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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.

The next-gen Bentley Continental GT takes a page from Porsche

The way things look to be shaping up, changes to the Bentley Continental GT's styling are going to be like changes to the Porsche 911: minor modifications to a firmly established formula. It seems Bentley customers like a certain style, and, as shown by the Bentayga SUV, Bentley is willing to twist that design into any shape. German influence from the parent company has apparently taken hold in Crewe. The new model takes a lot of influence from the EXP10 Speed 6 concept that debuted nearly two years ago. The profile looks the same, but the new car appears more muscular than the current model, with sharp lines that carry from the fender through the doors. All of the requisite curves are present, just tightened up a little. Despite the camouflage, we can tell that the Continental GT will retain its four round lights up front, similar to the EXP10 Speed 6. The LED ring can be seen through the covering on the coupe, while the convertible has even less camo. Out back, little has changed. The oval tail lights still match the exhaust tips, and the coupe's fastback roofline still ends at the rear bumper. The trunk lid now sits flush with the rest of the bodywork, but other than that, there will be no mistaking this for anything other than a Bentley Continental GT. Likewise, changes to the Continental GTC convertible have been minor. We don't yet know when the car will debut or what will rest under the hood, but expect turbocharged eight- and twelve-cylinder power once again. Don't rule out some form of electrification, given the new Bentley shares a platform with the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Bentley Continental GT and GTC spy shots View 27 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Bentley Coupe Luxury Performance

This Bentley Bentayga takes fly fishing very seriously

Bentley's Mulliner coachbuilding division has put together a kit for what we assume are maybe three Bentayga drivers that enjoy fly fishing. As the company tells it, the kit packs everything a fisherman could need for a successful day on the river right in the big soft-roader's cargo hold. It's packaged in the only Bentley that has a chance of getting you to that river, too. Mulliner's upholstery and trim expertise is on full display – everything in the kit is either covered in saddle leather with white contrast stitching or finished in Burr walnut. The four leather-wrapped tubes on the underside of the tonneau cover house the fishing rods, while the master tackle box, refreshment case, and a box for stowing waders and boots sit on the cargo floor. Mulliner loaded down the tackle box with tools, cotton, hooks, and feathers to tie flies, and it includes four reel cases milled from solid aluminum. The refreshment case doesn't actually come with refreshments, but it does have three metal flasks and a set of china tableware, plus a food storage compartment. The tackle box and refreshment case both slide out for easy accessibility, and if an owner is short on seating, the entire housing can serve as a small bench. The waterproof storage compartment is removable, too, in case you need cargo space instead of pole storage. The best thing about this kit is the lengths Mulliner went to in order to keep the rear of the vehicle dry and fresh – the floor is waterproof and there's an electronic dehumidifier to keep things from smelling funky. Bentley didn't say when the fly fishing kit will be available, and because this is an ultra-exclusive luxury car, pricing wasn't published. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner View 9 Photos News Source: BentleyImage Credit: Bentley Bentley Crossover Luxury bentley bentayga Mulliner