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

With the Summer months now coming to a close (Less than two weeks to be a little more precise) we thought we would put together some things to do in Sydney that you NEED to check off our bucket list this season.

Girls Picnic at The Winery – Surry Hills ( Every Saturday & Sunday)

http://thewinerysurryhills.com.au/whats-on-soon

There’s nothing better than enjoying morish food, great drinks and the company of your best girlfriends on a summer’s day in Sydney. Before the season ends, round up your girl squad for a $45.00 (per person) “Girls Picnic” at the winery in Surry Hills.

You’ll find a huge selection of nibbles, substantial meals, desserts (the brownie is an absolute must), and more cocktails than you’ll know what to do with. Its specialty, needless to say, is wine – and lots of it. But there’s also a range of cocktails and beers on tap, as well as main meals, picky plates and snacks, and private rooms for special functions.

St. George Open Air Cinema

http://www.stgeorgeopenair.com.au

Situated on Mrs Macquaries Point against a backdrop spanning the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline, St. George Open Air Cinema is a premium lifestyle experience, where the allure of film is combined with fine food and wine, and postcard views.

From early evening patrons gather at the harbour’s edge to make the most of the stunning views, vibrant summer atmosphere and enjoy the event’s harbourside bar and restaurant

Then at nightfall, an unrivalled cinematic experience unfolds when the screen is hydraulically raised to stand three storeys high before a 2000 seat grandstand. 32 speaker surround sound, and a program including premieres, previews and the best of current and recent releases completes an unforgettable night.

Gates Open: 6:15pm
Film Commences: 8:30pm ( Approx.)

Timetable

Tue 16 Feb	M	Joy
Web 17 Feb	MA 15+	Sisters
Thu 18 Feb	M	Preview: The Daughter
Fri 19 Feb	PG	St. George Customer Sunset Preview: Hail, Caesar!

Dining At The Boat house Palm Beach

It would be devastating to let the summer go and not have taken in the beyond chic surroundings of Boat House at Palm Beach. This is place is definitely the one the most popular venues (I should mention they have 4 located across the Northern Beaches & North Shore areas) to dine for breakfast, brunch or lunch on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We suggest you make a day of it weather it’s playing a round of golf just next door at the 18-hole golf course, hiking to the top of the Palm Beach Lighthouse to get a glimpse of some of the most breathtaking 360 degree views in New South Wales, paddle boarding, beaching or all of the above. Then follow up any of these activities by enjoying five star food, interiors to rival a vogue living photo shoot and the natural surrounds that are the Boat House Palm Beach – A glass of bubbles is also a must!

http://www.theboathousepb.com.au

Remember to be safe & responsible and stylish by contacting the team at Prestige Chauffeurs to professional designated driver so you can relax and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer.

The past few weeks have been absolutely CRAZY (In the best way possible!!) in the Prestige Chauffeurs office. We have been working on some pretty exciting projects and with some pretty amazing people!

We thought we would take a minute to fill you guys in on what has been happening from Movie Premiers, to Media Tours, Launch Parties, Racing Carnivals and the Dally M Awards
And it goes a little something like this…

CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA TOUR

About two weeks ago Prestige Chauffeurs were absolutely thrilled to take on the Crystal Skull head Media Tour with Dan Aykroyd and the team during their time Sydney. We had a few of our drivers on the job to make sure we took the whole team where they needed to be over the week which was a mix of television channels, radio stations, newspaper outlets and some of the finest restaurants the city of Sydney has to offer! The CSH Team are some of the most professional and laid back VIP’s we have worked with – It was a pleasure to be involved!

BONDS 100

More recently… (We are talking this week) Prestige Chauffeurs were so privileged and excited to be involved with the Bonds 100 Celebrations with special guest the talented and gorgeous Iggy Azalea!! This is one of the biggest coups for us since we have started up. This was a huge event held at the amazing institution that is Café Sydney (we know, we know yet another 5-star restaurant!!) to mark Bonds Australia celebrating their 100-year birthday.

Spring Time… Almost!

It’s always a good thing to be kept busy – And this could not be truer for Prestige Chauffeurs right now! From our MD – to our chauffeurs on the roads we’ve been working full throttle (Forgive the pun!) to get our the social butterflies we like to refer to as our clients from one race day to carnival to weddings, engagements, 21^st‘s and celebrate spring social affairs!

This year are as busy as we have any been – More so than any other season before; SO with that said, make sure you call and book in quickly for all your upcoming events!

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