The Bentley GT coupe is surely one of the great exotic cars in recent years. Despite its size, it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of more than 180 mph.

It has a new, paddle-operated 6-speed automatic gearbox delivered to the road via all-wheel drive — a first in Bentley’s history.

Bentley says all-wheel drive was considered essential not only for safety but to enhance the car’s everyday usability.

The car can be seen everywhere from metropolitan highways to ski resorts all over the world.

Electronic Stability Control is also included. Suspension is made up of a multilink rear axle with double wishbones in the front and the latest in electronic damping control.

Bentley GT Specifications:
* Make and Model: Bentley GT Coupe
* Year: 2003
* Engine Type: 6 liter Twin-Turbo W12
* Torque: 675lb-ft@6500rpm
* Acceleration 0-60: 4.6 s
* Suspension: Double Wishbones w/Air Springs
* List Price: $145,000
* Horsepower: 550bhp@6000rpm
* Top Speed: 200 mph
* Brakes: 4-wheel vent. disc
* Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
* Weight: 5257 lbs

As exotic cars go, the Bentley GT coupe has got to be one of the best,

The Brera, says Alfa Romeo, was intended for cruising on straight continental roads, not British bendy ones. Earlier they announced something tougher and sportier for our more demanding roads. This was the Brera S, developed by British racing engineers Prodrive, who run the Aston Martin team.

James Martin, better known as a chef, test drove the new mean machine:

I was really excited to get my hands on one of these, as they’re only building 500. But do you know what? I think it’s gone too far in the other direction. … What Prodrive have done, rather than beef up the engine, is to lower the centre of gravity, reduce the weight by 100kg and fit specially commissioned Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers to reduce roll and pitch and enhance cornering. They say this new set-up gives it a ‘more nimble and agile feel, with increased driver feedback’. You can say that again. … [It] is like trying to win a Grand Prix in an earthquake: it’s just bounce, clang, bounce, always on the verge of wheelspin and a literal pain in the backside.

It only goes to show, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

Specification

£28,450 at alfaromeo.co.uk
Engine 3.2-litre direct-injection V6
Power 260bhp
Peak torque 322Nm at 4,500rpm
Top speed 155mph
Transmission Six-speed manual

Standard features 19in alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero tyres, Prodrive, engineering dampers and springs, revised exhaust silencer, ABS, ASR, EBD, hill-hold, dual-zone air conditioning, Italian Frau leather upholstery with red stitching, aluminium sports pedals, six-speaker CD/radio, rear-parking sensor, cruise control, folding heated wing mirrors.

I have never been a big Cadillac fan but this time I think they have hit the nail on the head. The CTS range is a treat for the eye and has the performance to match. BMW and Mercedes must be worrying about this one.

The overall feel of the design is of strength and compactness. Note how the high waistline gives the feeling of solidity and the sharp angles and straight lines reinforce the initial impression of a car that means business. There are details in the design at the front that I could quibble with but these are minor in comparison to the excellent proportions of the whole car.

And the rear is as near perfect as it gets, preserving echoes of the high tail lights we expect from Cadillac but ultra-modern in its approach. Everything about the car confirms that it is exactly what it sets out to be: big (but not too big), beefy and businesslike.

They even race the CTS and it does very well. And, of course, in race trim it looks absolutely wonderful!

By Clive Allen

The famous Jaguar Mark 2 beloved of Inspector Morse

A very happy 2008 to all our readers and contributors.

We have a busy auto year planned, so stay tuned for our new team of writers and exotica specialists.