Some may look at a Bentley and think class, others may look at a Bentley and think retirement. Our friends at Top Gear U.K. look at a Bentley Continental GT Speed and think, how fast can we put this brute through a Welsh rally stage.
Lets talk about this Bentley for a bit, shall we? The Continental GT features many different platforms to which it can be configured. Let it be the standard Continental GT with a W12 engine, putting out 567bhp and 516lb ft of torque, or a downgraded but equally as brilliant Continental GT V8, featuring a 4 litre, 8 cylinder engine that produces 500bhp and 487lb ft of torque. For 2012, Bentley has forged the brand new Bentley Continental GT Speed, undoubtedly the most powerful bentley ever created. Featuring an upgrade W12 motor, the Bentley Continental GT Speed puts out a whopping 616bhp and 590lb ft of torque. This allows the Continental to propel itself forward from 0 to 60 in just 4 seconds, which is rather impressive for a car that weighs 2.32 metric tonnes, not to mention is has a top speed of 205mph.
"Why do we need an other fast Bentley anyway... I thought exactly the same, until I drove it" - James May
As some of you may know, the boys at Top Gear U.K. like to put their cars to the test. On this occasion, James May decided to push the Continental GT Speed to its limits, all on a 15 mile stage of the gruelling Welsh Rally. Now, seeing as James had no experience on a rally stage, he was accompanied by world renown rally driver, Kris Meeke. May's inexperience on a rally stage wasn't the only worry, a world rally car is purpose built for the job. It weighs just 1.21 metric tonnes, and has bespoke brakes to help it stop. Not to mention its gear box is made to soak up the punishment, it's role cage is designed to keep its occupants in one piece.
"A Bentley on a rally stage is a stupid idea" - Kris Meek
Now, I think we could all agree with Kris, a Bentley on a rally stage is in fact, a stupid idea. Surprisingly though, the team did not finish last in the competition, they beat a WRC Rally car by 2 full seconds. Making James and Kris second last, thanks to the Bentleys phenomenal 4-wheel drive system and intense power, in addition too the superb driving skills provided by Kris Meeke.
"Why do we need an other fast Bentley anyway... I thought exactly the same, until I drove it" - James May
 |
| James May (Left) and Kris Meeke (Right) |
Now, I think we could all agree with Kris, a Bentley on a rally stage is in fact, a stupid idea. Surprisingly though, the team did not finish last in the competition, they beat a WRC Rally car by 2 full seconds. Making James and Kris second last, thanks to the Bentleys phenomenal 4-wheel drive system and intense power, in addition too the superb driving skills provided by Kris Meeke.
No comments:
Post a Comment