Latest News | News Break Nigeria His Royal Highness, The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State and Chairman, Obat Oil and Gas, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, is certainly one of the traditional rulers to reckon with. He made history sometime ago when he was reported to be the first black person to buy the 2014 model of Bentley Continental GT, and a customised one at that. The car, which has OLUGBO as its number plate, has continued to impress all that come across it, while tempting those who pretend not to care to steal a glance, at least twice. During a state visit by the Oba and some of his colleagues to the President recently, the car also introduced itself even at the Aso Rock as some members of staff came out to see the beauty. It was learnt that the Bentley is just one of the luxury rides in the Oba’s garage. The luxurious 2014 Bentley Continental GT seems purposely made for kings and for anyone looking for an exquisitely crafted automobile for daily drive or weekend road trips. It costs about N32m, and customising it will sure jerk up the price. Well-mannered in nearly every situation, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT is a powerhouse more fitted for gentlemen than a rock star. It impresses any driver, and boggles the mind of almost every pocketbook with its opulence, and impeccable materials and contemporary electronics which all make driving both effortless and involving. Bentley claims it is the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. Actually, it is one of the fastest series-production cars ever built; faster than a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG or BMW M6. It charges to 100 mph in about 9.7 seconds. The Bentley Continental GT offers a choice of two engines; the twin-turbocharged V-8 with immense horsepower, and there is the W-12, which continues to define the Continental line-up. Furthermore, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S (Speed) is the convertible. Performance The 2014 Bentley Continental GT comes with a higher-output version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged for the V-8 or 6.0-litre for the W-12 engine. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission gearbox offered on all trims and All-wheel drive system is standard. Bentley estimates that the sprint from 0-60-miles per hour time of only 4.3 seconds, and 4.1 seconds for the W12. The estimated fuel economy is 15mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 18mpg in combined driving for the V8 while the W12 is 12mpg/city, 19/highway and 14mpg combined. Thankfully, the tank holds a generous 24 gallons. These are astonishing feats for a car that weighs nearly three tons and a stunning acceleration. For 2014, the Speed edition, which is available as a convertible, is the most powerful. Features As with any Bentley, the Continental GT’s cabin features only the finest available materials. The interior is an homage to old-world craftsmanship that truly defines ‘world class.’ The 2014 GT comes standard with 21-inch alloy wheels, height adjustable and heated driver and passenger leather seats, trip computer, external temperature display, cruise control, speed-proportional power steering, front and rear parking sensors and memorised settings of functions for three drivers. Driving the 2014 GT comes with a lot of fun. It has a total of eight speakers of 440 watts stereo output, video monitor, DVD player, AM/FM stereo, Auxiliary audio input, USB with external media control, memory card slot and an optional 15GB of music storage. Also present among others are compass and navigation system with voice activation and Google maps compatibility, Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone, a vibrant 8-inch LCD touch screen, rain-sensing wipers, remote anti-theft alarm system, emergency braking assist, daytime running lights and rear-view camera. As with all Bentleys, buyers can choose from a dizzying array of exterior and interior options, such as colours, features, wheels, interior styling, etc., for a price, of course. Safety All the 2014 Bentley Continental GT versions come standard with electronic stability control, driveline traction control, side impact beams, antilock brakes with brake assist, dual stage driver and passenger front and seat-mounted side airbags. Others are driver knee airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row airbags, front and rear parking sensors and low tyre pressure warning. Bentley says its brakes are big and deeply capable, the most powerful brakes ever found on a production car. Comparison Some competitors are worth consideration. The Aston Martin DB9 handles better, while the Maserati GranTurismo still turns heads with its seductive styling. The Mercedes-Benz CL600 and hotter AMG variants also merit a look, despite feeling a little less exclusive than a Bentley. In the end, the Continental GT further cements its place as a front-runner in this class, proving that less can indeed be more. The good: It is luxurious, has many customisation options, fast acceleration despite its weight. Reviewers say passengers will marvel at the Continental’s sensory rush of top-quality materials. The bad: Reviewers say it is expensive, even by luxury standards, heavy and big, thirsty for fuel and has skimpy rear-seat room that makes the back seat difficult to enter easily, and legroom and shoulder room are not in abundance. Thecarconnection, edmunds, caradvice, caranddriver.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:18:27 +0000