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This is what the lineup was like when I showed up in Portland, Ore. the other day. Bentley Bentaygas everywhere.
I was not complaining.
First, as I was gliding down theescalator at Portland International Airport, I was greeted at the bottom by aniPad with the Bentley logo and friendly gentleman ready to chauffeur me to the,later to be discussed, hotel.
From the initial greeting, wesecured my luggage and then headed directly outside where a fiery red Bentaygastrolls up to pick me up. As I gracefully slid inside the backseat, I noticedthe smooth jazz music serenading me to add to the class that was placed on topof the already quarter of a million-dollar SUV (customized price of the V8 is $280,949.50).Some of the first features, outside of the beauty of the large and in-chargevehicle, was the tablet-like technological advancements in the backseat.
In a standard front-to-backvehicle, you would typically find air-conditioning vents in this location;however, the Bentayga has a removable device which allows the passenger tocontrol the climate, music, airflow and the two rear-facing LED screensdictating the back seat.
Once we traveled through theeclectic downtown Portland, we arrived at the Sentinel Hotel where we werewelcomed by a group of employees that assisted in getting us settled into theclassical hotel.
I felt transferred into time and ittied in beautifully with the history of the Bentley brand.
Once I settled into my room, Inoticed the brilliance of the Bentley team as they created a newspaper-likewelcome packet to add to the element of the company’s heritage. It was verystrategic and nicely executed. Following the evening dinner and mingling, weturned in for the evening before what was to come on Sunday morning – the Pirelli WorldChallenge.
Rolling up in a family of Bentley’swas definitely a way to show up to a race. Heads turned. People loved it. Itwas great.
After making our way into theinfield, the intimate group of us were able to chat with the Factory Bentleyand KPAX RacingTeam to hear the ins-and-outs of the racing group. They shared how each day onthe circuit consists of an hour race in the Sprint X Class where two driversswitch out every half-an-hour.
This particular racetrack – PortlandInternational Raceway – is rather shorter in comparison to others onthe circuit, as it is only two miles long and it takes the racers approximately1.12 minutes to complete a lap. They are using modified Bentley Continental GTsthat range from 550-600 horsepower.
Yes, that is fast. Yes, these aresupercars. Yes, it is incredible. Just in-case you were asking.
Following race day, the Bentleyteam mapped out a scenic drive route through Oregon and into the lush state ofWashington.
It was absolutely incredible.
We began by winding through thePortland backroads and stopped at the wool-creation mill Pendleton where we were able to takea quick peak at how they create the fabrics and an inside scoop on how Bentleyartistically incorporates similar designs and features into the interior oftheir vehicles.
After this tour, we hopped backinto the fleet of Bentaygas and crossed over the rushing water passageways onthe Cascade Locks bridge. Where we stopped in for a family-style lunch on thepeaceful Hood River. Once we were nice and full, the anxious group climbed backinto the respectful cars and drove an additional route where we were able tostop in-front of the majestic Mount Hood base.
This was a breathtaking view anddefinitely a thought-out spectacle that Bentley has planned on the drive route.
The trip was incredible and the newBentley Bentayga is definitely worth looking into if you are in the market fora luxury SUV.
To learn more about the Bentayga and the entire Bentley lineup, visit their website at www.BentleyMotors.com.
Follow Shaun Melady on Instagram at @ShaunMelady.
