The Geneva Motor Show…
The “great recession” is everywhere. No area of the economy is left unmolested, least of all the car industry. But Gentry feels it’s time to bring a ray of hope and excitement into your lives.
Amid the government loans, slashed working hours and general gloom, the car industry had a something to be pleased about this week – The Geneva Motor Show opened its doors.
Ferrari fired its automotive broadside back in the Autumn with the unveiling of the Ferrari California . Geneva has offered the chance for their rivals to retaliate in kind. Bentley proudly rolled out the Brooklands Coupe and Aston Martin, the new DBS Volante. If you could cast your eyes away from the million pound One-77 or the rather freakish Aston Martin Lagonda concept, you would find the DBS Volante, quietly showing off its curves.
It is quintessentially British in style, performance and cool. The makers claim it to be ‘the ultimate open air motoring experience’ and its credentials certainly stack up. Boasting a massive 510bhp from the 6 litre V12 engine, it can knock-off 0 to 62 mph in under 4.5 seconds and hits a dizzying topspeed of 190mph, should you be lucky enough to try. And, to ensure you’re able to stop again, Aston Martin have fitted carbon ceramic breaks as standard…
The soft top lowers in 14 seconds and, if you were worried about not being able to hear the radio while tearing down a windswept country byway, the Bang & Olufsen 13 speaker stereo will be music to your ears. There will, inevitably, be flaws. As with any Aston Martin, reliability will be an issue. The price of around £168,000 also means it’s more expensive than the California, its fiercest rival. We think that, looks-wise, the Volante has the upper hand but, for many, the inevitable Italo-pull of the Ferrari badge and its competitive price will have buyers flocking to Mararnello rather than Warwickshire.
Let us know what you think…
Oliver Bewers
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