RE: Driven: Bentley Continental Supersports
Discussion
I took the snaps for this piece and was lucky enough to be in the passenger street while Andy put this SS through its paces. This is a guy who used to show me how he could powerslide a 19' long 1975 Cadillac through roundabouts so he's not shy of dishing out some beans in big cars... From the passenger seat it was clear this thing was extremely capable - planted, huge amounts of power and grip with no sign that Andy was hustling around several tons of Crewe's finest.
The interior is certainly a bit controversial. It seems to be all about the seats, with the carbon and leather dash a little uninspiring. I have to admit, when I opened the door I saw the grey leather on the seat bases and thought it was plastic. The outside of the car is unusual too, they've made all the chrome bits black with some special process I don't understand, but one benefit is that the mesh grille looks awesome. One odd thing I noticed is that it's a bugger for fingerprints - you'll see we didn't get all of them off when we shot the car. I can see some oligarchs' chauffeurs getting the hump with that!
We both came with the usual preconcieved ideas about the car - footballers, nouveau riche etc etc, but after a few hours hooning around in it we had both really warmed to it. Try not to look at it with the eyes of someone with a biased, British viewpoint; it's a stunning car that shames 99.9% of what's on the road. And I agree with 300bhp/ton, from some angles the thing looks mean. I tried to get the feel in some of the shots of the flared wheelarches and the body lines that hark back to older Bentleys. I kept looking at the square-ish back window and the lovely lines from about 3/4 up the wings that reminded me (intentionally, I'm sure) of the 50's Contis.
Criticisms? The dash is a little uninspiring and I'd prefer a Bentley to waft a bit more if I press the right buttons, but maybe we didn't properly figure out the settings on the day.
Look at it as an upgrade for a committed Bentley fan and Conti driver and it starts to make a lot of sense. Having had a day with this one, a regular 2nd hand Conti is a steal at £40k.
The interior is certainly a bit controversial. It seems to be all about the seats, with the carbon and leather dash a little uninspiring. I have to admit, when I opened the door I saw the grey leather on the seat bases and thought it was plastic. The outside of the car is unusual too, they've made all the chrome bits black with some special process I don't understand, but one benefit is that the mesh grille looks awesome. One odd thing I noticed is that it's a bugger for fingerprints - you'll see we didn't get all of them off when we shot the car. I can see some oligarchs' chauffeurs getting the hump with that!
We both came with the usual preconcieved ideas about the car - footballers, nouveau riche etc etc, but after a few hours hooning around in it we had both really warmed to it. Try not to look at it with the eyes of someone with a biased, British viewpoint; it's a stunning car that shames 99.9% of what's on the road. And I agree with 300bhp/ton, from some angles the thing looks mean. I tried to get the feel in some of the shots of the flared wheelarches and the body lines that hark back to older Bentleys. I kept looking at the square-ish back window and the lovely lines from about 3/4 up the wings that reminded me (intentionally, I'm sure) of the 50's Contis.
Criticisms? The dash is a little uninspiring and I'd prefer a Bentley to waft a bit more if I press the right buttons, but maybe we didn't properly figure out the settings on the day.
Look at it as an upgrade for a committed Bentley fan and Conti driver and it starts to make a lot of sense. Having had a day with this one, a regular 2nd hand Conti is a steal at £40k.
Edited by tima on Friday 17th June 11:49
Stereotyping is a terrible thing, and no product should be held responsible for its perceived clientele. (Incidentally, what the hell happened to turn the stereotype of BMW drivers into Audi drivers? Did I miss a memo somewhere?)
That said.
Couple of months back, I was passing the local hospital and almost vomitted when I saw a white Continental with lipstick red racing stripes and red alloys, number plate "G1PSY". It was parked outside the GUM clinic...
That said.
Couple of months back, I was passing the local hospital and almost vomitted when I saw a white Continental with lipstick red racing stripes and red alloys, number plate "G1PSY". It was parked outside the GUM clinic...
Ryvita said:
Stereotyping is a terrible thing, and no product should be held responsible for its perceived clientele. (Incidentally, what the hell happened to turn the stereotype of BMW drivers into Audi drivers? Did I miss a memo somewhere?)
That said.
