Author: Tout

Exhilarating new driving experience

Discussions about the merits or otherwise of a new supercar can become quite impassioned and polarised among ardent motoring enthusiasts. Much the same way as a Real Madrid football fan would be aghast at any suggestion that Barcelona, just might, be a deserved La Liga champion – and vice versa.

Bentley, on the other hand, is like a cool uncle: everyone has a nice word to say about him and they enjoy being in his company. Even envious other male family members find it hard to dislike the guy.

As a well-established luxury brand, Bentley’s evolution has always been meticulously planned so as not to alienate traditional buyers. In 2003, however, the company took a gently revolutionary direction in its illustrious history, launching the original Continental GT.

The appeal and success of that flamboyant coupé was subsequently consolidated with the GTC convertible and Flying Spur sedan. Now, Bentley is evolving to the next generation of grand tourers with the Continental GT and GTC V-8 models. Read more

A Golden Masterpiece of Liquid Craftmanship

Fans of the M.A.S.H. TV series may recall an episode when Charles Emerson Winchester leaned back in his chair, sighed contentedly and declared, "Is there any visitor more welcome on a cold evening than a snifter of fine cognac?"

Indeed, and not only on a cold evening. The silky finesse and aromatic density of cognac have been delighting bon vivants for centuries. Ideally, the snifter will be savoured while sinking into a huge leather armchair after a languid lunch – cigar in the other hand – in the elegant surroundings of a wood-panelled study with an imposing portrait of great-grandfather staring down from the wall opposite. And if the snifter is filled with Louis XIII by Rémy Martin, well, life doesn’t get much better. Read more

Traditional elegance with an ultra-modern redesign

The Porsche 911 Carrera has been a sports car icon for generations. Forty-eight years, in fact, but it is still a delectably young 48. The new model, which had its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, has been completely re-designed – with a longer wheelbase, reduced height, more lightweight body, closer cockpit integration and greater fuel efficiency – but it still exudes classic 911 style and power. Read more

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