Bentley Continental GT: It's Personal


Submitted by Miguel on Sun, 06/26/2011 - 19:58

Couple of weeks ago, I (and my partner) was graciously invited to a buyers-only party of Bentley in Crewe, England.  The crème de la crème of Europe's young and new rich met (collided in a good way if I may say so) with the old aristocratic "britches" (i.e; the bitch+rich) at the beautifully organized event.

Bentley presented us the new Bentley Continental GT , widely acclaimed for its crisp, sculpted design.  This sublime car is poised to create a further stir with the new Mulliner Styling Specification. This specification can be found in a range of Bentley-designed styling options reaffirming its potent road presence.

 

While sipping (well gulping,lol) some bubbles and nibbling some fresh strawberries from Kent (ordered specially for that event) The Mulliner Styling Specification was presented to us.

 

Styled by dashing Mr. Raul Pires, Bentley's head of exterior design who, under the leadership of  Design Director and my golf buddy super , Mr. Dirk van Braeckel (ps. he comes also from Belgium...like me…how cool is that?) was the creative force behind the lithe shape of Continental GT.  

 

Mr. Raul Pires explained to me: " The Mulliner Styling Specification (MSS), with its sharper lines and darker, lower appliance subtly underscores the extrovert, flamboyant nature of our new Coupe. It delivers a more personalized, sportive interpretation of luxurious, refined GT." And all I can say was: "uh-huh"….indeed was trying to memorize his lines.   How on earth should I react on Mr. Pires' statement? Frankly I don't know anything about cars, I just buy them! 

 

Thus, I excused myself to him before I drown him with  my "Bridgette Jones comments" and joined the others while the Bentley team presented the MSS.

 

The Classic pack

Each element of the Mulliner Styling Specification is distinguished by  use of specially commissioned, black high-gloss carbon-fibre featuring a distinctive weave design. Skillfully echoing the beautifully crafted wood veneers of the new GT’s cabin, each carbon-fibre component employs a similar ‘mirror matching’ process with the unique weave pattern flowing in one direction.  Unquestionable craftsmanship! 

 

 

 

What I truly adore is that the sporting frontal appearance of the new GT is subtly enhanced by a sleek black carbon- fibre front bumper splitter, complemented by solid carbon-fibre strakes integrated into the lower  intake grilles. Looks muscular yet elegant. A true gentleman's car.

Black carbon-fibre extension blades, positioned beneath the sills, sweep down the sides of the Continental GT, providing a fresh interpretation of the striking profile of the Bentley coupe, drawing the eye to the sharp powerlines and muscular rear haunches. Each extension blade features a discreet ‘Winged B’ motif. At the rear, a full-width black carbon-fibre diffuser adds greater definition to the GT’s signature twin, flared, elliptical exhaust tailpipes.

 

Optional Design Features

What I adore with Bentley, is that I can have my very own bespoke automobile. 

In addition to the core features of the Classic Pack, customers  like me, have the opportunity to personalize my car still further with four additional optional features. The GT’s stylish rear spoiler, which automatically deploys at higher road speeds, may be specified in carbon –fibre, while Mr. Pires’s renowned eye for detail is reflected in the optional carbon-fibre door mirror cowls. 

 

 

 

To complement the carbon-fibre features of the Mulliner Styling Specification, customers …and I highly recommend it…,  may also specify the option of 21-inch 7-spoke Elegant alloy wheels in a dramatic black-painted finish with contrasting bright machined detailing.  My partner who knows more about cars, told me that these 21-inch alloys might have some effect on the driving experience….gentlefolk who prefer comfort should restrain from ordering them.  I told my partner – stop fussing –it looks great.

Customers furthermore may also opt for eye-catching, curved wing vents. Positioned just behind the front wheel arches, the dark chrome mesh vents (framed by a carbon-fibre bezel) offer improved heat diffusion as well as forcefully underlining the Continental GT’s high-performance credentials. For this one, I opted out.  But hey, it still looks good!

 

 

Bentley Standards Are Maintained

Unlike many after-market styling packages (like those matchbox-looking cars out there), Bentley has subjected the components of the Mulliner Styling Specification to a typically rigorous and comprehensive quality and engineering test and development program. 

 

A series of high performance tests and wind tunnel appraisals were undertaken to ensure that the handling and performance credentials of the new Continental GT are not compromised by the addition of the Mulliner Styling Specification. 

 

The carbon-fibre itself has been subjected to an extended regime of extreme climatic and real world driving tests to ensure that durability matches the same high standards of the cars to which they are applied.

 

The Classic Pack is available to order from now (June 2011) onwards and the optional design features can be ordered from authorized Bentley dealers from Autumn 2011.

 

After the event, Bentley flew us back here in Belgium.  And to this date, I still have to show my partner the order form I filled in (secretively) and for which I paid a "generous" deposit.

Yes, someone in Miguelda Lane will be "grounded" for few weeks (again)..lol. 

I can sell it after driving it for 4 weeks, right? Any buyers?