Event
Bentley Driving Experience
Peace of mind has never been so exhilarating
Who wouldn't want to drive a Bentley GT or Flying Spur, let alone place one in a four-wheel drift? Bentley has always been a driver's car, and now the company has a driver's program that allows you to test the car's segment-leading performance and safety capabilities.
Since the 1920s, Bentley motors has been producing remarkable sporting, hand-crafted luxury automobiles. Today's Bentleys continue this grand tradition, only they are a lot faster and safer.
It's no secret the 550-bhp Flying Spur is the fastest production-built sedan in the world with a top speed of 198 mph, but you can't begin to truly appreciate a car of this size and performance caliber until seated behind the wheel and tapping into its full performance potential. The Bentley Driving program allows you to do that.
"After producing such magnificently wonderful cars as the GT and Flying Spur, it was necessary to educate those eager to learn how to drive a Bentley at the best of its impressive abilities and to safely push the car's driving limits, as well as your own," says legendary champion racecar driver and Bentley driving instructor Derek Bell.
The two-day affair encompasses various driving exercises, including defensive driving techniques, and demonstrates the car's truly state-of-the-art driving prowess.
Mind you, the multiple courses, of which include slalom, high-speed acceleration, extreme braking, and others are not for the faint of heart, nor are the high-adrenalin maneuvers you learn to eventually perfect. Bentley Driving is held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as well as other locations around the world.
The program also includes the opportunity to experience firsthand how the design and the technology of these remarkable cars have developed over the years with a ride in a classic Bentley.
We had the pleasure of going through the program in Vegas, and for $1,500, you can too. Dining and hotel accommodations are inclusive, which makes this quite an irresistible package.
"We view the program as an obligation that goes hand in hand with creating such a high-performance car, and to have the chance to understand the performance capabilities with which a is Bentley endowed," says Bentley's John Crawford.
The entire program is a kick in the pants, but there is a serious side. That objective is to provide the driver an instilled sensitivity that he or she may not otherwise possess, creating an enhanced set of instincts that can be essential in everyday driving situations. It also makes you want to rush out and buy a Bentley.
Seat Time
Audi S4 Avant
I am Superman
It was probably a blessing this car left our office. The car is so good I behaved like a spoiled 12-year-old high on a keg of Mountain Dew. During the S4 Avant's brief time with us, I pulled editorial rank and refused to share. Few cars elicit this type of behavior. And for all intents and purposes, that's a good thing.
It's near impossible to isolate the most impressive aspect of the S4 Avant. It does the sports car thing so well it's easy to forget it's also a family truckster. It's one of those rare vehicles inherently balanced from birth. The S4 Avant can do many things very well.
First off it's god-awful fast. The 340-bhp V8 from the A8 places the S4 Avant firmly in musclecar territory. The engine sounds so good it makes me want to remove the muffler entirely. The S4 Avant leaves the line like it's been rear-ended by a TGV bullet train. The sensation is unique to Quattro-equipped cars, the feeling of immense power both pushing and pulling the car forward. The shifter feels extremely solid, almost industrial, as each gear change engages powerful cogs down below.
Audi's sport-tuned suspension is perfectly matched to the Avant's demeanor. Neither too firm nor too soft, it makes the S4 feel extremely athletic. The big brakes add to the effect and are capable bringing this 4,000-pound vehicle to a dead stop with uncanny ease. Perhaps my only gripe is with the steering, which feels a tad light and over-assisted with vague feedback (seems to be a Quattro thing).
If you want a sports car, the S4 Avant will do just fine. It's easy to forget this Audi has four doors and a sizable rear boot. I suppose that's a bonus. And I'll say it once again: Audi's interior design is the best there is. From the MMI-controlled nav system to the silicon-dampened grab-handles, every interior bit of the S4 Avant is exceptional.
Yeah, I hogged the S4 Avant and I'd do it again. It's that good. -Les Bidrawn
From The Hip
+ Taut, athletic handling, worm hole acceleration, superior cabin ergonomics - smallish rear seats