Vehicle: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersport Convertible
Price as tested: CDN$322430
Performance: If you thought power corrupts anything, then this Supersport really owns anything on the road. The DOHC 6.0 liter W12 48-valve twin-turbo delivers 621 horses and 591 lb/ft of torque with variable valve timing, which is loosely based on the VW Phaeton derived drivetrain, is able to move this 2-tonnes convertible with authority. Absolute power really means anything in the Continental, as its throttle response is responsive without feeling like many sports cars. What it really impressed me is the amazing responsive in both mid and upper ranges. Its linear without feeling abrupt, the linearity has defined Bentley’s sporty elegance in style. Even with twin turbocharging such a large 12-cylinder engine, those British engineers are able to deliver a powertrain that is completely lack of anything called turbo lag. Of course, given the caliber of such a vehicle. The overall engine refinement, smoothness and NVH are above anything else we have ever tested. Mated with this awesome powertrain is the 6-speed manumatic. While the shifts are silky smooth and elegantly moved like the rest of the car does. We are disppointed that the paddle shifters don’t mount on the steering. Instead, it mounts on the steering column which isn’t initutive when you turn the steering. If you can afford a Bentley, you should be able to afford all the gas this beast eats. During the day of our test drive, the Supersport drinks a liter of fuel on every km we tested. As for as how many liters per 100km during our test drive, 99 liters to be exact.
Handling: Given the grand touring nature of the whole Continental series, Supersport has stiffened up the suspension and springs to provide a more sporty personality. The sports suspension doesn’t lost anything when it comes to Bentley’s trademark ride quality, which is both elegantly supple without feeling floaty. Its both comfortably compliant and soft when driven through any patholes, washboard pavement and expansion joints. That has to give credit to the air suspension’s level of adjustment on Continental’s personality when it needed to. Given the weight of this Supersport, the body rolls and understeer are considered as better than expected. Even its steering provides decent enough feel and feedback, while its responsive and precise for some sporty driving through some twisties. The ESC is also an uninstrusive type. It only steps in at the last resort when Supersport rears its ugly head, which is a good thing due to its sporty character. On top of that, the convertible is free of cowl shakes when driven through railroad tracks. The extra stiffness engineered on the worthy VW Phaeton chassis has provided such a strong base as a convertible. Only those who are clueless about auto industry called platform sharing such a bad thing. We don’t even have to mention another great VW Group platform sharing strategy has turned out one great car after another, that’s the one based on Touareg spawn out both Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.
Which all of these 3 SUVs have been judged as class standard in their respective price range.
Brakes: Given the weight of the Continental, its braking performance is more than capable for hauling this beast down to a complete stop. The stopping distance is short, while the large 4-wheel discs with standard ABS have produced exceptional brake feel and feedback. The brake bite is both progressive and linear, while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.
Interior: Unlike previous Bentley, the new Supersport no longer feels sterile and boring. It feels both sporty and classy. The optional carbon fiber trim has added some sportiness and flair into the superb interior. The leather/Alcantara sports seats are both comfortable and provide wonderful thigh/back support when playing. The entire interior is so exquisite made, it makes everyone inside feels exclusive and special. That’s what makes Bentley so special.
Conclusion: Before VW Group purchased Bentley, it was basically a rebadged Rolls Royce with shoddy engineering and nice workmanship. After VW Group injected huge resources into Bentley, the level of engineering is first-rate without losing any of Bentley’s old school craftsmanship. The Continential Supersport is the prime example of this marriage. Unlike its cross-town silibing, Rolls Royce, which has turned out one ugly beast after another. Bentley keeps coming out with one gorgeous beauty after another. And that is a very good thing indeed.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Bentley Continental Supersport Convertible
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 4.25/5