Articles by Ashlee Pleffer

Proton is jumping on the popular light-car segment in Australia by reintroducing the Satria after a two-year absence. The Satria (which means warrior), joins Proton's other small cars, the Saavy and Gen-2. While the new model may not exactly be up to Braveheart "warrior" standard, it is up to the benchmark of other cars in its class.The Satria Neo, as it is now called, is available in two specification levels: the GX, starting at $18,990 and the GXR at $20,990, both drive-away prices. That's dearer than the likes of Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz but Proton is pitching the Satria further up the ladder, against the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.The three-door hatch features a revised and redeveloped 1.6-litre, four-cylinder CamPro engine, with 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Don't expect a thrilling ride, but for a car priced under $20,000, it's not bad, either. This is only the third car the Malaysian brand has fully developed using its own engineering and design team, as well as drawing on the expertise of connected brand, Lotus.The Satria Neo is attractive. It incorporates its own design mixed with some familiar elements from other small cars. Proton claims a European influence in the styling.Both models have a similar exterior, but for an extra $2000 for the GXR, you feel a bit short changed. You want something that advertises your superior status, apart from the rear spoiler. Alloy wheels are the only other physical difference, although even these aren't very different in design.The exhaust, on the other hand, is a real stand-out, with the single-mounted chrome tail pipe located smack bang in the middle of the Satria's posterior.On the inside, it feels a bit small, especially in the back seats. It has one of the tiniest gloveboxes so you can forget about storing accessories (although, I guess, it would fit a pair of gloves). Further storage is a stretch, with only cup holders in the middle and no real area to store wallets or mobile phones.The layout of the centre console is simple, but it seems to work. Proton claims it has gone with the Lotus minimalist concept on the interior. The airconditioning is basic and, in the GX model, struggles on a typical Australian summer day.The boot continues the minimal storage theme, and a relatively low roof means reduced interior space. So no, it's not a great car for a tall person.In terms of handling and ride comfort, the Satria is impressive for a small car. This is largely because of its Lotus DNA. It wears a small badge on the back advertising this.The new Proton boasts an entirely new, stronger platform and is an evolution from the previous best-selling Satria GTi, the performance model.On the road, the Satria Neo grips well and takes corners at faster speeds soundly.The five-speed manual transmission is smooth with a high gear ratio.Both specifications are also available in a four-speed auto for an extra $1000, which has been improved with smoother shifting and a more even power distribution.Taking into account the type of car this is, its performance is certainly reasonable. But you do notice it's just missing that extra bit of life to make it a truly enjoyable ride. The car hits peak power at 6000rpm, which takes a while to get to, especially on slight inclines.There's a fair bit of road noise, especially on the entry-level model GX, with the inferior tyres. The Continental SportContact-2 tyres on the GXR are slightly better.The Satria also uses new materials to reduce noise levels in the cabin.The equipment list is impressive, with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, airconditioning, electric windows, power steering, rear sensors and a CD player all standard.The GXR adds a rear spoiler, front integrated fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as cruise control on the auto only.It has a claimed 7.2-litres per 100km for the manual, 7.6-litres for the auto, although our test on winding roads, mixed with some quiet town driving, saw a reading of 8.6-litres per 100km, and 8.2-litres on the return highway, combined city trip. That extra power may not be far off, with a new GTi model a possibility for the near future. Proton is forecasting 600 sales for the year.While Satria Neo has given off a decent first impression, although a little pricey, only time will tell if this Malaysian trouper has the durability and tenacity of a real warrior.

The British-built Caparo T1 races from 0-100km in just 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320km/h.Only 24 cars will be sold worldwide and while motor show director Russ Tyrie says the company would probably sell one to anyone in Australia who was interested, and could afford the price tag of about $625,000, there won't be any international distributors set up and sales will be dealt with through the company.With the credibility of engineers who were behind the iconic McLaren F1, the Caparo T1 has been developed with hi-tech aerospace and racing technologies.It has a lightweight, mid-mounted V8 engine, producing 360kW at 10,500rpm. The Caparo is designed in sections for easy repair and it can achieve cornering and braking forces of three times the force of gravity.The T1 is on its way to Australia especially for the Melbourne International Motor Show, which runs from March 2 to 12, to demonstrate the engineering design company's capacity with lightweight materials. 

