The result of the new Continental Flying Spur being built on two continents, as mentioned when this review began, is that
overall Bentley sales have increased by more than 31 percent, to a phenomenal 8,627 units throughout 2005. And the world's most popular ultra-premium marque isn't about to reign in its success either, with a new Arnage-based Azure "drophead" coupe (British for convertible) arriving this spring and the long-anticipated Continental GTC, a Continental GT minus the fixed roof, arriving in the fall.
Just what VW will do with its glass-encased Dresden boutique assembly plant in the near future is anyone's guess, however, as all Bentley production will once again take place in Crewe by 2007; once the British factory's full upgrade is finished, giving it a 9,000 unit per year capacity. Even if Bentley can sell more than 9,000 cars per year, it is unlikely that it will expand very far beyond this mark, being that exclusivity is one of the key elements that make the winged-B badge so appealing in the first place.
After all, even Her Majesty the Queen of England gets driven around in a stretched version of the Arnage, dubbed the State Limousine; about as influential a spokesperson any company could ever hope to entice. And truly, I felt like royalty during my very short three-day test. I wasn't being shuttled by a chauffeur, mind you, but, this said, Bentley would be quick to point out that its cars are hand-built for people who like to drive first and foremost, not just for those who enjoy being driven. I mean, why waste such an indulgence on the hired help?
Specifications:
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| Some interior details, such as these handcrafted vents that allow for the Spur's four-zone climate control system, are exquisitely finished. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Just what VW will do with its glass-encased Dresden boutique assembly plant in the near future is anyone's guess, however, as all Bentley production will once again take place in Crewe by 2007; once the British factory's full upgrade is finished, giving it a 9,000 unit per year capacity. Even if Bentley can sell more than 9,000 cars per year, it is unlikely that it will expand very far beyond this mark, being that exclusivity is one of the key elements that make the winged-B badge so appealing in the first place.
After all, even Her Majesty the Queen of England gets driven around in a stretched version of the Arnage, dubbed the State Limousine; about as influential a spokesperson any company could ever hope to entice. And truly, I felt like royalty during my very short three-day test. I wasn't being shuttled by a chauffeur, mind you, but, this said, Bentley would be quick to point out that its cars are hand-built for people who like to drive first and foremost, not just for those who enjoy being driven. I mean, why waste such an indulgence on the hired help?
Specifications:
- Base Price (MSRP): $227,465
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 552 hp, 479 lb-ft of torque, 6.0L, 48-valve, DOHC, twin-turbocharged W12
- Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ paddle-shift actuated manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 2,475 kg (5,456 lbs)
- Performance (0 - 100 km/h): 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 312 km/h (194 mph)
- Tires (frt/rr): P275/40R19
- Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,307 / 1,916 / 1,479 / 3,065 mm (208.9 / 75.4 / 58.2 / 120.7 in)
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 475 L (16.8 cu-ft)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 26.4 / 12.7 (EU certified)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36 / unlimited comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Audi A8 W12 6.0, BMW 760Li, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S600 / S55 AMG / S63 AMG, Volkswagen Phaeton W12
- Web Site: www.bentleymotors.com
2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
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