Articles by Spencer Leech

Bentley’s W12-powered Continental GT has been crowned fastest production car at Pikes Peak, following a record-setting run at the famous hill climb on Sunday, 30 June.Pikes Peak veteran Rhys Millen piloted the British coupe to the chequered flag in 10 minutes and 18.4 seconds, shaving eight seconds off the previous record, and averaging 112.4km/h.Millen was suitably pleased following the record drive: ''This is an amazing finish to a wet, snowy 2019 run at Pikes Peak,”“We came here with one goal in mind, and that was to be the fastest production car up the mountain and set a new record.“Today was a challenge with what Mother Nature threw at us, but the Continental GT held strong all the way to the top, and we are now number one.”The 156-bend, 20-kilometre hill climb was made particularly difficult this year due to poor weather conditions, and as always, the high altitude put the pressure on drivers and vehicles alike.With the start line positioned 2800 metres above sea level, the air density on the mountain is reduced by a third, forcing the Continental GT's 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 to work extra hard.At ground level, the big coupe produces 473kW and 900Nm, and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds.Last year, Millen set the outright record for a production SUV on the Pikes Peak course, steering a Bentley Bentayga up the hill in 10 minutes and 49.9 seconds.

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Bentley has revealed its third-generation flagship four-door sedan, the Flying Spur, featuring an all-new design, a more lavish cabin and a thumping 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine.In terms of styling, the Flying Spur borrows much from the two-door Continental GT, with muscular quarter panels and long, flowing body lines.Dimensionally, the Flying Spur is longer than its predecessor at 5304mm, which has in turn stretched the wheelbase by 130mm to 3195mm. As a result, the British limo offers more legroom for rear passengers.The exterior is also highlighted by LED matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres and a large panoramic sunroof.Up front, a wide grille boasts long vertical chrome slats which hark back to the 1957 S1 Continental Flying Spur, while the honeycomb lower grille can be finished in bright chrome or black.Perhaps borrowing moves from Rolls-Royce, the “Flying B” bonnet ornament retracts electrically, and illuminates as part of a welcome lighting sequence as the driver approaches the car.Powering the luxobarge is a 466kW/900Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, as featured in the Bentayga Speed performance SUV, with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending drive to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system.Despite a hefty 2435 kilogram kerb weight, the new Flying Spur sprints from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 333km/h.To compensate for the extended wheelbase, the Flying Spur utilises an all-wheel steering system for improved low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.Suspension is handled by new air springs, which feature electronic damping control to adjust between a more comfort-oriented or sporty ride.Inside, the cabin uses a number of high-end materials including diamond quilted leather on the door cards.Bentley will offer 15 upholstery colours for the seats and headlining, as well as seven veneer options including Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Fiddleback and Piano Black.Customers can also combine veneer types for a more bespoke product.The seats are fitted with heating, ventilation, multi-mode massage and adjustable bolster technologies as standard.A large 12.3-inch touchscreen can remain completely hidden using a unique rotating centre console, allowing for a more minimalist style when stowed.For an old-school feel, customers can swap the touchscreen for a number of analogue dials displaying chronometer, compass and outside temperature data.Audiophiles will welcome the optional 19-speaker, 2200-watt Naim sound system which features active bass transducers incorporated in the front seats. Australian timing and specifications have yet to be revealed, however, European deliveries are earmarked for early 2020.

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