Also a V8, the CL63 AMG is the next model in the range, delivering 385kW and 630Nm from the 6.2-litre engine. Priced at $383,000, the AMG engine is hand-assembled and is matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission.At the top of the range is the 5.5-litre CL600, with a $389,000 price tag.The range-topper has a bi-turbo 12-cylinder engine with 380kW, an increase of 12kW over the present engine, and 830Nm from 1900rpm through to 3500rpm, and increase of 30Nm.The better performance means the CL600 knocks 0.2 seconds off the dash to 100km/h achieving it in just 4.6 seconds.And these improvements don't mean a sacrifice in fuel consumption, now recording 0.4-litres less fuel per 100km than its predecessor.The CL600 has longer and wider dimensions, providing more space in the interior and it also features seats that give a well-earned massage.All models have the COMAND system, which features integrated sat nav, DVD and television tuner. Parking guidance assist and night view assist are also included.Dodge turns to dieselDodge has jumped on board the diesel trend, adding a more powerful turbo diesel model tothe Caliber range.The 2.0-litre turbo diesel starts from $28,990 for the ST specification level and delivers 103kW at 4000rpm and 310Nm at 2500rpm, through a six-speed manual transmission.Boasting a low fuel consumption of 6.0-litres per 100km, the diesel model also features the latest safety equipment with Electronic Stability Program, traction control and brake assistas standard. All models feature dual frontand side-curtain airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The Caliber has received the US Government's five-star rating for side and frontal impact crash protection.The CRD is the fourth engine in the Caliber range and Chrysler managing director Gerry Jenkins says the addition of a diesel allows customers to enjoy a better performance, without worrying about higher fuel consumption.Chrysler spokesman Simon Johnson says the company expects the Volkswagen 2.0-litre diesel engine to be popular with customers. He says the Caliber has been selling very well and the company hopes the arrival of the diesel will alleviate supply constraints, which have prevented larger volume sales.The SX diesel is priced at $30,490 and the top SXT specification level has a $31,900 price point.Johnson says there are no plans at present for additional engines to the Caliber range, but if the high performance SRT4 became available in right-hand drive, Dodge Australia will be putting their hand up for it.

Driving Audi's TT exudes style, luxury and performance, in a cute, elegant, little package. We first met the TT in Melbourne on its Australian launch at the end of 2006 and it was one memorable rendezvous, stretching her legs on Phillip Island Racetrack.Here we saw she could handle her own at speeds of up to 200km/h.But this time, the base model TT got to spend some time in our garage and prove she's more than just a sporty car. She's one that can handle busy Sydney roads as well.Equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo engine, the entry level TT is priced at $68,900. Ours came with extra touches such as fine Nappa leather upholstery for $800, storage package, $400, and Audi's magnetic ride for an extra $3000.The turbo TT has much to offer and is reasonably priced for its segment.From the word go, the turbo TT responds. You ask it a question with the accelerator and it answers with an impressive growl.Constantly working hard, the turbo dazzles you with its charm even at cruising. It won't stop there, digging deeper when you reach higher up the tacho. Its 280Nm of torque comes on as low as 1800rpm, remaining strong through to 5000rpm. In terms of power, there's 147kW at 5100rpm to 6000rpm. The front-wheel-drive TT races 0-100km per hour in 6.6 seconds, in the six-speed manual guise.Now that's not going to break any records, but it will give you an enjoyable ride, accentuated by her low sportscar dynamics.The ride is bumpy and gets too firm at lower revs, more so when you or your passenger find that sport suspension button near the gearstick. It makes sure you feel every pot hole in the road, yet it ensures better handling around corners, providing greater control and minimising body motion.Once your foot's on the throttle and you give it decent oomph, the TT excels.She's economical to run with fuel consumption figures of 7.8-litres per 100km on our test.It comes with impractical rear seats, unless you only intend to transport children under 10. A trip into the city with an adult seated in the back provided comic relief for those in the front, but not so much for the unfortunate soul testing out her contortionist-like moves.With a hunched back and crooked neck, it was an uncomfortable ride.In terms of design, the TT has the stunning looks from when it first came onto the market in 1998. But other brands seem to have caught up with the futuristic-like appeal of the Alfa Brera, Nissan 350Z and other offerings from the likes of BMW and Mercedes.The TT possesses