Couple of months back, I was passing the local hospital and almost vomitted when I saw a white Continental with lipstick red racing stripes and red alloys, number plate "G1PSY". It was parked outside the GUM clinic...
LOL your just Jel because your not Reem That said.
Couple of months back, I was passing the local hospital and almost vomitted when I saw a white Continental with lipstick red racing stripes and red alloys, number plate "G1PSY". It was parked outside the GUM clinic...
ikky85 said:
Wills2 said:
ikky85 said:
i know what you mean. I had 6 guys in the Q7 and the ease in which it pulled to 140 mph and still pulling was amazing and that was just the 3 ltr s line model
Be honest, it didn't did it.. I looking at getting one. but in two minds because it will be day to day run about and business use. But tempted by the A7 but thats got a funny back end. dont know lol
alock said:
ikky85 said:
Wills2 said:
ikky85 said:
i know what you mean. I had 6 guys in the Q7 and the ease in which it pulled to 140 mph and still pulling was amazing and that was just the 3 ltr s line model
Be honest, it didn't did it.. I looking at getting one. but in two minds because it will be day to day run about and business use. But tempted by the A7 but thats got a funny back end. dont know lol
alock said:
ikky85 said:
Wills2 said:
ikky85 said:
i know what you mean. I had 6 guys in the Q7 and the ease in which it pulled to 140 mph and still pulling was amazing and that was just the 3 ltr s line model
Be honest, it didn't did it.. I looking at getting one. but in two minds because it will be day to day run about and business use. But tempted by the A7 but thats got a funny back end. dont know lol
A Vintage Seekers opinion involving James Bond, Bentley, classic and return?
http://www.vintageseekers.com/perspective/bentley-...
What say you think of this then Petrolheaders?
Frivolous Fridays
http://www.vintageseekers.com/perspective/bentley-...
What say you think of this then Petrolheaders?
Frivolous Fridays
I was torn between this and a DBS. I am not a footballer.
I drove the DBS for a long weekend and the handling never felt quite right - something odd with the rear damping on fast twisty A roads, and it was less great as a GT - general driveability, rear space and boot etc, and I thought some of the interior was overdone compared to the Bentley - yep, things like the silly glass key, and being greeted with the vision statement every time you turn it on.
I separately did a weekend with the GT Speed, and then did a track day with the SS (thanks Bentley). I ended up with the GT Speed - slightly less brash but the same incredible urge that is totally, and safely accessible whenever you want it; but amazing comfort and ambience when you just want to cover a few hundred miles in style.
Err, one admission is that the SS seats are not height adjustable, and the wife is 5'2". That swayed the discussion a little....
BTW I live in the States and there is none of that inverted snobbery here about who drives what cars. The only people that really care about image of what they drive tie themselves in knots and end up with Lexi which says it all really.
One of these just drove past me on southwark street in horrid pepermint green being driven buy the typical young socialite / rapper / footballer... Another case for money does not buy taste...or class as they would be driving a brooklands instead. Which is how Bentleys should be!
Also surprised at how quiet it was, not even a slight burble from the exhaust...
Wud look sick wiv 28" kahns bruv! Chek ma bad self!
Also surprised at how quiet it was, not even a slight burble from the exhaust...
Wud look sick wiv 28" kahns bruv! Chek ma bad self!
mrobin33 said:
I was torn between this and a DBS. I am not a footballer.
I drove the DBS for a long weekend and the handling never felt quite right - something odd with the rear damping on fast twisty A roads, and it was less great as a GT - general driveability, rear space and boot etc, and I thought some of the interior was overdone compared to the Bentley - yep, things like the silly glass key, and being greeted with the vision statement every time you turn it on.
I separately did a weekend with the GT Speed, and then did a track day with the SS (thanks Bentley). I ended up with the GT Speed - slightly less brash but the same incredible urge that is totally, and safely accessible whenever you want it; but amazing comfort and ambience when you just want to cover a few hundred miles in style.
Err, one admission is that the SS seats are not height adjustable, and the wife is 5'2". That swayed the discussion a little....
BTW I live in the States and there is none of that inverted snobbery here about who drives what cars. The only people that really care about image of what they drive tie themselves in knots and end up with Lexi which says it all really.
