The fact its huge brake rotors were what I focused on when the 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports was pulled into my driveway might be an indication I’ve spent much too much time around cars.
The carbon ceramic rotors visible through the Bentley’s 20-inch smoked-steel-finished wheels are impressive – 16.5 inches, the largest brakes ever placed on a production automobile. Fourteen-inchers are considered large among most car producers.
With many other motorists passing and switching lanes, the stopping power of those brakes lent a secure feel as I drove, with Jan, Dale and Sandy Wells aboard, up I-70 to Georgetown for breakfast Sunday morning at the Happy Cooker.
With a 622-horsepower, 12-cylinder engine beneath its twin-vented bonnet, the $286,000 Supersports coupe excels on a mountain climb. The original powerplant was designed by Volkswagen, owner of Bentley, for its Phaeton sedan, and, with four banks of cylinders was called a W-12. After redesign by Bentley engineers, including the addition of twin-turbochargers, it is very compact, only 6.0 liters, and of such a narrow angle between the banks of cylinders that it looks much the same as a V-12 design. Regardless, its power has never been doubted.
It is a variation of the Bentley Continental GT and its “Supersports” name is a throwback to the 1925 Bentley Supersports, which was the first production Bentley to attain 100 miles per hour and won the 24 Hours of LeMans. Top speed of the 2010 version exceeds 200 miles per hour, and it runs 0 to 60 under 4 seconds. Its smooth, quick ZF-built 6-speed automatic transmission can be shifted with large paddles on the steering post. Few trannies will downshift as quickly. For the drive to Georgetown and back, the coupe averaged 16.4 miles per gallon.
Torque in the coupe’s all-wheel-drive setup is split from the Torsen center differential 40 percent front/60 percent rear, lending a rear-wheel-drive feel to its general performance.
The ride of the English-built 4,900-pounder is magnificent, close to that of Bentley’s big sedans; it offers air suspension and adjustable ride height. The comfort of the well-contoured rear seats overcame somewhat tight legroom, said Sandy of her ride. The Bentley’s seats are finely finished in soft leather and suedelike alcantra inserts.
Forget about those drive-through coffee breaks in a Bentley. The interior has only one poorly placed cupholder which requires lifting the long lid of the center console, then, in order to enjoy the drink, the driver must undertwist a wrist, grasp the cup and balance it within drinking distance.
The Supersports coupe is readily recognized by the winged-B on its hood and trunk. The flying B is as familiar to the automotive world as is Rolls-Royce’s flying lady.
As we head home from Georgetown, I’m reminded by Jan of Bentley’s request that I drive the model no more than 200 miles. I’m still 15 miles from home when the Supersports’ odometer passes the 200-mile mark the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog’s head the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog’s head the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog’s head the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog’s head the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog’s head.
A look back
Thirty years ago this month, I reviewed in The Denver Post a 1980 Saab 900 Turbo. Excerpts:
The 1980 Saab 900 Turbo begs to be driven – it’s got torque and it’s a tough mountain climber. Handling on the curves with the front-wheel-drive auto is smooth as skis on snow. Power blasts through when the turbocharger is activated on the 121-cubic-inch 4-cylinder engine. From dead stop to 50 miles per hour it is as fast as anything I’ve driven this year. The turbo kicks into use only under heavy throttle demand; with a lighter foot from the driver, the Saab can average 22 to 33 miles per gallon. Seats and headrests have been improved since 1978, but the car still lacks adequate footroom for the driver. Braking is true on the Saab, equipped with disc brakes all around with 388 square inches of swept area. The 2,800-pound Saab is on a wheelbase of 99.4 inches; its track is only 55.9 inches in front and 56.3 in the rear. Price of the test model was $14,624, including AM/FM stereo. Saab is aimed at a select group of people, and the Denver market is one of the strongest in the country. The 900 Turbo was provided for review by Tom Heydman Pontiac Saab, 5500 S. Broadway.
2010 Bentley Continental Supersports
$286,845
(price as tested)
MPG City 12 Highway 19
Vehicle type: Premium AWD coupe
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Length/Width/Height: 189.1/76.6/54.3 inches
Weight: 4,940 pounds
Engine: 6.0-liter W-12
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 16.4 mpg
Fuel tank: 23.8 gallons
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles basic
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, M6 coupe, Jaguar XK
Built at: Crewe, England
THE STICKER
$267,000 base
$6,900 Naim high-fidelity audio
$5,250 Four-seat option
$1,320 Rearview camera
$580 Front-seat massagers
$2,595 Destination
PLUSES
Excellent stopping power
12-cylinder performance
Ride comfort
Pleasant interior
MINUSES
Forgotten cupholders
Average navigation
