NEW: Bentley Continental GTC Speed photo stream on Flickr March 25, 2009
Posted by richard in : Uncategorized , 2commentsWant to see what I’ve been up to on my latest launch event? Well, check out my Bentley Continental GTC Speed photo stream on Flickr.
And be sure to come back here over the next few days. As ever, I’ll be charging through all my notes and feeding back to you.
Check out the images for a feel of what was what in Crewe!
Pre-launch impressions: Bentley Continental GTC Speed March 24, 2009
Posted by richard in : Uncategorized , add a commentWhat do I expect from the Bentley Continental GTC Speed? Something very, very fast, that’s what.
Last year, I drove both the standard Continental GT Coupe, and the livened-up Speed variant. Both worked together, to turn me from a Conti skeptic into a convert.
First thing I did when I got back home was check out Auto Trader, to see how much early-gen ones went for. (£40k and no I can’t, to pre-empt any questions).
The Speed line, which brings more power, sportier handling and subtly enhanced looks, has already instantly won the majority of GT Coupe sales, and is doing similarly good business for the Flying Spur saloon. Now, it’s the turn of the GTC Convertible.
Coupled with a mild facelift for the 2010 model year, Bentley’s given us the full fat 600bhp Speed drop-top 2+2, creating its fastest-ever convertible in the process. 200mph do ya?
The overriding impression I took from the GT Coupe was one of completeness. This really was a car that tuned into my psyche – it wasn’t particularly overtly sporting, or dramatic, or intense. It was just ‘nice’. Accurate, agile way (way way way) beyond its size and weight, and generally pretty lush.
I blow hot and cold with convertibles. Currently, I’m on a downer with them – preferred the BMW Z4 when it was imitating a Coupe rather than being a Roadster. How will I get on with the Bentley, then? Well, by now, I’ll already know. And will be letting you know in due course…
The Alpina that’s greener/faster/rarer than a 325d… March 16, 2009
Posted by richard in : What I learned today , 2comments
BMW usually covers all bases, but a hole in its range was highlighted today. OK, it’s a small hole, but nevertheless…
What’s the 3 Series diesel buyer to do, who finds a 320d too slow, but a 325d too, well, you know, ‘not quite a 330d’?
Well, you’d think, the 1 Series comes in twin-turbo four-cylinder 123d guise. With 214bhp, it’s got bags of go. It’s obvious, then. Chuck this into the 3 Series, revive a classic nametag from the past, and bingo. Yet another niche filled.
Not so fast. Earlier today, BMW told me there are no plans for a 323d. Pity. The engine is a gem, and the lighter 2.0-litre engine would help create a wonderfully balanced high-performance diesel.
Help, however, is at hand! See, Alpina GB clearly shares my thinking. And has just started importing the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo. Yes, it’s a 3 Series saloon, with a 123d engine transplant, and the usual hardcore Alpina makeover.
It looks great. But if, like BMW, you think ‘hey – why not just buy the peachier six-pot 325d’, here’s some stats:
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo/BMW 325d M Sport
Price: £29,950/£30,825
Power: 214bhp/197bhp
0-62mph: 6.9secs/7.4secs
MPG: 52.3mpg/49.6mpg
CO2: 143g/km/153g/km
Compelling, aye? Furthermore, with the Alpina, you get a stackload of ‘in the know’ kudos to boot. Those stripes, those badges, those wheels, that ALPINA sticker on the front splitter…
But is it any good? Are pace and economy fair substitute for the loss of six-cylinder smoothness?
A test drive request has duly been sent. Watch this space.
