2006 Bentley Contenental Gt Stjames Red Black Nav Chrome 19 Rims 26,700 Miles on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible

There are few things in this world I enjoy more than an enthusiastic drive down tree-lined backroads on a warm summer evening. If you're familiar with the geographic location of Detroit, you won't be shocked to learn that we don't have the sort of very-involving roads found all throughout California and other gorgeous parts of the country, but we still have some stretches of pavement that can be pretty darn fun when driven in the right car. The vast majority of our scenic roads, however, are of a more relaxed nature. And that's why, despite my tendency to prefer high-strung hot hatches above all, I will never say no to a big, fast convertible during the warm season.
As far as said big, fast convertibles go, perhaps none is more exquisite than the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible, pictured here in the striking shade of St. James Red. Not long after returning from my trip across the pond to drive Bentley's V8-powered Flying Spur sedan, I was given the chance to sample another one of its eight-cylinder wares, this one carrying less heft, offering a smidge more power, and, oh yeah, a roof that neatly stows behind the rear seats.
As luck would have it, the weather for my Conti weekend was the absolute definition of perfection. And so I took to those sweeping, tree-lined roads way outside of Detroit to see how this Bentley's "S" badge improves upon the lovely GT V8 Convertible I drove last year. Hard work, but somebody's gotta do it.

VW makes $23K on every Porsche sold, more than Bentley or Lamborghini

It's a good time to be in the luxury car business. In Volkswagen Group's financial report for the 2013 fiscal year, it is revealed that that Porsche enjoyed an operating margin of 18 percent. That means the Stuttgart brand made on average about $23,200 per car sold, according to BusinessWeek. Bentley wasn't far behind, and Audi (which was combined with Lamborghini) posted a 10.1 percent margin. This compares to only around 2.9 percent for the Volkswagen brand.
"Luxury brands are on fire," said Dave Sullivan, an industry analyst at AutoPacific. He said that the average profit margin is between six and eight percent. Brands like Porsche and Bentley have the benefit of competing in rarefied markets. Buyers looking at one their vehicles have fewer models to shop against and don't care as much about price. They can also charge more for options, which further boosts income, according to BusinessWeek.
In a way, we should be more impressed by the continued success from Audi. Its models generally have direct competitors in every segment from the other premium automakers. Plus, their buyers aren't the captains of industry who are shopping for a Bentley. Still, the Four Rings is leading rivals in sales so far this year.

What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy

The modern Bentley Boy finally has something fitting to wear underneath his scarf and ulster: the fragrance in the Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition or the Bentley for Men and Bentley for Men Intense scents. French crystal house Lalique designed a limited edition flacon shaped like the Flying B company mascot that contains an eau de parfum created by the French perfume house Robertet. That fragrance is "fine woody notes and exquisite leather" enhanced by orris butter. Only 999 flacons will be made, going on sale in April for 3,000 pounds (3,500 euro, $4,572 US) for a 40-ml bottle.
The other two options were created by French perfume house Firmenich. They also start with "fine wood and leather notes," with Bentley for Men getting an addition of cedar and patchouli, the Intense version throwing in African geranium to "take these notes to another level."
If that won't be enough to fulfill your lust for vehicular aroma, the full line also includes after shave balm and hair and body shampoo. When they go on sale in April at select retailers, prices will start at 24 pounds (27 euro, $36 US) for the shampoo and top out at 69.50 pounds (87 euro, $106 US) for the Intense eau de parfum. You can read more about them in the press release below.