The winged “B” set to land in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The W12 growled as I floored the pedal, like it took offense at the deed. The spurred steed leaped onto the hot concrete—speedometer needle quickly rising upwards to 200 kph. That’s when I was instructed to brake hard upon reaching a bank of orange cones. With nary a screech, the huge vehicle slowed to a stop as swiftly as it had accelerated.

Later, I am asked to imagine a child crossing the street while I’m speeding on the closed, cone-defined course. “Now, step on the brakes and swerve to the left,” said Peter Barnes, chief driving instructor. Like a dutiful student, I do as I’m told. The car responds accurately to the leftward jerk of the steering wheel.

Next followed a standard slalom. Check. Then, finally, mercifully, another series of abuses that would probably spell disaster in lesser cars.

But, thing is, we were not on an everyday ride. The 30-hectare Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore had been requisitioned for the day to host the Asia Pacific debut of the Bentley Continental GT Speed. So, throughout the afternoon, the sound of screeching tires and rumbling engines filled the venue.

Bentley? You read that right, and it hardly seems like the brand you throw around a track—much less drive it around yourself. Aren’t you supposed to be chauffeured on one? Speaking of which, because of its super premium category, Bentleys were traditionally thought of as rides of the more senior set.

Well, these are new days for the legendary marque spawned in 1919 by engineer, designer, and motor racer Walter Owen (more popularly known as W.O.) Bentley.

I digress. Actually, these are more like the old days –those halcyon ones when Bentley vehicles won the iconic 24-hour Le Mans races in 1924 and 1927 to 1930); and when the so-called Bentley Boys (a group of wealthy British auto enthusiasts who modified and raced the brand) held court.

Said Bentley Asia Pacific marketing and communications head Robin Peel to STAR Motoring: “Since the launch of the GT, anyone who drives that car immediately understands that this is dynamically fantastic, with huge performance, a great fun to drive, and possesses high levels of luxury. It’s a supercar in every sense of the word.”

Bought by then-rival Rolls-Royce in 1931, Bentley these days is owned by the Volkswagen Group, which steadfastly respects the colorful history behind the acquisition.

With this in mind, you can say that Bentley brass is also keen about changing some perceptions.

The Mancunian Peel continued: “The brand as it was may have been seen by some who said, ‘I’m not ready for that,” or  “I’m not quite old enough,” or “I’m not ready to step into that world.’ We recognize that. The brand is doing a number of things not to artificially become a younger brand because we are what we are.”

The Bentley ethos thus espouses evolution, as opposed to revolution. Peel maintained: “We’re proud of our history. We’re not embarrassed at all (by it). It’s about balancing what is important historically—the depth and roots of the brand—while responding to requests or trends… Through things like the V8—with its awesome sound, fuel efficiency, agility, and lightness—the whole emotional context, we have pulled a lot of younger people in.”

That certainly seems the case in the Continental GT Speed. Even as it is an all-new model, Bentley responded to customer requests to retain the basic look of the grand tourer, first launched in 2003.

That said, the Speed posts heart-stopping numbers. Bentley claims it is the “fastest production Bentley ever” aND can top 330 kph via its robust, twin-turbocharged, 625-ps W12 engine “deployed via eight-speed, close-ratio transmission and all-wheel-drive.” Even as it buffs up, the Speed promises enhanced fuel economy and a slew of technological bells and whistles. And since this is a Bentley, its luxurious interiors and appointments (and levels of customization) are to die for.

Peel added that owning the Speed is like having “two cars in one: an exceptional supercar and an everyday grand tourer.”

Filipinos will get their first official taste of Bentley when its Manila showroom opens in March next year, on the second floor of the Audi Showroom on EDSA.

Bestowed the honor to bring the winged B onto our shores is PGA Cars, Inc. (which also imports and distributes Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini vehicles). Chairman Roberto Coyiuto Jr. told STAR Motoring: “Probably after a year or two, we’ll be looking for a totally dedicated showroom.” Before that though, the company will initially feature the Continental GT V8 and Speed variants, along with the crème de la crème, four-door saloon Mulsanne.

“The Mulsanne is our pinnacle—most luxurious, the craft and care that goes into that care, the hand-crafted elements surpass any manufacturer; at the same time it remains a driver’s car—incredibly powerful, lot of fun to drive, and agile,” maintained Peel.

Back in the Continental, Peter Barnes showcased the machine’s abilities. “If it’s too much car for you, don’t worry,” he said with a smile. “The system does magic.”

“Drool” might as well be spelled with a B.