Performance is impressive for a 5,380-lb (2,440-kg) sedan, rocketing to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 322 km/h. The Flying Spur Speed will be in Canadian dealerships within the next month and will start at $220,500.

Christophe Georges, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bentley Motors Inc.

For 2009, the standard-issue (let's not call it the base model) $193,400 Flying Spur gets a revised grille and chromed headlight bezels, a new rear bumper with chrome trim, a redesigned exhaust system and acoustic improvements in the windows to reduce road noise even more. A 1,100-watt Naim sound system with 15 speakers, which Bentley claims to be the best car stereo in the world, is now available as an option.

Mr. Georges also said Bentley is currently working on a brand-new powertrain for future models, which will deliver a 40-percent reduction in emissions.

At a time when all the English car manufacturers seem to be shutting down or considerably reducing their production, it's nice to see that Bentley's future looks bright. The fact that the brand is now attracting younger customers certainly helps. As Stuart Cochrane, Regional General Manager, and Leon Dakka, Regional Marketing Manager summed up during the evening festivities: "this type of event is much different then ten years ago; the music is louder, and we're not serving cheese and crackers."


Photo Credit : Michel Deslauriers