The great Olympic sprinting performance displayed by Usain Bolt brings to mind another speedy, jaw- dropping phenomenon that I recently experienced: driving the Bentley Continental GT Speed.Imagine watching Bolt lining up in the starting blocks for the 100-meter dash. The other competitors appear to be pretty formidable, but Bolt, a favorite to win the gold medal, draws the most attention. As the starting gun goes off, he explodes off the line, quickly pulls away from the competition, and, as expected, takes the gold. Now imagine this world-class sprinter winning the event while wearing a fancy tuxedo. That’s about the best description I can offer for the Bentley Continental GT Speed. Raw power combined with pure elegance. In the detailsBentley leaves no detail untouched by high classiness. There’s a Breitling clock in the center of the dash (sort of like that sprinter wearing an expensive watch). The buttons on the dash are made of high-quality metal, no chintzy plastic here.Even the vent controls are special chrome knobs that push and pull and add another bit of bling. The rich, supple leather reminds you of the stuff you would see in the wood-paneled sitting room in a country estate.Even the color combination was perfect. The exterior was a smooth, sexy black, and the interior’s brownish-red leather was very chi-chi.The wood paneling on the dashboard and steering wheel added yet another touch of sophistication. Performance and powerThe world-class speed is derived from a 12-cylinder 6.0-liter twin turbo engine that makes 600 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque. Bentley says the GT Speed has a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. There is an air suspension with manual driver adjustment that controls the ride height and damper settings, which only enhance the thrill factor of the GT Speed’s ride.Upon acceleration, you will notice how smoothly the car runs. Next thing you know, you’re doing 75 mph, but feeling like you’re only doing about 45.That kind of power is intoxicating.But the GT Speed has remarkably good road manners, too. In keeping with its elegant appearance, it makes sure to deliver a stable ride, whether its on a city street or winding, country road.The interior is library-like quiet, too. You don’t have the harshness that you find in some sports cars. Options and pricingOptions for the test drive model included lumbar massage for both front seats, an embossed Bentley nameplate to the seat facings and a Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap. The test drive model had a total sticker price of $210,795. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
