When too much is never enough there are always exclusive brands like Bentley. And if you’re average Bentley is too, erm, average, then there’s the Continental GT Speed. This is the one with the W12 twin-turbo engine that’s been tweaked for extra power and torque. Just what everyone needs really… That and a $500k price tag!

The Bentley Continental GT is a car for conspicuous consumers; people who want the world to know they are so outrageously rich they can afford a car so outrageously expensive.

Or to put it the other way, it’s not for those amongst us who disdain the spotlight and maybe have a more socially equitable view of the world.

But gee, if ever there was a car that was going to ignite the dollar-hungry capitalist in us all then it’s this big, bluff top-spec Bentley Continental GT Speed 2+2 coupe. All $485,200 of it. Either that or maybe the convertible version at $534,400…

The GT Speed is the Conti with the twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine that’s been tuned-up to deliver 467kW/820Nm. That’s an extra 33kW/100Nm compared to the standard W12, which by the way is essentially two narrow angle Volkswagen V6 engines bolted together.

It’s the engine that is the special part of this deal. That’s because it goes so hard. No 2320kg (yes, 2.32 tonnes!) should slam you back into the seat like this.

Hit the throttle to overtake and you’ll be out across the broken lines and back before you have time to hit the blinker. Mountains become molehills. Molehills are crushed.

The immense capability of the GT Speed was amply demonstrated late last year when racing driver John Bowe topped 330km/h on the unrestricted Sturt Highway north of Alice Springs.

Not only is our test car the same model, it is the very same car.

But the best bit of the GT Speed is not that it tops 300km/h – or even the raw rate of acceleration. After all, 0-100km/h in 4.2sec is not supercar stunning in this age of 2.8sec Teslas.

No, where the GT Speed hits a homer is the way the permanent all-wheel drive system and 275/35 ZR21 Pirelli PZero tyres take all that firepower and fling this car forward rocket-like out of any corner.

Be ready for it, because the next corner will turn up quicker than you expect. Yes, the 405mm front discs and eight-piston callipers are massive and the stopping power immense. But they’re only so much help if you’re playing catch-up with a car that truly lives up to its name.

Two days later I drove the ridiculous yet loveable Walkinshaw Performance W547 on the same set of winding, hairpin-festooned roads. It has more power and more torque than the big Bentley coupe, but felt nowhere near as fast. The W12 revved so much more quickly and there was so much more traction. Any speed, any angle, any time, the Bentley just leapt forward.

So at this point you probably suspect there’s a Torr-ish 90/100 coming for the GT Speed [Eds note: I think the correct adjective is Torr-oidal]. Only if drool-inducing acceleration is the only parameter by which we mark cars. It’s not. And no, I am not going to start clacking on about the 15.5L/100km on-test fuel consumption rate we averaged. If you can afford this thing, then that’s not an issue.
What is an issue is the dynamic set-up of the GT Speed, which is simply not as good as the engine. The electric-assist rack and pinion steering is accurate enough, but there’s annoying rattle on corner bumps.

Those bumps and corrugations also upset the GT Speed’s ride and handling. On their softest of four settings the air springs provide neither sufficient body control or comfort. Dial them up to Sport and the body flattens out noticeably while ride doesn’t get any worse. What all that also means is this is not a car you chuck at corner. Brake straight, turn it in with a little in reserve then boot it…
That’s what happens when you combine stiffened short travel suspension, liquorice strap tyres and an excessive kerb weight. Something’s gotta give.

But for milder driving this is a very quiet car, with only a smattering of tyre noise. So if your commute is smooth then go for it. I hope it’s unrestricted too.

The test car lost further ground because of a still unexplained electrical glitch. When it was collected it wouldn’t charge my phone – which had to be plugged into an adaptor in the glovebox via a Bentley-supplied cable (yep, no USB outlet).

Then the radar cruise control didn’t operate, an exclamation mark popping up in the instrument panel.

It all came to a head at an urban intersection, when I went to switch lanes at low speeds and the GT Speed simply conked out. Lights, power, gone. Not a darn thing. The car rolled to a stop halfway up a concrete median strip.