typical Audi character and class but with some enhanced styling changes, including a longer, wider body. The roof has been repositioned further to the rear. Because of lighter aluminium technology called the Audi Space Frame, the TT is lighter than its predecessor.A small spoiler that is activated when reaching 120km/h automatically or by the touch of a button, adds to the sporty appeal and enhances performance by increasing negative lift at the rear wheels.The design, influenced by the Bauhaus style of the 1920s, is sexy with its glamorous appearance, eight years after we first saw it.While the inside may be uncomfortable for the back passenger, those in the front will enjoy comfort, luxury and sophistication. The circle theme of the brand is accentuated on the air vents, air conditioning and radio knobs, and the speedo and tacho. Silver trim adds a contrast on the black console, as you slide into the side-hugging leather seats.With a high window line starting above your shoulder, low ceiling, snug environment and a racing steering wheel with a flat bottom, like that in the RS4, there's no doubt you'll feel low and sporty in the TT.But there are some things that could be improved, such as a spare tyre as standard. Instead it gets a tyre mobility system, an aerosol can of goo that repairs any damage. And it doesn't have a great deal of boot space, although, as one passenger said: "At least it had more space than the back seat."Caution is needed in car parks, with typical coupe long doors. And when in underground car parks with low roofs, be extra careful when opening the boot.

Demonstration vehicles with UK specification were on hand for the press this week at the appropriate sugarcane region in Queensland.The Saab 9-5 BioPower is flex-fuel capable, which means it can run on E85 ethanol or petrol or any combination.Saab Australia and New Zealand director Parveen Batish says 9-5 BioPower vehicles are available to order. He anticipates their arrival about late March. They are expected to have a $1000 to $1500 price increase over the current 9-5 range and will be available in sedan and wagon form.But as E85 is not yet publicly available at the pump and doesn't seem to be part of the plan for the near future, the cars will have to rely on E10 or unleaded petrol.Saab says there is no indication of when we will see E85, but hopes its BioPower 9-5 will help speed up the process.The bioethanol used by Saab, which is produced from biomass, reduces emissions in the environment as the CO2 released during driving on E85 is removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis."Ethanol is the fastest-growing alternative fuel in the world, because it's renewable," Batish says. "It doesn't add to carbon dioxide. We at Saab believe ethanol is a key part to the environment's future."And Saab has proven that ethanol doesn't mean you have to sacrifice performance. Indeed, the BioPower 9-5 produces better figures on ethanol than on petrol.The 9-5 vehicles used for the launch had the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine, generating 132kW, up from the 110kW on petrol and 280Nm, an increase of 40Nm.But the models expected to arrive in Australia this year will be powered by the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine, with 154kW, up from 136kW on petrol and 310Nm or torque, compared to the petrol's 280Nm.Driving the BioPower 2.0-litre doesn't feel different to a normal petrol-powered car, although it takes away some of the guilt, knowing you're helping the environment. It's like eating low-fat chocolate and knowing you won't put on the kilos.On the road, our test model made an unusually loud, jet-like sound, which apparently wasn't supposed to happen.There was ample power on hand and it gave off an adequate performance on the track and real-road conditions, but still seemed to lack pizazz. The cars driven will spend a few months getting a workout by the media, government, industry and fleets for long-term testing, with E85 provided for the period by ethanol producers from NSW, the Manildra Group."We are using the by-products of crops that are actually waste," Batish says.In order to run on bioethanol, Batish says no new technology is needed, rather the car just has to undergo minor engineering changes. By running on E85, the BioPower 9-5 is believed to reduce emissions by about 80 per cent.While E85 consists of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol and is already used to start vehicles in cold climates, Saab says it has also developed the ability to run vehicles on 100 per cent ethanol.BioPower 9-5 Saabs are already on the road in overseas markets, with more than 12,000 BioPower cars delivered in Sweden since July 2005. They are also available in Britain, Germany, Ireland and France, countries equipped with some E85 filling stations and where the governments offer tax breaks, reduced fees and cheaper parking to those driving the vehicles.But Batish says there is a whole industry of ethanol already under way in Australia.Renewable Fuels