FIRST LOOK / BENTLEY BROOKLANDS

COUPE' D'AZURE

Bentley has completed its upper model line-up with a limited production coupe'. What's next?

- The Brooklands coupe' joins the Arnage limo and Azure cabrio in the upper line of Bentley's model line-up (circa B40m). The lower Continental range of some B20 is already complete: GT coupe', Flying Spur saloon and GTC convertible.

- The Brooklands name was inspired by the Brooklands racetrack where Bentley forged its sporting pedigree in the 1920s. Only 550 cars will be made with deliveries starting at mid-year. Each Brookland is expected to cost over B50m in Thailand.

- The profile of the Brooklands is a Bentley classic: long bonnet, short front but long rear overhangs, low roofline and steeply rake screens. The most notable design cue that makes the Brooklands different and more modern from its predecessors is the subtle hump in the waistline at the C-pillar.

- The interior is splashed with chrome-rimmed dials, tan-coloured leather and wood veneer. The Brooklands is a strict 2+2 with the individual rear seats getting electrically operated sliding cushions. Overall cabin is claimed to wider than the previous Continental R by 10%.

- Although in use for 50 years, the 6.75-litre V8 has been tweaked to the highest output ever: 530hp and 1,050Nm of torque channelled to a six-speed automatic. Despite an abundance of CO2 emissions that it spews out, green activists have a reason to celebrate: limited production.

- The current model line is now complete. Earlier, rumours that an SUV will be built (which would be shared with Lamborghini's all-new replacement for the LM 4x4) have been quashed by Bentley's top brass. However, an estate-style Shooting Brake hasn't been totally ruled out.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007