|
Bentley Supersports
The Bentley Continental Supersports is a head turner. This Bentley
model presented during the latest Geneva Motor Show certainly
caused a lot of double takes in the industry to say the least,
and what is now being touted as the world's fastest 4-seat convertible
drop-top in the history of Bentley may just put the company back
on the map again.
Not that Bentley is wanting for attention. The company
has after all been on a several year winning streak with
the 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports being only one
of the latest of its impressive accomplishments.
|
|
All the models in this line feature a soft top, twin-turbocharged
six-liter W12 engine providing 621HP and 590 lb ft torque. In
addition, the Supersports convertible will operate on either E85
or gasoline, and goes from zero to sixty mph in 3.9 sec. And with
a top speed of 202 mph, let's just say that the Supersports is
a very speedy model indeed.
The interior of Bentley's features an elegant looking wood trim
alternating with carbon fiber swaths and pieces of Alcantara fabric.
The look is definitely classy with a quiet appeal that belies
the sheer power under the hood. The Sparco bucket seats shave
100lbs off the regular Bentley seats, and the diamond-quilted
Alcantara accents make for a comfortable and stylish seat.
At the time of this writing, Bently has yet to release a price
for the Supersports convertible, but many observers expect that
it will command a $270,000 price tag. At close to $300k, the Continental
Supersports does provide superior value given all its features
and capabilities.
The company also recently unveiled the 4 seat Supersports model,
which again sets standards in automotive craftsmanship and design.
As innovative and forward looking as these models are however,
they still retain much of the luxurious feel and elegance that
Bentley has become known for.
On the outside, it would appear that the new models haven't really
changed a lot from Bentley's previous releases. The general look
of the car is still reminiscent of previous Bentley models, and
there is an overall commonality of aesthetic that imprints it
with the company's unique stamp.
Nevertheless, there have been a few important changes, particularly
in the smoked steel surface on the radiator, hood vents surface
and lower grille, and the latest physical vapor deposition (PVD)
method that places vaporized metal on stainless steel finish.
Bentley is the first automotive company to use PVD, which is actually
more commonly used in the jewelry business for finishing luxury
wristwatches.
The Bentley Supersports also features plenty of positive torque,
with downshifts achieved through the gearbox. There is also an
electronic controller for the engine, providing additional fuel
and throttle injection in the overrun. When you up shift the transmission,
the car's ignition and fuel systems are halted momentarily in
order to provide faster mechanical conversion times way of by
torque reduction. This also has the effect of improving shift
durability and quality.
With all the amazing features of the Bentley Continental Supersports
Convertible, it would appear equipped to handle a variety of different
applications.
|
