likuidM5

My dad is in the market for a new car next year and is leaning towards the Bentley Continental GT .. what would you guys take ?

absent

GT,more usefull performance(4WD),more luxurious ,nicer interior,"front spot at the best restaurants",more desirable car since MB is already 5 year old design.

Guest0001

(Excuse me While I faint)

S55inPA

i love mb's and especially the CL's.....but i have to admit that is one great looking car. my guess is i will never see that car driving on the road because it will be sold in much fewer numbers. ...heck i don't even know where a bentley dealer is located!!!!

FInality

I agree the GT is my current choice even though most mags put the CL up front as a better car to drive.

CLFREAK

I had posted my thoughts after seeing the GT about a month ago at a private showing, but, for some reason, can't find my post!

After picking the brains of the UK Bentley reps at the showing and witnessing the enthusiasm in the eyes of the crowd surrounded by all the press and fanfare, this thing should be a huge success, both aesthetically and performance-wise.

The only things that were a dissapointment: less rear leg room than the CL and no sunroof!

BOTTOM LINE: If you can get one for MSRP, by all means grab it. The tidy premium paid by those who aren't in line to get the first shipments but who want one NOW will be reason enough to acquire one! I am one of those fortunate enough to have a first delivery position with the dealer who will take my CL600 back in trade as well.

In fact, one of the UK reps told me a GT sold for over $200K at a U.S. dealership somewhere, but realistically, I think the car will fetch at least $25K over.

Not bad pay for doing nothing and enjoying the car for a brief stint!

silversurfer

I don't know how someone could've paid 200k over MSRP for one!? Just to take someone else's spot on the list?

BTW, I'm expecting delivery of my GT in May

Petie

you can always buy one in europe and have it shipped and converted if they end up fetching a lot over sticker.....thats what my dad did, but his business partner in Europe stole it and is driving it around for a while before we have it shipped over (used car that way, less tax)

CLFREAK

By the time you get a Euro-spec car to conform with all the import, EPA, DOT, etc., you will pay more than in the U.S. Not worth it, otherwise everyone would do it.

Petie

but isnt that dependent on US markup? on cars with a heavy premium in the states, isnt there are certain point where the wait/premium is worse that the conversion? conversion ran my dad about $10K.

guydewdney

this sums us british up:-

quote from http://www.motorbar.co.uk/bentleygt1.htm


Not for Bentley. The aerodynamics department at Crewe, formed in 1999 , had a rather more elegant solution, one skilfully integrated
into the design of the car and for the most part invisible. Sited where


hhahahhahahahhaa




stunning car tho'

Mr. Xristo

You had to ask about a CL vs. a Bentley????

MB vehicles (the CL included) are no and will never be equal comparisons to Bentleys.

vraa

*nod*

Maybe the 612 Ferrari.

CANAUTO

I tried both CL600 and Continental GT. For sure Bentley is more luxury inside out, and CL is more sports like. I believe you can buy CL and your dad will fit more into Continental GT (I think it will arrive in April? according to their executive - please correct me if I am wrong). $140K??? Such a great great great price, hard to get in LA.

Take another thing into consideration is that CL has all the aero kits, performance kits and wheels http://www.canautoclub.com/store/car...rcedes+CL&s=30


But Bentley will look more classical and noble with everything stock (except rims).

Wolfman

While I agree that the GT would also be my choice to the CL (german engineering design and technology, with added bargain basement pricing for a Bentley), in my experience with previous models (Mulsanne, Turbo R), Bentley's were clearly inferior to Mercedes. Not the craftsmanship of the bodywork or interior; just everything else mechanical.

Try to find a Bentley with over 100,000 miles on the clock (a difficult tasks already) and then start counting what doesn't work anymore. It'll be a long list...

That said, the new GT is a nicely balanced blend of classic design, a decent engine, 4 wheel drive and should hold up much better.

Wolfman

E55AMG99

Not so difficult since all the parts to do this are available from the factory. While not as common as it was in the 80's, I still see a lot of high end cars of limited production come to the US and get converted. Some cars are suprisingly inexpensive to convert.

CANAUTO

I heard that if you buy a Euro version vehicle and then convert to meet DOT and EPA, then the U.S. dealer will NOT provide factory warranty. I think U.S. is very similiar to Taiwan and HongKong. That's why I am always struggling between whether to go for lower cost of a Euro vehicle + U.S. conversion OR high cost of a U.S. model w/ warranty.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

BTW, have you guys ever seen aftermarket parts for Bentley and Aston Martin other than the wheels? I only know HRE and some Japanese brand. I am trying to help my client to locate some exotic parts that can both improve performance and apperance.

Thank you.

E55AMG99

Buyers of Bentley, Ferrari and other exotics are in a different class. They aren't as concerned about warranty and price but many federalized ROW Ferraris are repaired under warranty at US dealers. The grey market still exists in this area. Not enough exclusivity to MB, BMW, etc.

As far as performance mods to Bentley, your options are very limited. I'd start looking for EU tuners and be prepared to pay an arm and a leg.

CANAUTO

Love your comments and I agree with you.

Thanks E55.

BTW, do you happen to know any good mechanic shops for Ferrari or Bentley in the Bay Area or in the LA area? I have hard time to find them other than the dealers. And do you think they charge less than the dealers? If so, how much less you can imagine?

Thank you.

CLFREAK

As far as aftermarket options for the GT, I expect there will be a few tuners, although nowhere near as plentiful as with MBZ. I bet Giovanna will come out with some nice rims made specially for the GT, as the bolt pattern is completely different than that of MBZs and other imports, and tuner firms like AutoCouture will come out with subtle aero kits since they currently are the only ones that offer one for the Arnage.

I have to admit that when I trade my CL600 in for the GT, I will miss it and the added aggressiveness of the Lorinser kit, but, hell, on the GT, throw on some 20s or 22s, lower it, tint the windows, and that should usurp the CL's look anyday!

CLFREAK

Right, but, what about the MAYBACH????

CANAUTO

Any pictures for your new GT?

CLFREAK

The dealer says first delivery will be in April at the soonest. I probably won't have mine until 60-90 days thereafter since they may not have the color combo I want.

CLFREAK

I was right! Auto Couture is already advertsing rims for the new GT:
http://www.auto-couture.com/catalog/media/index.html