New in Stock 2004 Bentley Continental
Engine is 6.0L, 552-hp, twin-turbo W-12, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
0-60 mph at 4.3 seconds!

To walk into the factory from the bright sunshine to see a nicely lit Continental GT coupe parked diagonally at the end of the nearest assembly line is to sneak a peek at car-guy heaven. The car is sleek and looks as though it could easily approach 200 mph without too much coaxing, which we already know to be the case. Even with a top speed just south of 200, the Continental GT accelerates 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds.

But those numbers don't convey the linear sensation of that acceleration. Cockpit isolation is so good that upshifts are barely perceptible, and the rush of acceleration is continuous, seamless, as the car keeps pulling to whatever you've designated as your maximum speed on this road on this day.

The Continental is a true GT car, but an honest 2+2, with comfortable seating for two adults in the rear. Imagine a perfect marriage of German technology and British materials and accommodations, and you get the picture.

Power comes via a 6.0-liter W-12--12 cylinders arranged in four rows in a V-block with four camshafts and 48 valves. It produces 552 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque starting at just 1600 rpm, which may account for the feel of linear thrust mentioned above. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission seems equally happy to operate in any of its three modes: full auto, semi-automatic using the shift lever, or manual using the paddles just behind the steering wheel. The paddles are convenient and intuitive and probably the most fun, but full-auto also will take you through any series of twists and turns choosing the right gear for every situation

The Bentley's compact engine is actually mounted ahead of the front wheels, and the differential, torque converter, and transmission follow in that order. The Continental GT's nose is tightly wrapped around the W-12, giving a visual impression of bluntness and minimal front overhang. For all intents and purposes, the engine compartment is shrink-wrapped around the powerplant.

Practically invisible in the driving experience is the all-wheel-drive system. The car corners "as if on rails," but nothing in the suspension or the powertrain intrudes to suggest that any single component is more responsible for the great handling and roadholding than any other. A brisk standing start on loose gravel might betray the presence of all-wheel drive for instance, but otherwise it's simply your unseen friend. The brakes are massive, both in physical dimensions and performance, but again, they don't announce their presence except to snub the vehicle down from any speed without drama.

In ballistics, the sectional density of a projectile has a great deal to do with its range, accuracy, and performance. This concept kept crossing my mind as I drove the Continental GT. It's quite heavy without being huge, and it conveys a positive feeling of "sectional density." There's something of the projectile in its appearance--and there are joyous moments when it feels faster than a speeding bullet.

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe

The 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage two-door coupe is a front-engined, two-passenger exotic sports car powered by a 380-horsepower, 4.3-liter, all-alloy V8 engine built in Cologne, Germany. Either a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed Sportshift automatic transmission is available. The electro-hydraulic Sportshift automatic transmission provides the option to shift manually using magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.



The 2007 Vantage is equipped with such features as Dynamic Stability Control to prevent loss of traction, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for optimal braking balance, and Emergency Brake Assist for maximum braking performance in emergency situations, as well as LED indicators and side lights, halogen projector headlights, rack-and-pinion power-assisted steering, and 18-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design (19-inch wheels are optional).

As fitting for a world-class sports car, the Vantage also includes a hand-stitched, full-grain leather interior, antracite interior fittings, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, a tire pressure monitoring system, dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, and a 160-watt Aston Martin audio system with a six-disc CD player.

Other features include an aluminum instrument panel with three-dimensional gauges, an organic electroluminescent (OEL) central message display, and a glass starter button.

Options include cruise control, heated seats, a satellite navigation system, and a 700-watt premium audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II.