Again you raise some very interesting points.

Hi, BDLJ,

Interestingly, you prefer the Phaeton, I prefer the Continental GT (wait a minute, why are we comparing a smallish large sedan with a large coupe?) - just goes to show that, assuming we "experienced" the same thing -

taut if civilized ride, handling that didn't wallow or "waft" (I'm using it as a pejorative here, with all due respect to BMW and their acquisition); dynamic responsiveness both in straight line and curves that belie the car's overall weight (a good thing, methinks) -

how much personal preference comes into it.

Of course, I was amazed at just how different experiences of even the same car over the same period of time can be - some HATED the Corvette 427 and LOVED the Mustang GT500, and from their descriptions of the reasons way it seemed as if somehow, we drove the exact opposite cars. ?!? I'm still scratching my head on that one. To my, and their, defense, neither car only had one champion who felt alone in what they experienced...but I have to admit, I ws left with, "what car were THEY driving?!?"

About a new, perhaps even "foreign" owner bringing a "struggling" (very loaded term, make of it what you wish) brand "back to its roots" one could take up the same discussion about Lamborghini and Audi; RR and BMW; A-M and Ford, even now under Bez and the current consortium...et al. And I'm sure you know better than I do, for every one that argues for one school, there are plenty of others ("masses?" ) that would argue for the other.

Is Porsche more or less Porsche now that it makes the (subjective adjectives deliberately left out) Panamera and Cayenne?

The funny thing about perceptions and generalizations? If you "get it" or agree, it's convenient shorthand.

If you disagree, or don't get it, it can be the subject of endless debate.

But then, you already knew that too...

BTW - I read here (or heard it in a follow up conversation) it was SURE Ducati would be placed under Lamborghini in the Audi VAG group; interesting, Lamborghini HQ top executives and Asia Pac top management either "hadn't heard" or categorically denied it. Interesting times...

This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2012-11-19 15:24:05

Quick Looks - 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

By: ThomasM : November 18th, 2012-10:55

Pros:Surprisingly lithe and agile for a 5000lb+ behemoth; Great acceleration, nice drive train sounds, smooth yet quick transmission Planted handling, well calibrated and appropriate for the vehicle - not too stiff, yet doesn't "waft" and wallow so much i...

Are the rear seats and trunk usable?

By: patrick_y : November 18th, 2012-11:18

One of the major advantages of the Mercedes CL (besides the handsome but understated styling) is the fact that the rear seat and trunk are incredibly usable. One can truly seat four adults for long trips in the back with relatively little complaint. Can t...

Good question, Patrick. The CL has more useable trunk space

By: ThomasM : November 18th, 2012-11:53

but the rear seat space is comparable. But the dropping tail gate on the Bentley GT V8 is Uber cool. (space comments eyeball subjective; I haven't compared the cubic space measurements, but as anyone who has actually used a car knows, cubic space measurem...

Trunk space...

By: enjoythemusic : November 19th, 2012-14:41

Have an 06 and not too much changed per se. Rear seats are usable yet not elegant to enter/exit. Trunk is extremely usable is real life and fits quite a bit. Agree with review about her hiding her weight well. What impresses is usability over specs/number...

Thanks for sharing ownership POV!

By: ThomasM : November 19th, 2012-23:53

"What impresses is usability over specs/number game" - precisely. Well said! Cheers, TM

Rear seats

By: JerryW : November 19th, 2012-21:10

The rear seats are much more functional since the introduction of the 2012 model, the backs of the front seats were redesigned to allow for another 1.5 inches of leg room. Af far as the trunk goes the space is good unless you purchase the optional Naim st...

Thanks, Jerry, for the clarification! Always nice to have an owner perspective...

By: ThomasM : November 19th, 2012-23:57

and a two time, returning owner at that! I've always heard the early examples "driove and rode like a truck" - for sure the 2013 GT V8 didn't! Any thoughts on this? TM

My thoughts

By: JerryW : November 20th, 2012-07:17

The 07 GTC was great on the highway but a little rough riding around town, not quite like a truck. May have needed a little suspension work at 42K miles to tighten things up. The 12 GT does have a much smoother ride around town than the 07. JerryW

Which rims and suspension mode...

By: enjoythemusic : November 21st, 2012-04:27

Jerry, what mode was the suspension set at and what rims were being used? i find that many people seem to like the 21 and higher rims, which can do harm to the handling such as you described. Of course suspension mode can change the feel quite a bit, too....

Good to know Jerry!

By: patrick_y : November 21st, 2012-11:16

I always thought the BMW 3-series coupe was a fantastic car. The interior materials were very good. The car drove extremely well, the handling was sublime. I've only driven the 328i coupe, and I can't say I loved the brakes on that car, but otherwise the ...

Who are these 'masses'?

By: BDLJ : November 18th, 2012-14:42

There are an awful lot of us to sum up our positions on those marques in a single paragraph.

You want me to name each and every one of them?

By: ThomasM : November 18th, 2012-17:36

:-) Yeah, I agree, the inherent nature of generalizations and "image" no? I'd love to explore the issue in another thread - every generalization, no matter how well founded (eg, "Italians" as if all Italians were homogeneous...) has powerful exceptions. S...

;-) [nt]

By: BDLJ : November 18th, 2012-19:12

Love the Bentley.

By: sten : November 18th, 2012-16:11

So far it's the only car tat doesn't make my back aches while driving. Really looking to get back to it in a few years, possibly the V8.

Looking forward to getting together and talking cars, Sten. (nt) [nt]

By: ThomasM : November 18th, 2012-17:31

Actually - a big fan of Bentley and what VW have brought

By: 219 : November 19th, 2012-01:34

to the marque. The designers (and we know one them) have brought with them an understanding of what Bentley always was, and now is again. Exceptionally engineered and designed "world's fastest bus". And that is meant as a compliment. W.O. was quite the br...

Really?

By: BDLJ : November 19th, 2012-03:39

Engineered as Phaetons... rebodied as Bentleys. What ties have been left uncut?

You make it sound...

By: ThomasM : November 19th, 2012-08:41

like the Phaeton would drive like the Bentley GT. I've tried both; they don't. :-)

As have I.

By: BDLJ : November 19th, 2012-14:10

And I prefer the Phaeton :-) But both bow down before the sheer presence of a Continental T. But wasn't asserting that the cars are the same, just challenging the idea that Bentley has been brought closer to its roots (whatever they are) under VW.

Again you raise some very interesting points.

By: ThomasM : November 19th, 2012-14:43

Hi, BDLJ, Interestingly, you prefer the Phaeton, I prefer the Continental GT (wait a minute, why are we comparing a smallish large sedan with a large coupe?) - just goes to show that, assuming we "experienced" the same thing - taut if civilized ride, hand...

I have a bit of a soft spot...

By: BDLJ : November 19th, 2012-16:11

...for the Phaeton. One, because it is a bit of an automotive orphan and two, I was fortunate enough to drive a very early production version in Germany a decade ago. But it also comes down to what I expect of big sedans. I'm after comfort and ride with c...

god I miss these discussions!

By: ThomasM : November 19th, 2012-16:58

Hi, BDLJ, "...for the Phaeton. One, because it is a bit of an automotive orphan" I'm a softie for orphans underdogs (not the same) too; I actively try to filter for this personal bias when I evaluate something but of course it weights strongly in my final...

:-)

By: BDLJ : November 19th, 2012-17:44

At the risk of boring everyone, I'll continue :-) I understand what appeals about the Frankencars or Q-cars. And the E39 epitomises that, but I'm getting boring in my old age and am unsure whether the handling gains outweigh the ride losses. (refering to ...