insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 136

MOTORS Bentley Continental GT V8S Convertible Price as tested: £169,029 Top Speed: 192 MPH 0-60MPH: 4.3 seconds Economy: Combined 26.8 MPG Performance: 521 bhp Combined CO2: 246 G/KM is the ultimate road trip car. The roof comes down with ease and even when it does and you are enjoying all that outdoorsy goodness, hair remains in place, music continues to play audibly and conversations can still be had (or more importantly, you can still hear that amazing engine noise). Driving this Bentley is a motoring experience that few others will ever come close to. Cruising serenely in standard ‘D’ mode, you are treated to the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The Continental’s ethos of making it effortless to sit in this beautiful creation for hundreds of miles, and for hours on end, is upheld flawlessly – this When you put the GT into ‘S’ mode and apply a bit more weight with your right foot, you are equally rewarded with an astounding, exhilarating experience, and this Bentley proves without a doubt that it is ‘S’ indeed. Torque, grip and noise are delivered in abundance; the grip on bends is staggering for what is far from a wee beastie of a car, and the brakes are more than able to leave you gasping in surprise and relief at any given moment. The resulting adrenaline rush from an enthusiastic drive in the GT is something that they should ensure all engineering degree students at university experience at least once. Oh and did I mention the unequivocally awesome engine noise? On a beautiful sunny day, with the roof down, as we rolled over the top of those familiar White Cliffs, I once again felt very proud to be British. Sure, coffee is far better than tea, cricket is a truly silly game and our football team comprises of a bunch of under-talented, overpaid manchildren. But whilst Bentley is out there, continuing to do what it does so darn well, and creating motoring masterpieces like this happy breed of machine – Britain, Bond, and go on then, Batman, have something to be immensely and unashamedly proud of. Bentley Kent 92 London Road Sevenoaks, TN13 1BA 01732 453 700 www.bentleykent.co.uk Special thanks to Abbots Cliff House for the beautiful photoshoot location 136