I'd forgive the DBS just for the sound of the V12 alone. I drove the DBS for a long weekend and the handling never felt quite right - something odd with the rear damping on fast twisty A roads, and it was less great as a GT - general driveability, rear space and boot etc, and I thought some of the interior was overdone compared to the Bentley - yep, things like the silly glass key, and being greeted with the vision statement every time you turn it on.
I separately did a weekend with the GT Speed, and then did a track day with the SS (thanks Bentley). I ended up with the GT Speed - slightly less brash but the same incredible urge that is totally, and safely accessible whenever you want it; but amazing comfort and ambience when you just want to cover a few hundred miles in style.
Err, one admission is that the SS seats are not height adjustable, and the wife is 5'2". That swayed the discussion a little....
BTW I live in the States and there is none of that inverted snobbery here about who drives what cars. The only people that really care about image of what they drive tie themselves in knots and end up with Lexi which says it all really.
How well do Bentley's depreciate in the states ?
Fortunate enough to work for Bentley, I'm keen to hear your views on the GT SuperSports. The car reviewed is the not so popular 2-seater which for some dealers is hard to sell - some at Bentley have admitted they got it wrong at launch, and all of our cars were ordered with the 4 seat option. Having said that and after a slow start, the SS is now really popular. It will continue in its current form until late 2012/early 2013 when the next generation model will be available. I only now of one 2-seat car that we've seen and that belongs to, yep you've guessed it, a very well known football player. Most GT SS's have been sold to enthusiastic owners and a few semi professional racing drivers who have a whole fleet of super cars.
As for some of your comments regarding Aston Martin vs Bentley quality, we do see a lot of Astons coming in as px's - Vantage, DB9 and DBS. We find that owners have complained about reliability, dealer service and build quality issues. OK, we do have some of these issues too but compare a GT against any Aston for overal quality, and I have to disagree. The leather and sticthing quality for example, in a Bentley is far superior. The quality of the wood finish and switchgear is so much better. Astons build quality are low rent and flimsy. Bits of interior can be pulled and pushed in any Aston as if it were a ten-grand family car.
Having driven a SS, I was totally blown away. The reviewer was absolutely spot on. It's solid, very quick and an extremely capable car - so much so that some of our customers who own 599's, have all said their SS is a much better car overall. I've even spoken to an Enzo owner who says his SS feels as quick and drives similarly to his Ferrari - not bad considering the comparison.
A couple of interesting SS facts:
The carbon seat option uses the same frame as the Bugatti Veyron.
I have also heard on one factory visit that when they developed the SS that it's speed, handling and some characteristics also resemble the Veyron - albeit at half the power, of course .
Despite what people might say, the SuperSport is superb, despite being a little undertstated on the outside. But who said Bentleys are supposed to be over the top?
As for some of your comments regarding Aston Martin vs Bentley quality, we do see a lot of Astons coming in as px's - Vantage, DB9 and DBS. We find that owners have complained about reliability, dealer service and build quality issues. OK, we do have some of these issues too but compare a GT against any Aston for overal quality, and I have to disagree. The leather and sticthing quality for example, in a Bentley is far superior. The quality of the wood finish and switchgear is so much better. Astons build quality are low rent and flimsy. Bits of interior can be pulled and pushed in any Aston as if it were a ten-grand family car.
Having driven a SS, I was totally blown away. The reviewer was absolutely spot on. It's solid, very quick and an extremely capable car - so much so that some of our customers who own 599's, have all said their SS is a much better car overall. I've even spoken to an Enzo owner who says his SS feels as quick and drives similarly to his Ferrari - not bad considering the comparison.
A couple of interesting SS facts:
The carbon seat option uses the same frame as the Bugatti Veyron.
I have also heard on one factory visit that when they developed the SS that it's speed, handling and some characteristics also resemble the Veyron - albeit at half the power, of course .
Despite what people might say, the SuperSport is superb, despite being a little undertstated on the outside. But who said Bentleys are supposed to be over the top?
Edited by edar on Friday 17th June 21:30
Rochester TVR said:
One of these just drove past me on southwark street in horrid pepermint green being driven buy the typical young socialite / rapper / footballer... Another case for money does not buy taste...or class as they would be driving a brooklands instead. Which is how Bentleys should be!