Australia executive director Bob Gordon agrees that ethanol is a good option for the present."Ethanol isn't going to solve our problems in decades to come, but until hydrogen-cell technology comes on line, we need a process to get there," Gordon says. "It's a stepping stone."Batish adds: "We think biopower leaves a cleaner footprint on the environment."Saab also released its 2007 9-3 diesel range this week. The company proudly boasts the title of the most fuel-efficient premium sedan and wagon on the market. It even has the first diesel-powered convertible in Australia, also making it the most fuel efficient of its type.The 9-3 diesel sports sedan has a 5.8-litre per 100km fuel consumption combined claim, 6.3-litres per 100km for the convertible and 5.9-litres per 100km for the SportCombi.Prices start at $44,900 for the manual sedan, $67,400 for the manual Convertible and the SportCombi starts at $47,400, all available with the Linear specification level.The 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine produces 110kW and 320Nm and all the models have a six-speed manual as standard, with a six-speed auto optional.Batish says there is now a greater acceptance of diesel engines and their positives, such as high-torque engines and better fuel efficiency.

Some of America's top drivers are presently in Australia for the Outlaw Down Under Series, where they are competing against local drivers at Parramatta City Raceway in Australia's biggest sprint-car event.As the only female on the tour, Anderson says although she isn't treated differently by her peers, she understands it takes time and experience to reach the top. "You have to come out here and earn their respect," she says. "Some help you more than others. A couple of other girls run some of the Outlaw races, but I'm the only female full-time driver."The girl from Houston, Delaware, attended her first race at just six-weeks-old. With a father involved in racing, it wasn't long before Anderson herself got behind a wheel, racing micro sprints at 11-years-old.And now, on the Outlaw tour, Anderson travels from town to town showing she really does have what it takes. In her rookie season last year, she had five top 10 finishes and seems to have earned the respect of fellow American driver, Joey Saldana, who says women are bringing greater diversity to the sport."Bec ran Outlaws this year, she did a great job. She's definitely improved quite a bit," Saldana says. "It brings more interest to the sport, at home women are probably 75 per cent of the fans, they're definitely interested."And Australian driver Trevor Green, who competes in the US and Australia, says "you would be a fool to take Anderson lightly".But it's not easy competing with America's best. Anderson says it also involves remaining in good physical shape."You compete 15 times in 39 days sometimes, which is pretty gruelling," she says. "It's one of those things where you're constantly on the go, you live in a truck out of a suitcase."But Anderson isn't complaining. Her passion for her chosen sport far outweighs the sacrifices. "The excitement, it's a big adrenalin rush, when you race that fast, that close to one another," she says. "It's the biggest rush I've ever come across." And Anderson's not the only one who seems to enjoy the racing life.Saldana says "making money doing what you love to do, being a professional race car driver, not working 9 to 5" are all positives.But the 34-year-old says spending 10 months of the year on the road, and then one month in Australia, is tough on family life."I enjoy it, the only bad thing is the time away from home. You have to sacrifice some things. And if you're successful, it's worth doing." And the "Brownsburg Bullet", as Saldana is known, isn't short on success.Last year he won the Kings Royal leg in Ohio, the second biggest race of the year and came second at the biggest race in Knoxville.He races for NASCAR star Kasey Kahne, which he feels very fortunate to do, as it provides a great financial basis and brings extra fans to the sport.This is Saldana's seventh trip to Australia, having competed in previous Outlaw Down Under tours and world series events.He says as it is America's off season, coming to Australia allows drivers to keep in shape in a very competitive environment.For Australian driver Green, the series helped him get his break. An American owner saw him race in the Outlaws Down Under, and when his driver was later injured he turned to the Aussie who impressed him."I absolutely love it. I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't racing. And you don't seem to get worse with age," he says, noting 20-time world champion Steve Kinser is in his 50s. "The more knowledge you get the better you seem to be. It's all about knowledge and experience. I'm 37 now, I've got 15 years left in me," he says.And while the drivers seem friendly and accepting off the track, it's a whole different ball game on the dirt. "When you're on the track, you don't have any friends, it's everyone for themselves," Anderson says.

