If you’re sane, the answer to that question is either “No” or “Hell, no”. If you’re four time World Rally Champ Juha Kankkunen, your answer would probably be “miksi ei” (Finnish for “why not”). As Autoweek reports, Kankkunen just broke his own record of 199.83 miles per hour, driving a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible to a two-way average speed of 205.48 miles per hour. In the interest of safety, the car was equipped with Pirelli winter tires (although I seriously doubt they were rated beyond 168 MPH), a roll cage and a parachute, but I question how much good any of that would have done if Kankkunen had lost control at speed.

The run took place on a frozen stretch of the Baltic Sea, with air temperatures hovering around twenty two below zero. The crew was battling severe crosswinds (yet another reason to say “hell no”) and an impending blizzard, so conditions were less than ideal for the run. On the plus side, air at -22 F is nice and dense, so I’m sure the Bentley’s 6.0 liter, 12 cylinder engine was putting out substantial horsepower, even on the E85 fuel used. My hat’s off to you Mr. Kannkunen; you’re a whole bunch crazier than I’ll ever be.

Source: Autoweek

A 2006 Bentley, not molested by Axl Rose.

Let me get this straight: Bentley was crazy enough to lease a Continental Flying Spur to former rock star Axl Rose, and they’re surprised when it comes back in less than pristine condition? They’re shocked that the former (or current, depending on the day) front man for Guns ‘n Roses refused to pay for the 42,000 additional miles he racked up? They’re concerned about the cracked windshield, bent wheels, broken taillight, bumper damage, dents and missing key? Frankly, I’m surprise (and a bit disappointed) that Rose returned the car at all.

Rock stars like Keith Moon or Keith Richards just don’t exist anymore, apparently. First, neither Keith would have leased a car; instead, they would have turned up in the showroom with a bag full of cash, fueled by cocaine and accompanied by a pack of half-naked groupies, demanding the most expensive car on the lot. They never would have racked up excessive mileage, since the car would have ended up at the bottom of a hotel swimming pool (or in a hotel suite, driven through the wall) within a few months. Rock stars, it would appear, no longer party like they did 30 years ago.

I wish Bentley all the luck in the world with pursuing damages against Mr. Rose, but I suspect they’ll soon find out the man is tapped for cash and more than a littel over-extended. Autoevolution had the right idea: just put the car up for sale on eBay, list Rose as the former owner, and set the “Buy It Now” price high enough to cover the car’s value plus damages. It’ll sell in a few days, and everyone walks away happy.

Not long ago I had the opportunity to flog a BMW 135i Coupe around the streets of northern Pennsylvania. The car was an absolute hoot to drive as it was small, nimble and very, very quick. When first released the 1-Series was met with some opposition from BMW purists because from a price perspective it really was not much cheaper, nor was it that much lighter than a standard 3-series. For the past few months though BMW has been teasing us with spy photos of their upcoming 1 Series M Coupe, a car that promises to be everything the standard 1-Series is, but with a much harder edge thanks to BMW’s coveted “M” division.

From a styling perspective the new 1 Series M Coupe has been jazzed up with a new front fascia with integrated air damns and lower chin spoiler. The rear of the car now sports flared fenders, rear bumper splitter and quad-exhaust pipes. It’s actually quite an aggressive looking little bugger when you get right down to it. According to Autoblog.com, the little M-Coupe will receive a tweaked version of the Z4 sDrive35is, twin-turbo inline-6 which is said to pump out 340 hp, the same as the old e46 M3. Power will be put down through a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox. BMW is hoping that enthusiasts will jump all over there new little “M” monster, but with a chunky price tag of around $45k, that is something that has yet to be seen.

Is it cold outside? Has hell frozen over? I ask this because Motor Trend is actually comparing the new 2011 Hyundai Equus with the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne – seems crazy right? Hell, it seems like just yesterday that Hyundai as a car company seemed to be the butt of every automotive joke out there. Apparently though the times have changed and Hyundai seeks to prove that with the new luxury infused 2011 Equus. The big question is, how will it compare to one of the most revered names in the automobile world – Bentley. I mean I can see going up against Lexus or Infiniti, but Bentley? These guys must be on crack. Motor Trend Senior Editor Jonny Lieberman and Executive Editor Edward Loh pit both of these big luxo-yachts together in a side by side comparison to see which one utilizes more dead cow interior and at the end of the day will satisfy all your luxury needs.

Source: MotorTrend.com

Although the official unveiling will be at the Paris Auto Show late this month, Bentley has released images and video of the newly freshened Continental GT Coupe. The automaker is wise to not make substantial changes to the Continental’s lines, since buyers expect understated elegance with their luxury and performance. I’d say that Bentley’s done a remarkable job of updating the coupe’s appearance without changing its identity. Aside from the revised headlights, the most noticeable change is the new car’s wider track, which gives the 2012 Continental GT a more muscular look than the car it replaces.