Are you sure it was a Supersports? I think I know of the colour you're talking about which I've only ever seen on really early GTs.As for your 'How Bentleys should be' comment I'd like to refer you to the Mulsanne. Know THAT is what a bentley should be. You didn't have to look too hard in a Brooklands/Arnage/Azure that it is an ageing car. The Mulsanne has brought that 'Bentley feel' that you got from one of the older cars and stuck some upto date technology behind it and have gone and created a sublime car.
I think the ownership of GTs is a bit more varied that many people want to give them credit for. All sorts of people have them. It's the classless Bentley (almost
),JoshyS said:
Rochester TVR said:
One of these just drove past me on southwark street in horrid pepermint green being driven buy the typical young socialite / rapper / footballer... Another case for money does not buy taste...or class as they would be driving a brooklands instead. Which is how Bentleys should be!
Are you sure it was a Supersports? I think I know of the colour you're talking about which I've only ever seen on really early GTs.As for your 'How Bentleys should be' comment I'd like to refer you to the Mulsanne. Know THAT is what a bentley should be. You didn't have to look too hard in a Brooklands/Arnage/Azure that it is an ageing car. The Mulsanne has brought that 'Bentley feel' that you got from one of the older cars and stuck some upto date technology behind it and have gone and created a sublime car.
I think the ownership of GTs is a bit more varied that many people want to give them credit for. All sorts of people have them. It's the classless Bentley (almost
),When I say "How Bentleys should be" by that I mean that the Brooklands / Arnage are how I have always viewed what a Bentley is to me, their sheer oppulance and presence is unique. The Continental shape Bentleys get nowhere close to the class that the others have, maybe its the association they have with cheaper cars (VW Phaeton/Continental, BMW 7 Series / Mulsanne). The Brooklands etc are the modern day Bentleys that show true pedigry to the marque, and to me are an indication of the design direction Bentley would continue on if the Germans wern't holding the purse strings. However, I go agree that the Brooklands et'al could do with updated technology...
Saying all that though, as much as Im not a fan of the Continental/Flying Spur where would the company be now without them??? So in the same way that Porsche make some cars that should only be sold to the blind as long as that means them models provide the finances to enable them create cars like the GT2RS then Im all for it! As with Bentley... I just hope models like the Brooklands are continued for many years to come and not dropped just to please the accountants.
I understand that marques evolve and time moves on, but the old money Bentleys should always have a place in the dealership.
Somehow I fear that in a few years time the likes of the Brooklands will never be seen again, and that Twin Turbo 6.75 litre V8 will be resided to the history books.... in favor for a Efficiant Dynamics 3.0D from a BMW 535d.
We purchased a stunning Black SS for the club fleet a few months back, you really need to drive one as it changes your perception of the laws of physics!
By God does this thing fly - into corners, out of corners, in a straight line, up hill, down hill and all controllable on the throttle and with a lovely well weighted perfectly judged steering.
You can sit comfortably on the motorway / autoroute / autobahn all day at ridiculous speeds in complete comfort. When you then come to some more interesting roads, you can leave your friends in their DBS, 599 etc behind as you push two and quarter tonnes beyond what your brain tells you is possible.
Put you preconceptions behind and forget any footballer connotations (why we get upset that someone can earn oodles of cash for having a talent and exploiting it I don't know) and try this car - better still join a SuperCar Club -preferably mine as I could then make oodles of cash and live a disgraceful tasteless lifestyle- and try them all and then decide for yourself!
By God does this thing fly - into corners, out of corners, in a straight line, up hill, down hill and all controllable on the throttle and with a lovely well weighted perfectly judged steering.
You can sit comfortably on the motorway / autoroute / autobahn all day at ridiculous speeds in complete comfort. When you then come to some more interesting roads, you can leave your friends in their DBS, 599 etc behind as you push two and quarter tonnes beyond what your brain tells you is possible.
Put you preconceptions behind and forget any footballer connotations (why we get upset that someone can earn oodles of cash for having a talent and exploiting it I don't know) and try this car - better still join a SuperCar Club -preferably mine as I could then make oodles of cash and live a disgraceful tasteless lifestyle- and try them all and then decide for yourself!
