Bentley Continental
Even great cars such as the Bentley Continental GT need the occasional facelift to stay ahead of the competition - so as part of a raft of improvements developed for 2005, the Crewe firm has a new package of options from coachbuilding specialist Mulliner.
The mark of a decent grand tourer is its ability to cover ground quickly and quietly - something the Continental GT has already proved it can do. However, this package of improvements further adds to its appeal, offering customers greater choice and improved steering, too. One of the most desirable cars in its class just got better.
Even great cars such as the Bentley Continental GT need the occasional facelift to stay ahead of the competition - so as part of a raft of improvements developed for 2005, the Crewe firm has a new package of options from coachbuilding specialist Mulliner.
Designed to give the car a sporting edge, the £6,100 optional Mulliner Driving Specification is part of a range of subtle changes that give customers greater choice in specifying their car.
Inspired by the level of options offered by Bentley's Arnage T, the update marks Mulliner's first involvement with the Continental GT, and includes 20-inch wheels, drilled alloy pedals and a new gearlever.
There are quilted leather seats, plus piano black veneer on the dash, extra aluminium detailing and an indented leather headlining. External changes are minimal, but Bentley does promise a deeper exhaust note and an improved driving experience, thanks to the low-profile tyres and new wheels.
With a £112,750 price tag, it is fair to expect the Continental's road manners to be virtually flawless, but the ride can feel a little harsh around town, despite the versatility of the adjustable air-suspension.
We were more impressed by the car's throttle response. Despite the massive performance of the tubocharged 6.0-litre engine, the car is easy to drive at low speeds. It responds smoothly to throttle inputs, and in fully automatic mode slips seamlessly between gears.
On the open road, it is possible to use the wheel-mounted paddles to swap between the six ratios. With the throttle pedal buried into the deep
carpet, the car's rate of acceleration is phenomenal, and the chassis loses none of its composure at speed.
The accurate steering means the GT is extremely easy to place on the road, and through fast, sweeping corners feels very stable. Predictably, the car's cockpit is extremely quiet, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum. The brakes are very powerful, and haul the heavy car up with a minimum of fuss. Its ABS and electronic brake force distribution system seem unflappable, even in the most demanding situations.
According to Bentley, the package of improvements has added new customers to an already bulging order book. We can see how the upgrades increase the car's desirability, but cannot help feel the changes could have gone further.
Judged as a grand tourer, few cars can match the Bentley's appeal. Not only is it extremely powerful, but its effortlessness is virtually unrivalled.
