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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
MoreTaking the 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition for a weekend test drive
This could very easily be a one-word review: amazing. But that wouldn’t make for a very interesting read, would it? Now, I have driven super luxurious cars before. And I have driven ridiculously fast cars before. But I had not driven a car that combined unbridled power, elegance and sophistication. Until recently.
| WEARING | Daniele Alessandrini coat, Corneliani, Banana Republic pants, A. Lange & Söhne watch, Mario Portolano gloves, Shoes c/o Tommy Hilfiger | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
Last month, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition. We were given the car for a long weekend and, yeah, we put some miles on it. What was it like to drive? I’ll tell you, but first let’s talk specs.
If you’re familiar with what’s under the hood of the 2016 model, this one is going to seem very similar. A 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine that produces a whopping 642 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get it moving from a dead stop to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph. I can tell you from experience that flooring it will put you back in your seat.
In the looks department, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition swaps the typically chrome-heavy accents of the Bentley line for, well, lots of black and carbon fiber. There are the 21-inch, five-spoke black wheels, which match the carbon fiber that accents of the interior trim, center and roof consoles. This sleekness is complemented some ultra-luxurious quilted leather seats.
Starting the car up for the first time, you feel the power. Literally. You feel the power. The engine sounds deep and throaty. And, honestly, it has a bit of a transformative effect on you. Though not in the way you might think.
In a different kind of car with a similar engine, you might be tempted to just shred the road. But in a Bentley, somehow – though you know you could shred the road – you feel more restrained, more refined and not in the least bit cocky. It’s an interesting feeling that I’m admittedly having a terribly hard time putting into words.
One thing that’s not hard to quantify is the impact this car has on the street. Man, do people love to look at it. And talk about it. And ask if they could borrow it.
In the several hours we spent downtown shooting and filming the car, we had valets, doormen and passersby stopping to gawk and talk. A cop car rolled up and just as we were starting to get nervous, the policeman rolled down his window asking if he could stop and check it out. And “Baltimore’s Best Rapper” (those are sarcasm quotes), spat some rhymes as he tried to get us to loan him the car for his next music video.
All kidding aside, driving the 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition was one of those experiences that you never forget. And I’m not going to lie, giving the keys back was a more than a little sad. But we’re hoping to get them back for more adventures in the future. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