No, the main reason is the loud, growl of the engine, right in your ears. And for those who like a good tune, it sure is sweet.The Boxster is mid-engined, which means the motor sits directly behind the driver. This has two positives: the noise of the roaring engine, as already established, and it frees up the front of the car for more storage.One thing you'll notice is the surprised look on people's faces as you lift up the bonnet to extract your grocery bags, instead of showing off that pretty Porsche engine.And no need to worry when it comes to the big shopping: there's still extra space in the usual boot in the back.The Boxster got its name from its "boxer" engine and body style, a roadster. The 2.7-litre engine is named after the action of the pistons in its six horizontally opposed cylinders, said to resemble the movements of a boxer.And although it may be Porsche's base model, it's still an impressive and exciting drive.At $108,800, the Boxster is the cheapest Porsche available, although the model we tested had options that brought the total to $123,820.Metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, a park-assist system, a wind deflector and a high-end Bose sound system were rather expensive additions on our drive.Sitting very low, the Boxster is dynamic on the straights and agile around corners. The 2007 model has slightly more power, now delivering 180kW at 6500rpm and 273Nm between 4600 and 6000rpm.It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, which is a bit disappointing for a car in this class. A six-speeder, plus a suspension kit, is another expensive option.Despite the lack of that extra gear, there are no complaints about the five-speed. Once you get the Boxster rolling, it offers plenty of flexibility and extracts sharp performance from the smooth, potent engine.Highway cruising (with the top down, of course), listening to the engine's music, is the best way to drive the Boxster — although city cruising will attract much more attention.Hit 4000rpm and you really feel some urge, although it's sometimes hard to keep a track on the speed limit.The speedometer is calibrated in 50km/h blocks, with only tiny dashes to signify the in-between speeds. So it's hard to tell if you're doing 60 or 80km/h — and you really should be able to tell the difference.Especially in a Boxster. Let the thing rev, and it's easy to get distracted.And because that probably won't be much of a defence when the boys in blue pull you over, Porsche has thought of a solution: a digital display.Demonstrating its athletic abilities, the Boxster sprints to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds. Even acceleration from as low as 2000rpm in fifth gear is quick and sharp — a slight breath in, and the power is drawn out.She's quick off the mark, if the right person is behind the wheel, of course.The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering provides smooth turning and exceptional handling.Even though it's the base model, you'd expect a little more equipment from a car costing $100,000-plus.The seats are still manually operated; there are no electric buttons like on other expensive cars. The basic Boxster also lacks steering-wheel controls.That extra storage space also comes at the expense of a spare tyre. Instead, you get a repair kit. As long as you steer clear of nails or other objects on the road, you won't have a problem.On the upside, the new model is the first roadster to feature head airbags. It also has Porsche Stability Management, plus thorax and front airbags.An electrically operated soft top that retracts in just 12 seconds makes going topless quick and easy. Around town, you don't even have to slow down much — you can travel at 50km/h while removing the roof.With its scooping lines, oval headlights and those fish-like side gills, the Boxster has an aggressive, yet classy, stance. The front bonnet scoops up like flared nostrils, and the firm lines follow the car around to the rear.The only dilemma with the Boxster's low stance is getting in and out. Needless to say, older passengers did it with a moan, while younger ones tried to stylishly slip in. Unfortunately, there wasn't much success on that front.Although driving this Porsche brought an abundance of joy, it seemed a bit unfair. Just one week, with a Boxster, just before Christmas. So much fun in such little time.I guess Santa didn't get my letter; but, fingers crossed, there's a birthday just around the corner ...

