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,

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

If you thought Porsche Caymans were for folk who couldn’t afford 911s, think again.

The Porsche Cayman S

The Cayman S looks superb, with its flared wheel arches, steeply tapered rear end and flowing profile designed around the mid-mounted engine.

It also has a real sense of balance when you drive it fast. It handles bends amazingly, and is fun to drive.

With 0–60 coming up in 5.4 seconds, topping out just above 170mph the Cayman S has real power. Like all great Porsches since 1963, it has the flat-six engine, which makes a unique sound on the road — a sort of angry drone.

James Martin writes, “This is the sports car equivalent of a radio-friendly hit, with drinks holders, comfortable seats and (unlike the 911) loads of storage, thanks to the two boots, one front and one rear. It’s for everyman. I was happy my car had the manual gearbox and not the Tiptronic thing; I don’t need to pretend I’m a Formula 1 driver. … Can I recommend it without any ifs, buts or alternatives? I thought so.”

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.