Lotus Elise and Bentley Continental GT -- A Good Day!
As an automotive journalist, some days are better than others. Today is a good day (and talk about experiencing the full spectrum of British automobiles!). Earlier I was able to sneak out of the office long enough to experience a Lotus Elise test car before it went back. Despite only having 40 minutes in the car, I found a canyon road off PCH and got lucky with traffic (meaning none). Wooo-heee!!!
It's impossible to find 21st century cars with this kind of focus anymore. Well, almost impossible. You gotta love how the side sills also serve as armrests once you're seated. I'm only six feet tall, and getting in with the soft-top in place is quite the manuever. If you're over six feet and can get into this car with the roof on, you're a better man than I.
And now, as I make my blog entry before heading home (admittedly, it's 8 p.m. on a Friday), I'm holding a set of Bentley Continental GT keys, which I have possession of all weekend. I drove one of these sweethearts briefly a few years ago
(and loved it), but now I'm looking at some quality time with this car. Expect an upcoming full test, including video and performance numbers, to post soon.
The really bizarre part? I will have two "GTs" in my garage this weekend...
Like I said, a good day.
Quick follow-up as I sit in the Bentley in my driveway finishing the 24-point evaluation sheet (aren't wireless networks cool...).
This car is so bloody fabulous. The interior is a pure work of art. The metal work on the shifter is sublime. Beyond the metal and leather surrounding the bulk of the shifter is a textured metallic finish encircling the top of it (around the main button you push to move the shifter out of Park). I also didn't notice until now that you can use either an engine "Start/Stop" button on the center console, OR you can use a traditional twist of the key. Cool that Bentley gives you both options in one car. Sort of covers all bases for all types of drivers (the racer wannabees and the normal guys who don't need gimmicks). The Breitling clock at the top of the center stack adds a very classy touch.
Our test car has the "Mulliner" package, meaning diamond stitching on the seats and 20-inch wheels. Pretty sweet.
Enough drooling. I've been out here for 90 minutes and the wife says dinner is officially cold...
Believe it or not, there are two new Bentley GTs in my neck of the woods. I've seen a silver one and a black one being driven. What's more remarkable is that I live in a somewhat rural area. While there are certainly some very nice McMansions around, there's nothing to suggest this area Bentley-worthy, let alone dual-Bentley-worthy.
The GT is not my style, I'm actually more envious that you got that Ellise for a nice spin!
I really hate you right now.