Hammering the Big Dogs: Part 1

AKA Mr. Angry

Well, yesterday was an interesting one as I had the good fortune to attend the Bentley experience up at Pocono Raceway in sunny Pennsylvania. For those of you that are unaware of these things, they are days that are set up by the manufacturer for buyers or perspective buyers to come out and experience what it’s like to actually drive the latest and greatest that Bentley has to offer. On hand we had a few Continental Flying Spurs, and two Continental GT Speeds (these are REALLY cool).

Now for those of you that think that Bentleys are just big old lumbering tanks, I must inform you that you are dead wrong. My first go round was with the Flying Spur, all 5000+ pounds and 552hp of it. Not only did I drive the Flying Spur, but I also had three other people in the car with me and went out to do some hot laps on Pocono’s tight East Course. That’s right, 4-door Bentley, 5000 pounds, three full grown people and hot laps.

Simply stated, the Flying Spur is an astounding automobile. Loads or power, great brakes with all-wheel drive to boot–amazing. Is it a Ferrari? Nope, and it doesn’t claim to be. What it is, however, is a massive machine that is not only well balanced but confidence-inspiring, to the point where if you were brave enough and a good enough driver, you’d be able to take it to a track and surprise the heck out of a few people. Yes, it’s that good. We did 0-80-0 tests, slalom runs and track time with the thing and I always came away very impressed.

BTW, I forgot to mention that Derek Bell was also there. You know, he’s the guy that won Le Mans five times, raced Formula One for Ferrari and McLaren and is considered to be one of the greatest race car drivers in world. Watch the blog for my review of doing hot laps with Derek in the Continental GT Speed–now that was a trip. If you have questions then ask them and I’ll respond as I could talk about this thing all day long. One more pic after the jump.

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Posted at 4:45 pm in Bentley, Continental, Continental GT, Flying Spur, Mr. Angry, Track

Comments

GTwildfire
May 2, 2008 at 1:24 am

JEEP and BMW used to set up at Philadelphia Park (horse) racing track a couple miles away. The JEEP setup was impressive. Had no clue what the heck was going on with the backhoes and graders until the JEEP semi and tent came on the site. They called it “JEEP 101″, premised on the statistic the so few owners ever took them offroad.
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The course had logs, off-angle terrain, a very steep ascent out of a 10′ pit and straight up a 20 or 25 mound which had flags on each side at the summit (because they were the only thing you could see at that point)… It was a very cool and informational experience. My only regret was not being able to take either of my jeeps onto the course. Had to drive a new cherokee.
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Didn’t do the BMW event, but I saw them converge on the surrounding neighborhood for a few days. That was a combination of road and a track setup in the massive Phila. park parking lot.

Evan
May 1, 2008 at 5:36 pm

So how did you get a chance to go to this, Mike? Planning on replacing your Daily driver??? I’m so Jealous. Nothing impresses me more than a 4 door saloon that can deliver.

I’ve always liked that British term “Saloon.”

Eric
May 1, 2008 at 5:12 pm

Seriously BENTLEY’s are some of the coolest rides out. I’ve said it before on here, you have to drive one to know what its like. My first experience was in an ARNAGE RED LABEL twin turbo v-12, that put my ass in the seat. I love it the only other ride comparable is the MERCEDES AMG S65, but its also not a bentley. I drove a FLYING SPUR and just fell in love, well worth the money to spend!