It re-started and the glitch vanished, never to reappear in our short time with the GT Speed. The ACC worked, the phone charged. Isolated problem or Conti GT gremlin? Either way it just shouldn’t be an issue in a car like this – or any car at any price for that matter.
But then again when you’re spending this much cash it’s also a surprise to discover how many things are still optional, including the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and a space-saver spare wheel.

But you do get front, side and a driver’s knee airbag, bi-xenon headlights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with 30GB memory and Google Maps memory, dual-zone climate control and 17 standard paint and hide choices.

Also, in a car measuring up at 4806mm long and 1944mm wide it would be nice to have more rear space than the shoebox the GT Speed offers up.

Never mind, stay in the front seats. Because up-front there’s no doubt the GT Speed is a beautiful place to be. Build and material quality of the interior of this car are simply outstanding, heightened by being equipped to Bentley’s Mulliner trim levels. Stitched leather, real metal used in the inserts, comfortable and supportive front seats and even a modicum of storage.

Not that such a pedestrian feature as door pockets will sway a GT Speed buyer. No, when it comes to this car so much of it is about the price, prestige, exclusivity, look and the speed. Very much the speed.

Article & Images via www.carsales.com.au

Just because the temps have dropped and winter is now full swing it does not mean social activities in the gorgeous harbor side city we call Sydney.  We may not get the snow, or exude the same icy vibes that other cities to our south do … However we do have one annual attraction that year after year is loved by Sydney’s young and old alike – Ice Skating!

The city of Sydney offers visitors and locals the opportunity to experience the winter magic with two open air, out door destinations offering completely different vibes.

If you city slicker who love a bit of New York City ambiance need to check out the Winter Festival at St Mary’s Cathedral. Over looking Sydney’s Hyde Park this open air ice rink instantly transforms the Sydney streets in a magical winter wonderland reminiscent of New york Cities Central Park.

If your taste skews towards the sun and sand rather than the snow, then Bondi Winter Magic is for you! With a giant ice skating rink constructed right on the beach in front of The Pavilion. Weather you enjoy taking in the view at the famous Bondi Beach and soaking up some winter sun or prefer to skate under the Sydney night sky, Australia’s only beachside ice rink is the perfect place for you!

Plan your next romantic date, family outing or school holiday activity to keep the kids entertained by pre planning your transport. Relax in the comfort and warmth of a chauffeur driven, prestige vehicle as we navigate traffic, drop you at the front and source parking so you don’t have to.

Mention this blog post to receive 10% off your next booking.

St Mary’s Winter Garden – 19^th of June to the 19^th of July 2015

• Winter Garden Sydney will offer delectable food and beverages, winter activities and entertainment from Friday

www.wintergarden.com.au

Bondi’s Winter Magic – 20^th June,  to the 12^th July 2015

• Open 10:00am – 9:00pm Daily; Ice Skating Lessons offered Monday – Friday

www.bondiwintermagic.org.au

There is always something to do and see in Sydney – Sometimes so much so it’s hard to keep track!  The team at Prestige Chauffeurs thought we would get you prepared  for the month of event ahead by putting together a list of all the fun things to do and see in June around Sydney –

Vivid Sydney is a unique annual event of light, music and ideas, featuring an outdoor ‘gallery’ of extraordinary lighting sculptures, a cutting-edge contemporary music program, some of the world’s most important creative industry forums and, of course, the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails.

It positions Sydney as the creative hub of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and delivers both innovative live entertainment and creative inspiration on a grand scale.

Sydney is a pretty amazing and beautiful city to experience no matter what season, day or night the lights twinkle and the harbor glistens. Weather you are looking up at the Centre Point Tower, climbing the Harbor Bridge, running Mrs. Macquarie’s stairs, strolling the Royal Botanic Gardens, Shopping on Oxford Street or sailing past the Opera House – There is always something to do and see. New events, exhibitions, productions; Therefor it’s our opinion that in order for a show to become an annual event in this city it has to be something pretty damn spectacular. The city facades, buildings, icons and open air space over the next few weeks will loan themselves the visually stunning Vivid Sydney Festival 2015.

