Month: June 2016

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Why you should always fill a supercar McLaren with the right da do Ron Ron

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My last experience of trying to find premium 98 RON unleaded almost ended in tears – expensive tears.

I was driving a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Just like electric car owners looking for a plug in, there was suddenly none of the stuff for miles.

In desperation, I had to pump in a gallon of the cheaper fuel and the Scags didn’t like it one bit. Fortunately, the Ferrari kangarooed far enough to make a garage with a decent supply.

The McLaren has a similarly expensive drinking habit. I’m already wondering where I’m going to have to fill her up, as I surely will at some point.

Yet the 650S can average 32mph combined, which doesn’t seem quite bad. It’s also bloody great fun and seems to annoy every bloke in a Porsche.

Worth paying the extra for then…

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A Bentley is for going gently. Soaking up the atmosphere, listening to Test Match Special on the Naim radio

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June 2 It may be Bentley’s fastest motor but there’s still only one way to drive a GT Speed. S-l-o-w-l-y.

After a week steering this behemoth it feels almost rude to suggest anything as vulgar as performance. That’s for Porsche 911s and those nasty red Ferraris.

No, a Bentley is for going gently. Soaking up the atmosphere, listening to Test Match Special on the Naim radio and generally revelling in the warmth (stop laughing) of a balmy British June.

Indeed, if Andy Murray wins Wimbledon and England beat Pakistan at Lords next month, all I need is a GT Speed to make it the perfect summer.

Right I’m off to Woking collect another British slice of madness – the McLaren 650. More tomorrow…

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Cool Runnings – the Bentley GT Speed is silent even in convertible form

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Shifting a car weighing 2.5 tons means a seriously big engine – which in turn ensures the GT Speed convertible is capable of just over 200mph.

However, despite the fabric roof, the GT Speed is remarkably quiet at high speed. It’s easy to forget you are in an open top car at times.

There is some noise from the C-pillars which fooled me into thinking I had left a window open but otherwise the Bentley purrs along in silence. Until you slip it into Sport mode, of course.

As you would expect, there is not a rattle, squeak or judder anywhere. British engineering at its best – and at a great price!