Members of the P1 performance club get the pick of some of the world's hottest and most expensive supercars, including brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. P1 Australia director Peter Dempsey says the club has 12 cars and plans to add one new car for every extra five members."With our collection they can take any car out that suits them," he says. The cars are divided into five categories, the top one featuring the most expensive cars, such as a Ferrari F430 Spider and soon a Scaglietti, an Aston Martin DB9 Volante and Vanquish and a Lamborghini Murcielago.Other cars in the mix include a Bentley Continental GT, a Ferrari F430, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and various Porsches. The lower categories might not be quite as impressive, but they'll still turn heads. A BMW M5 and Z4 M Coupe, a Range Rover Sport and a Lotus Exige S2, add to the list.Dempsey says a Hummer H2 will be next to arrive, dressed with a leather package. He is also expecting the arrival of the Audi R8. But getting to drive your dream cars doesn't come cheap."There's a joining fee of $5000 and then there are three different levels of membership, $27,000, $32,000 or $36,500," Dempsey says.Top-end members have a possible 70 driving days a year, with the cheaper membership offering 50 days a year.The company originated in England six years ago, and was co-founded by former Formula One world champion Damon Hill.After two months of operation, the Sydney branch has 50 members. "In Sydney, we cap it at 150 members," Dempsey says. "That's a reflection of the sizeof commercial property that is available to store the cars."The founding British club has 74 cars, including a Ford GT and an Aerial Atom. But Dempsey says they haven't been able to bring these models, as the Atom isn't road legal in Australia and customs won't allow the GT in as it is a left-hand drive. "(But) we're the only ones doing it with the supercars, brand new cars," he says.And it seems that it's not just the usual suspects, the wealthy bankers, lawyers and financiers, who are getting on board.Dempsey says members come from all walks of life and include a greengrocer and a professional golfer. Doctors, dentists, solicitors and barristers are also taking up the chance to get behind the wheel of some amazing cars.The youngest member is a 22-year-old refrigeration engineer from western Sydney.The club takes care of all insurance, maintenance and storage fees and Dempsey says one of the main benefits is that members don't have to worry about huge depreciation on the vehicles."With high taxation, people understand that they're better off putting half a million dollars in an investment and getting to play the field (with) the cars," he says.And while the majority of those taking up the membership are male, Dempsey says women are also driving them as a memberships include two names as drivers."Often guys show the interest and then bring their wives on board as the second name driver," he says.The cars can be taken out for as little as a day, or it can run into months -- depending on members' wants and needs.Dempsey says the weather often forecasts what vehicles will be popular, with the convertibles a hit on the sunny weekends.A second British branch of the club opened in 2004 in Manchester.The Australian section will expand in March, when a Melbourne club is opened, with Formula One driver Mark Weber in attendance again. And Dempsey says that P1 International is also looking towards expanding into Dubai and Hong Kong.

