Bentley Beats Out Lamborghini Gallardo and Maybach 62 to Win Top Pick
When introduced last year at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, an event that marks its annual return this week, Bentley's Continental GT literally stole the show for production cars.
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| Since its North American debute in January of 2003, the Bentley Continental GT has won a host of awards with the latest being luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report's 2004 Car of the Year. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
Although its introduction was relatively low-key compared to Jay Leno's 7:30 AM monologue on behalf of Maybach's luxurious 62, and Rolls-Royce's less graceful but nevertheless impressive Phantom, whose introduction was interrupted by an annoying (although slightly humorous) blast from Dodge's 500-hp Tomahawk motorcycle, it was the Bentley that caused the majority of positive commotion.
Sure Cadillac's Sixteen concept and Ford's cool Mustang GT concept were each sensational, but it was the Continental GT that walked away with best production car in show honors. Over the last year it has won a host of awards, with the latest being luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report's 2004 Car of the Year.
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| Robb Report announced its annual winner, based on a vehicle's technical design, styling, performance and premium level exclusivity. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
The magazine's editors, that include Senior Vice President/Creative Director and automotive editor of The Robb Report Collection Robert Ross, Editor-at-Large Paul Dean, and Associate Editors Christian Gulliksen and Fluto Shinzawa, gave the Continental GT top marks for its "exceptional security at speed, the ultimate exhilaration of getting there and the distinction, elegance and comfort in luxury that is an absolute."
Robb Report announced its annual winner, based on a vehicle's technical design, styling, performance and premium level exclusivity, at the 2004 Los Angeles auto show on December 30.
And it wasn't like the competition was easy. Finalists included the Audi RS6, BMW 645Ci, Cadillac XLR, Jaguar XJR, Lamborghini Gallardo, Maybach 62, Morgan Aero 8, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Subaru WRX STi.