Each time I see a Bentley on Singapore roads, I notice that the owner of the car usually sits at the back, chauffeured around with his hands everywhere else except the steering wheel. It’s quite a shame. The pleasure of owning the British marque’s vehicles is in the driving.
I dare say that the new Bentley Continental Supersports might just be the model to tempt these owners to finally move to the driver’s seat. It certainly tempted me though unfortunately, my bank account is a couple of zeroes short and the men who chauffeur me around are usually grumpy old men with short tempers, an axe to grind against our ruling party and a predisposition to ignore my directions.
The first Continental Supersports was launched in 2009. It had a limited run, could run on biofuel and was introduced to the world by Jay Leno. Yes, that Jay Leno. Despite the unfortunate choice of host, it did very well and prompted the production of a convertible version as well as an updated Continental Supersports model specially made to be driven on ice.
From zero to 100kph in 3.5 seconds.
The 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports is the third iteration of this iconic car and is quite the looker. It is also extremely fast, galloping to 100kph in just 3.5 seconds. As of this moment, it is the world’s fastest four-seat car and other car manufacturers have to engineer something really special to beat this record.
The speedometer maxes out at 336kph and while I haven’t had the chance yet to drive it, the specifications tell me that the re-engineered Bentley W12 engine (not to be confused with V12) can pump out a jaw-dropping 1,012 Nm of torque. That means the brakes better be up to scratch. Bentley had to install huge high-performance carbon ceramic brakes to handle all that power.
The new diamond-quilted design in tri-tone colour is incorporated in the seats and the door side panels.
As always, the interior of the Continental Supersports is top-notch and Bentley allows owners to personalise their cars as much as possible, within reason.
We wouldn’t make any changes though. The car looks amazing as it is. And if you ever get the chance to drive one, for the love of God, please don’t sit in the back seat. Knock out your chauffeur if you have to. Oh, and if you even have to ask how much, you’re probably a few zeroes short like me.
Admire the Bentley Continental Supersports here.