Rochester TVR said:
Positive it was a Supersports, it was the new bumper and bonnet vents that made me look twice. 11 Reg aswell.... I'll see if I can find the colour on Bentleys site.
When I say "How Bentleys should be" by that I mean that the Brooklands / Arnage are how I have always viewed what a Bentley is to me, their sheer oppulance and presence is unique. The Continental shape Bentleys get nowhere close to the class that the others have, maybe its the association they have with cheaper cars (VW Phaeton/Continental, BMW 7 Series / Mulsanne). The Brooklands etc are the modern day Bentleys that show true pedigry to the marque, and to me are an indication of the design direction Bentley would continue on if the Germans wern't holding the purse strings. However, I go agree that the Brooklands et'al could do with updated technology...
Saying all that though, as much as Im not a fan of the Continental/Flying Spur where would the company be now without them??? So in the same way that Porsche make some cars that should only be sold to the blind as long as that means them models provide the finances to enable them create cars like the GT2RS then Im all for it! As with Bentley... I just hope models like the Brooklands are continued for many years to come and not dropped just to please the accountants.
I understand that marques evolve and time moves on, but the old money Bentleys should always have a place in the dealership.
Somehow I fear that in a few years time the likes of the Brooklands will never be seen again, and that Twin Turbo 6.75 litre V8 will be resided to the history books.... in favor for a Efficiant Dynamics 3.0D from a BMW 535d.
First and foremost the link you talk of with BMW doesn't exist. That's Rolls Royce you're thinking of there When I say "How Bentleys should be" by that I mean that the Brooklands / Arnage are how I have always viewed what a Bentley is to me, their sheer oppulance and presence is unique. The Continental shape Bentleys get nowhere close to the class that the others have, maybe its the association they have with cheaper cars (VW Phaeton/Continental, BMW 7 Series / Mulsanne). The Brooklands etc are the modern day Bentleys that show true pedigry to the marque, and to me are an indication of the design direction Bentley would continue on if the Germans wern't holding the purse strings. However, I go agree that the Brooklands et'al could do with updated technology...
Saying all that though, as much as Im not a fan of the Continental/Flying Spur where would the company be now without them??? So in the same way that Porsche make some cars that should only be sold to the blind as long as that means them models provide the finances to enable them create cars like the GT2RS then Im all for it! As with Bentley... I just hope models like the Brooklands are continued for many years to come and not dropped just to please the accountants.
I understand that marques evolve and time moves on, but the old money Bentleys should always have a place in the dealership.
Somehow I fear that in a few years time the likes of the Brooklands will never be seen again, and that Twin Turbo 6.75 litre V8 will be resided to the history books.... in favor for a Efficiant Dynamics 3.0D from a BMW 535d.
I don't think that the 6.75l lump is going to go anywhere. They had the prefect change to get rid of it with the Mulsanne and they kept it. Again. They seem to be very keen on hanging onto it at Crewe. Personally I don't see what the fuss is about and think they should completely bin the idea and start again. Keep the two blowers, 8 cylinders and 6.75L but kept nothing else. The days of push rods are over
.I've always maintained that a diesel Bentley isn't quite as horrible idea and people first think. Low revs, High torque. A properly, properly engineered, refined diesel lump without the clattering, banging and shaking usually associated with diesel lumps would be perfectly at home in a 'old money' Bentley. Low revs and high torque is what the current V8 is ALL about. Diesel lumps can out rev it for Christ sake
.Now I'm going to say something a bit controversial here and say that would you get past looks, image and all that, the GT is a better car than a Brooklands all day. Better ride, far more technology, it generally is a better car to use day to day. The good thing about the mulsanne is because it gives the 'old money' Bentley image a bit more of a fighting chance in the real world.
JoshyS said:
Rochester TVR said:
Positive it was a Supersports, it was the new bumper and bonnet vents that made me look twice. 11 Reg aswell.... I'll see if I can find the colour on Bentleys site.
When I say "How Bentleys should be" by that I mean that the Brooklands / Arnage are how I have always viewed what a Bentley is to me, their sheer oppulance and presence is unique. The Continental shape Bentleys get nowhere close to the class that the others have, maybe its the association they have with cheaper cars (VW Phaeton/Continental, BMW 7 Series / Mulsanne). The Brooklands etc are the modern day Bentleys that show true pedigry to the marque, and to me are an indication of the design direction Bentley would continue on if the Germans wern't holding the purse strings. However, I go agree that the Brooklands et'al could do with updated technology...
