2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

Things I appreciate about this car:

Adequate power
Programmed exhaust burble on overrun
Molded-plastic grille (used instead of metal to maximize cooling air flow)
Discreet exterior identification (Six Bentley flying Bs, no other ID)
Engine-turned metal instrument panel trim
Paddle-shift transmission control
Massive carbon-ceramic brake rotors, Brembo calipers
Direct, communicative steering
Remarkable turn-in response - like an elephant on ice skates
Near-neutral limit cornering attitude
That the subtle statement it makes probably will not appeal to the hip-hop crowd

Things I found disappointing:

Three too many names: Bentley Speed is more succinct
Many undercar components marked VW/Audi
Shocking curb weight (nearly 3 tons!)
Inability to spin any tire during launch
Acceleration performance; I am skeptical of the claimed 4.5-second 0-to-60-mph claim, not to mention the 200-mph top speed
Mushy brake pedal
Slippery machined edges on brake pedal
All the goodies that cost extra and their exorbitant prices

Don Sherman, Technical Editor