Bentley Brooklands

Bentley's Brooklands is a past master

The name is legendary. The company boasts a rich heritage. But Bentley's new Brooklands coupé is certainly not behind the times

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Geneva show star features the most powerful V8 ever in a Bentley. Only 550 are to be built.

By Ross Pinnock

08th March 2007

The huge car's sleek profile, pillarless doors and low roofline are all totally up-to-date features. Immediately recognisable as a Bentley, the coupé harks back to the firm's glorious racing history, and under its big bonnet the story's the same.

The Brooklands, which debuted at this week's Geneva Motor Show, features the most powerful V8 engine in Bentley's history. The 6.75-litre twin-turbo unit delivers 1,050Nm of torque, and supercar acceleration.

There's a six-speed automatic gearbox for relaxed cruising, but drivers will also be able to take advantage of the semi-automatic function, which allows the manual selection of ratios. Inside, the cabin is sumptuous, with hide-trimmed roof lining and aluminium pedals, plus a massive choice of woods and leathers to allow owners to personalise their car.

In the back, there's a pair of individual electrically adjustable seats and what the Crewe company claims is class-leading leg, knee and headroom. As well as performance and history, the coupé offers one other feature - exclusivity.

Only 550 examples of the 530bhp grand tourer will be built, with the first cars delivered early next year. Prices are likely to be in excess of £250,000.