The new Mazda Ryuga, Japanese for "gracious flow", is an extension from the Nagare model, which debuted at the Los Angeles auto show at the beginning of this month."Ryuga is related to that vehicle except it takes the concept further. says Mazda spokesman, Alastair Doak. "It shows a bit more design language and proportion and those things, that's what concepts are all about." It uses rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details.The other new concept, the Kia Kue. is a crossover utility vehicle. Kia spokesman, Jonathan Fletcher says it has "more focus on performance rather than being a load carrying, off road SUV". The Kia Kue sits on 22-inch wheel rims with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches and an overall length of 186 inches. Fletcher says that although it's purely a concept car, it hints at future styling directions for Kia Motors.There are no current plans to bring either concepts to Australia. Doak says the Ryuga could be a possibility for a future Australian motor show, possibly the next Sydney one."We'll ask for one at some time, but at this stage, there are no plans," he says.Fletcher says it is still too early to say if or when the Kue will come to Australia. Sketches of both cars have been released ahead of their debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

If you think the car looks good on paper, in reality it absolutely screams luxury, wealth, elegance and style. At $399,500 you wouldn't expect anything less.The gorgeous sky-blue convertible was on hand for the Australian launch last week and you can't help but feel your confidence level rise as you slip into the cream pure leather interior and get comfy in this dream car. Let's cut to the chase, it's definitely a car you can't help but show off in peak-hour traffic.And that I did.With the roof down, my hair flying uncontrollably, and I mean in the Bridget Jones sense, not an attractive shampoo commercial way, I'm reasonably sure I made a lasting impression on Sydney roads.OK, so I didn't do much to raise my cool status, but the Bentley surely did.With its long body, smooth surfaces and stunning looks, it was love at first sight and not just for me behind the wheel. This attention magnet drew glances from all angles.The Continental GTC is Bentley's soft-top 2+2 convertible. And it is so much more than just looks. She has brains, beauty and power as well. With a six-litre, W12 twin-turbocharged engine, you won't be short on excitement. And the goosebumps creeping on the top of your skin prove it. It generates a massive 411kW at 6100rpm and 650Nm at a low 1600rpm and despite the extra 110kg it carries over the Continental GT coupe, the convertible still races from 0-100km in 5.1 seconds. To put it simply, the 2495kg GTC is a lot of fun to drive.There were roads to conquer, and its weight was not a hindrance. With its tight grip, smooth sailing around corners and the new rear suspension giving a refined yet sporty performance, the soft top is pure luxury — heaven on wheels.The three-layer fold-away roof takes just 25 seconds to disappear and it can do the job while travelling at up to 30km per hour. And there's no need to worry, it has plenty of space in the boot for golf clubs or shopping bags or hey, why not splurge on the pricey, but must-have Bentley matching luggage? It's only a couple of grand, or more, extra.The inside complements the exterior, with its handcrafted wood, leather and polished metals and the air ventilation system has old-fashioned push-pull levers. A nice touch.While the GTC may have been the trendy stunner, it was nicely balanced out with a ride in the more conservative, elegant 2007 Arnage T model. Let me get something straight, conservative by no way indicates less, as is evident from the price.It is rather a sophisticated and mature performer. Its 6.75-litre, V8 twin turbo engine pumps out 372kW and, wait for it, an enormous 1000Nm of torque.Effortless is really the best way of describing this $545,000 car. Royalty is the first thing that pops into your mind and this time, I mean the Buckingham Palace kind.The Arnage T has lavish leather seats, a solid, wide stance on the road, a high seating position, and glides with ease. On narrow roads around Kuring-gai Chase National Park, you really notice the grandeur of the vehicle, but mixed in with busy Sydney roads, the excellent driving dynamics take over and you barely notice its large dimensions.Silver and black were the main colours adorning the interior, adding to the classy character of the model.The large, trademark Bentley grille on the front exudes dominance and contributes to the powerful stance of the Arnage. A smaller, similar grille sits on the GTC.Bentley sells about 100 vehicles overall in Australia a year, so there won't be too many of these new models on our roads.The combined cost of the two cars I drove was nearly one million dollars. So you can see why they are so elite.Putting that into perspective, we're talking houses, a yacht, a big holiday ... let's just say I don't see these Bentleys as being a permanent part of my future. But, hey, a girl can dream and for one afternoon, I even got to pretend.