Bentley runs a variety of events every year for intrepid Bentley drivers, enthusiasts and anyone looking for a closer acquaintance with the Bentley brand. Oommen John P checks out the new Bentley range.
Driving a Bentley is always special. The annual ‘Bentley Elite Drive’ organised by Bentley Oman for enthusiasts, presented yet another opportunity to check out the new range of Bentley cars (Continental GT V8 S, Continental GT V8 S Convertible, Continental GT speed, Flying Spur V8, Mulsanne Speed).
The ‘Bentley Elite Drive’ began from Shangri La’s Al Husn Hotel and proceeded to The Cave restaurant at Darsait heights, for a scrumptious lunch. Following this, the convoy of exclusive Bentley cars drove through picturesque winding roads to Jebel Sifah and old Muscat. Hosted in characteristic Bentley luxury, the ‘Bentley Elite Drive’ ended at Shangri La.
Continental GT V8 S
The UMS team comprising Ghalib Al Fori and me got to road test the Continental GT V8 S all the way from Shangri-La to The Cave Restaurant. From the glorious roar as it explodes into life to the rich purr emitted at rest by its charismatic 4.0 litre V8 engine, the Bentley Continental GT V8 S represents an experience all of its own.
This powerful new member of the Continental range takes Bentley’s advanced V8 platform and pushes it even further. The result: marked improvements in performance alongside a sleeker, more sporting appearance.
The Continental GT V8 S has Beluga lower body styling and new-design 20″ wheels, which create a clear statement of intent. A recalibrated engine, revised stability control and an uprated chassis complete the picture, delivering the kind of thrilling drive you expect from a sports car with Bentley’s racing DNA.
With enough space inside to comfortably seat four adults and a boot that can accommodate all your luggage, the Continental GT V8 S remains the definitive British grand tourer. But it’s the fearsome combination of limitless power and exhilarating handling of this luxury coupé that gives it the edge.
The new Mulsanne speed
On the road, the new Mulsanne Speed combines an imposing appearance with the substance to support its style, its name resoundingly proclaiming a new pinnacle. This is the most dynamic, most exquisite expression of the powerful luxury for which Bentley stands.
The Mulsanne Speed benefits from a revised 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has been designed to boost acceleration, power and torque. But it’s the numbers that matter: 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and a top speed of 190mph (305 km/h).
Yet the Mulsanne Speed is much more than just a powerhouse. It is a car for independent thinkers. For those with the unquenchable desire to take the wheel and change the world, there is no more accomplished combination of performance, luxury and style.
The Bentley flying Spur V8
The Bentley Flying Spur V8 combines an upright grille, large jewel LED headlamps, sharp fender wing vents, a wide body and the Flying Spur’s familiar contemporary design lines to present a muscular yet elegant exterior design. In short, everything you expect from a Bentley.
Inside, Bentley’s famous craftsmanship is evident throughout, while touch screen access to the latest in-car technology is provided for both driver and passengers. But it’s what’s under the bonnet that really sets the heart racing. A powerful 4.0 V8 twin-turbocharged engine produces 507PS of power and 660Nm of torque. Coupled with Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive and a smooth 8-speed quick-shift transmission, it delivers exhilarating performance alongside exquisite sophistication; an unforgettable experience, whether you’re in the back or behind the wheel.
Continental GT V8 S Convertible
For those who love the rich exhaust note of a V8 engine, there is no experience quite like driving a Continental GT V8 S Convertible.
Like its hard-topped sibling, the luxury convertible version of the newest Continental delivers significant improvements in performance over the original Continental V8: an even higher top speed, tighter suspension and improved handling. But it’s the sound of that monstrous V8 engine as the wind whistles past that makes the Continental GT V8 S Convertible such an irresistible proposition.
The new Continental GT V8 S Convertible brings a sleek new edge to the Continental, a grand tourer now well established in the vanguard of luxury car design. Like its hard-topped sibling, the Continental GT V8 S Convertible combines incredible performance and superb handling with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. When you take to the road with the top down, however, the importance of practical details dwindles. Exhilaration is what matters.
Continental GT speed
The name says it all. And from your first glimpse of the fastest, most powerful two-door coupé that Bentley makes, you know it’s the perfect description. With Dark tint 21″ wheels and lowered sports suspension, darkened grille and lights, and front bumper intakes glinting in the light, the Continental GT Speed makes no secret of its intent. If you love to drive far and fast, if the exhilaration of a 635 PS, 820 Nm engine and eight-speed close-ratio transmission makes your heart race, this is your car.
With peak power of 635 PS, the Continental GT Speed is the most powerful model in the current two-door Bentley Continental family. A full throttle standing start sees 60 mph flash past in just four seconds. Top speed, should you have the opportunity to explore it, is 206 miles an hour.
Yet Bentley’s engineering team has ensured that the GT Speed engine and powertrain is just as fuel-efficient as the Continental GT, with refinements to the engine, transmission and turbocharger making an overall improvement of 13 per cent in fuel economy.
“Bentley vehicles are globally recognised as the last word in high-performance automotive luxury,” said Faisal Nawaz, marketing manager of Bentley Motors Oman on the side-lines of the event. “The ‘Elite Drive’ is part of our efforts to better accommodate Bentley connoisseurs and give them the opportunity to experience the brand in a relaxed, fun setting.”
Fahad Al Wahaibi, brand manager, Bentley Oman said, “Bentley is known for pushing the limits of luxury and performance, and the ‘Elite Drive’ was testimony to this. The event is one in a series of events that will see Bentley enhance its commitment to deliver luxury cars and services to its customers in Oman.” Every year, Bentley runs a variety of events for intrepid Bentley drivers, enthusiasts and anyone looking for a closer acquaintance with the Bentley brand.
