. If you are lucky, you might just spot one. We promise you that it is quite a sight!