www.bahrainthismonth.com February 2013 99 motoringthismonth Muscular lines and sporting, contemporary hand-crafted luxury create an engaging, sensory driving experience with this exhilarating supercar. At the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, last month Bentley unveiled its new open-top flagship car — the world’s fastest four-seat convertible. The new GT Speed Convertible combines the sensory pleasures of roof-down luxury touring with the shattering performance of a 616 hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine. The close-ratio eight-speed transmission, lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without any loss in ride. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions. Taking its place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental range, this convertible has a top speed of 325 km/h; no compromises have been made in craftsmanship, luxury or refinement to deliver this unrivalled performance. Subtle sporting design cues include exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes. Inside its handcrafted cabin, the GT Speed Convertible features the Mulliner driving specification as standard; blending contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character. The convertible shares its powertrain specification with its Bentley stablemate, the GT Speed Coupé. The twinturbocharged, 48-valve, W12 engine powers the new convertible from a standing position to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Peak torque — an impressive 800 Nm — is reached at just 2,000 rpm and maintains that level through to 5,000 rpm for effortless, refined performance. The latest ME17 engine management system, capable of performing 180 million individual calculations per second, provides enhanced turbocharger control and torque management, enhancing driveability. In common with all W12engined models, the GT Speed Convertible features an energy recuperation system. To deliver all this power and performance the body shell is exceptionally rigid, laying the perfect foundation for a more engaging driving experience. The aluminium double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear set-up feature revised air suspension springs and dampers for improved agility and body control with little sacrifice in ride comfort. The electronic stability control system is optimised for the new engine management system to deliver both outstanding safety and greater driver involvement. The system retains the Dynamic Mode setting that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds, with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. Together, these systems give the keen driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the new chassis set-up and higher power output. Ahmed Zayani & Sons is the exclusive distributor for Bentley in the Kingdom. E Call 17 703-703. 100 x Wheels - 102 x Showcase Also this month Redefining Performance Wraith Expectations Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed the launch of its next model, Rolls-Royce Wraith, at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5. Attendees can expect to see the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and the most powerful ‘Roller’ that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Rolls-Royce indicates the car will not only to be defined by a timeless elegance but also one that encapsulates a sense of power, style and drama. The launch will revive one of the most famous RollsRoyce names, first used in 1938; the ethereal name Wraith will perfectly express the character of the new Rolls-Royce.
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