Saying all that though, as much as Im not a fan of the Continental/Flying Spur where would the company be now without them??? So in the same way that Porsche make some cars that should only be sold to the blind as long as that means them models provide the finances to enable them create cars like the GT2RS then Im all for it! As with Bentley... I just hope models like the Brooklands are continued for many years to come and not dropped just to please the accountants.
I understand that marques evolve and time moves on, but the old money Bentleys should always have a place in the dealership.
Somehow I fear that in a few years time the likes of the Brooklands will never be seen again, and that Twin Turbo 6.75 litre V8 will be resided to the history books.... in favor for a Efficiant Dynamics 3.0D from a BMW 535d.
First and foremost the link you talk of with BMW doesn't exist. That's Rolls Royce you're thinking of there When I say "How Bentleys should be" by that I mean that the Brooklands / Arnage are how I have always viewed what a Bentley is to me, their sheer oppulance and presence is unique. The Continental shape Bentleys get nowhere close to the class that the others have, maybe its the association they have with cheaper cars (VW Phaeton/Continental, BMW 7 Series / Mulsanne). The Brooklands etc are the modern day Bentleys that show true pedigry to the marque, and to me are an indication of the design direction Bentley would continue on if the Germans wern't holding the purse strings. However, I go agree that the Brooklands et'al could do with updated technology...
Saying all that though, as much as Im not a fan of the Continental/Flying Spur where would the company be now without them??? So in the same way that Porsche make some cars that should only be sold to the blind as long as that means them models provide the finances to enable them create cars like the GT2RS then Im all for it! As with Bentley... I just hope models like the Brooklands are continued for many years to come and not dropped just to please the accountants.
I understand that marques evolve and time moves on, but the old money Bentleys should always have a place in the dealership.
Somehow I fear that in a few years time the likes of the Brooklands will never be seen again, and that Twin Turbo 6.75 litre V8 will be resided to the history books.... in favor for a Efficiant Dynamics 3.0D from a BMW 535d.
I don't think that the 6.75l lump is going to go anywhere. They had the prefect change to get rid of it with the Mulsanne and they kept it. Again. They seem to be very keen on hanging onto it at Crewe. Personally I don't see what the fuss is about and think they should completely bin the idea and start again. Keep the two blowers, 8 cylinders and 6.75L but kept nothing else. The days of push rods are over
.I've always maintained that a diesel Bentley isn't quite as horrible idea and people first think. Low revs, High torque. A properly, properly engineered, refined diesel lump without the clattering, banging and shaking usually associated with diesel lumps would be perfectly at home in a 'old money' Bentley. Low revs and high torque is what the current V8 is ALL about. Diesel lumps can out rev it for Christ sake
.Now I'm going to say something a bit controversial here and say that would you get past looks, image and all that, the GT is a better car than a Brooklands all day. Better ride, far more technology, it generally is a better car to use day to day. The good thing about the mulsanne is because it gives the 'old money' Bentley image a bit more of a fighting chance in the real world.
tima said:
I took the snaps for this piece...
Did you have two cars to shoot? The interior shots show the carbon seats and the exterior shots the normal seats mrobin33 said:
Err, one admission is that the SS seats are not height adjustable, and the wife is 5'2". That swayed the discussion a little....
BTW I live in the States...
You can get a SS with the normal seats that go up and downBTW I live in the States...
Buy one. You won't regret it.
Kawasicki said:
I was there, and this is exactly what happened, he is 100% accurate.
The company is full of passionate, unusually enthusiastic, people. Even though that might be old fashioned that is just the way it is.
The company is full of passionate, unusually enthusiastic, people. Even though that might be old fashioned that is just the way it is.
What he said. The 'Lightweight' started out as a engineering graduate project.
I have to say that after having a SS for over 2 months now that the car is a real grower!! You need to accept that it is as heavy as a tank (and built like one!!) but the handling is good and it grips so well for its size. It's not as involing as some other cars but its a GT which it does so well and it can play the sports car card only just mind!!! IMO
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