A pedigree redefined
Traditional marque Bentley has turned out a modern GT with the right engineering. -ST
Andre Lam
Mon, Apr 21, 2008
The Straits Times
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.