FLORENCE, ITALY - IN TODAY'S world, a Bentley seems to be an anachronism - best encased in glass as a museum exhibit. But surprisingly, there is still life in the grand dame and the new Brooklands is proof of that.
Even as you read this, nearly 500 of the model's limited production of 550 have already been snapped up.
And yet, Bentley arranged for motoring writers to try the car, confident that the Brooklands would impress.
In its favour was the fact that expectations were not very high to begin with.
The coupe is based on a legacy platform dating back to 1965. With the same length and wheelbase as the Arnage, the Brooklands is conferred rather generous seating, especially in the rear.
Thanks to the vast resources parent company Volkswagen Group has at its disposal, Bentley has managed to dramatically improve on the strength.
BENTLEY BROOKLANDS
Price: $1.5 million without COE Engine: 6,761cc twin-turbo V8 Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual override Power: 530bhp at 4,000rpm Torque: 1,050Nm at 3,200rpm 0-100kmh: 5.3 seconds Top speed: 296kmh Fuel consumption: 28.8 litres/100km (city) Agent: Malayan Motors
This article was first published in The Straits Times on April 19, 2008.