The 6.0 liter, twin-turbo W12 engine returns, but power is up to 567 horsepower and 516 lb ft of torque. That’s good enough to get the AWD Continental GT from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds, on its way to a maximum velocity of just under 200 miles per hour. For 2012, the AWD system has been revised to minimize understeer, with the torque now split 40 / 60 front to rear by default.

Late in 2011, Bentley will introduce a new 4.0 liter V8 option for the Continental GT, with the intent being to increase fuel mileage and reduce emissions. Bentley isn’t saying much about the new motor yet, other than assuring customers it will deliver the performance they expect of the brand.

Expect the Continental GT to arrive on these shores next summer, with a starting price just north of $200k. That may seem lot a lot of money, but remember that you’re buying one of the finest coupes in the world. If you’ve got the money for the 2012 Bentley Continental GT, you certainly don’t need to justify your purchase to anyone else.

Always wanted to put a Bentley in your garage, but never had the cash reserve to do so? Want to start your own wedding limousine business, but don’t want to do the Lincoln Town Car thing like everyone else? I may have stumbled across just what you need on Hemming’s Motor News. How does a 1956 Bentley S1 for $6,950 sound?

More pics below.

As you may have guessed from the above pictures, the car needs some TLC. The paint isn’t going to buff out, no matter how much rubbing compound you use on it. Likewise, the interior is going to need more than a steam cleaning and hanging pine tree air freshener. There’s no word on mileage, or if the car even runs, but it has been in storage for the last 15 years. As the seller points out, it’s an excellent car to restore, especially if you’re handy with bodywork, upholstery, paint, electrical systems and British motors from the 1950s. It’s not for me, but it may be just the father and son project you’ve been looking for. I’m sure it will give you plenty of bonding time during the restoration process.

It’s really a shame that money can’t buy brains because it would’ve been nice if this guy purchased some before he plunked down cash on this Bentley Continental GT. While trying to make a spirited u-turn in a crowded parking lot the above jackass mashes the go pedal and slams his 550 hp super car into an SUV. He then proceeds to get out of the car, throw his hands in the air as if to say, “YES!! I am the douche-bag that you all think I am!”

Poor bastard. Like I said, money can’t buy brains.

Now this is interesting. Bugatti, creator of the uber epic 1,001 hp super car the Veyron is now said to be working on something new and completely off the beaten path. According to Auto Express the boys at Bugatti have already built a 800 hp battery powered prototype on the chassis of a Bentley Continental GT. The car is said to feature two gigantic electric motors and have an advance lithium-ion battery pack. Bugatti is being tight lipped about the car, in fact it may not even be shown to the public. The real idea behind the development of the car is to use it as a test bed to demonstrate how electric automobiles may perform in the future and at what levels.

One source who is hands-on with the project stated the the acceleration is “absolutely unbelievable”. The beauty of electric motors is that they provide 100% of torque the instant the go pedal is pressed to the floor. There are however a few inherent problems. One being the massive amounts of energy that are discharged when the car is used at full power and secondly is finding a drive train that can handle 100% of the power right from the get go. If Bugatti says that this car exists I would tend to believe them. I mean hell, if these guys can crank out a road car with 1,001 hp and 10 radiators and a top speed of over 250 mph, creating an electric super car is definitely not out of the question.

There is nothing in this video that’s groundbreaking, aside from the fact that it’s the first time we see the new 2011 Bentley Mulsanne being driven. Other than that, it’s a two minute and fifty eight second respite from your daily life, kind of a brief-but-enjoyable vacation in your head. Stressed out? Wound up? Pour a glass of Macallan (neat, of course) and watch the video.

Source: Autoblog

Don't you want to do the same thing in the desert with a Jeep?

The basic formula for a Japanese haiku is simple: it’s composed of three lines, the first having five syllables, the second having seven and the third having five again. You don’t get many words, but if you choose them carefully they say a lot.

Bugatti Veyron
Will sell liver for my own
Sadly, no takers

Maybach 62S
Piss off, I am filthy rich
Your house worth this much?

New Dodge Challenger
Looks cool, is fast in straight line
Sucks ass in corners

Mazda Miata
Stupid fun to drive it fast
Too bad I’m not gay

Dodge Charger R/T
Can’t resist smoky burnouts
New tires this week, also

Ford Mustang GT
Finally, blue oval wins
Bow tie brigade bummed

Porsche Panamera
Fast, pricey German sedan
Can’t outrun ugly

Ford Pinto gas tank
Fine, if not in accident
Rear crash, not so much

Harley Davidson
Not ready to ride that slow
Ain’t my cup of meat

Kia Soul is hot
We used to laugh at their cars
Now wish we owned stock

Lambo Gallardo
Baby Lambo still pricey
But gets a geek laid

A Bentley Azure
May impress the hot women
Those who charge for dates

A new Range Rover
Can take you many places
Sometimes brings you back

Goodbye to Hummer
Not much good on road or off
Nice parked, with dub wheels

BMW M5
Proof that Darwin was correct
Drive like ass and die