Vivid Sydney is happening around Sydney in various locations in the Sydney CBD, on the harbor and even all the way over to Chatswood. There are installations, projections; laser shows a river of light through out the Sydney areas. Dull buildings will come alive when lit with multi-colored patterns, the Opera House bathed in digital artworks and  our Harbor Bridge is resembling an abstract rainbow which onlookers can only see by night adds to the magic of it all.

Unfortunately an event of this scale always comes with a few road closures & not enough parking, so make sure you rely on the team at Prestige Chauffeurs to strategically and efficiently navigate your way through the city streets. Your personal chauffeur can stop at any and all Vivid Sydney exhibitions, wait while you and your enjoy a meal at one of the many five-star restaurants Sydney has to offer.

Let our experienced Prestige Chauffeurs team map out custom designed route for you to explore the lights shows and events or alternatively you can let us know the exhibitions and events you want to see and we will make it happen.

The annual event will be showing from the 22nd May 2015 – 8th June 2015. Call Prestige Chauffeurs today to ask about tours and obtain a quote.

This week Prestige Chauffeurs was honored to be involved in the launch of Sydney’s newest lifestyle concierge service providing elite clientele with best services and experiences that Sydney has to offer.

Prestige Chauffeurs as a partner of The VIP Sydney took the opportunity to provide the pinnacle in Chauffeured vehicles to all the celebrity and media guests on the evening. The Venue Top of The Town Penthouse in Darlinghurst hosted media guests and celebrities to the likes of TV Presenter & David Jones Ambassador Jason Dundas, John Ibrahim, Celebrity Stylist Kelly Smyth, Big Brother 2014 Contestant Jade Albany.

“We have aligned ourselves with the very best professionals in their industry, including Australia’s leading cosmetic surgeon, celebrity personal stylists and Hollywood’s preferred cosmetic dental surgeon, Dr. David Carr,” says VIP founder Karim Gharbi.

Guests were taken by our chauffeurs to the event in a variety of luxury vehicles including Bentley Flying Spurs, Rolls Royce Ghost, BMW 7 – Series, Audi A8 & Q7 Sports. Through out the evening we had a our Valet Director onsite to assist guests arriving in our vehicles and coordinate cars  on to the red carpet, as well as minding our brand new two-tone Rolls Royce Ghost which set prominently at the entrance to the event.

We are excited to work with The VIP Sydney in the coming months to provide Sydney-Siders and visitors alike to experience the very best this beautiful city has to offer from bars & nightclubs, to elite vehicles, shopping experiences, privates jets & the premier beauty & cosmetic services . We couldn’t ask for a more successful event – A massive thank you to Karim Gharbi, company founder & Simon Edds, the business manager from The VIP Sydney, none of this would be possible without them!

Make Sure you check out the The VIP Sydney website – www.thevipsydney.com

Sit back, relax and enjoy your Limo experience with Prestige Chauffeurs

We offer Transfers to Randwick Racecourse in our stylish vehicles. We have a range of current model luxury vehicles to choose from ensuring you arrive at the races in sheer comfort and style, accompanied by the A ­Class service of our personal chauffeurs.

• Prestige Corporate Drivers
• Direct transfers to Randwick Race Course
• Arrive in style & sip Champagne  on your journey
• Don’t wait in long ques
• Transfers to local restaurants after your big day out

Book Now & Get a Quote

Prestige Chauffeurs was formed after noticing a hole in the market for a punctual, professional and complete personal chauffeur service that focused on the needs of Sydney’s corporate and business customers.

• Sydney Airport Limousine transfers between T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic Terminals.
• Travel in style and be picked up early and on time for early departures from Sydney.
• Limo airport transfers to & from hotels in Sydney City, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and all suburbs in Sydney
• Get a Quote NOW

Call: 1-300-665-045

Airport Transfers to Sydney International amd Domestic Airport