Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

2 4 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Ensuring drivers and passengers remain connected, onboard Wi-Fi has been added as standard to all 2016 Continental GT models, supporting up to eight handheld devices at once. Trollstigen All models of the Continental GT range from V8 to GT Speed – in either coupe or convertible – and they are all splendid machines worthy of their own vignette. Perhaps my favourite, however, is the luxury- focused W12. Not only have its looks been massaged and improved for 2016, so, too, has its power. The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine now churns out 590 PS and 720 Nm. These power figures are good for a 0- 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h. Not only that, its fuel consumption has also decreased by five percent, down to 14.1 litres/100 km. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg for the W12. Winding my way through Norway from behind the wheel of the W12, with the majesty of the land and the sumptuous luxury and power of the Continental GT, I became one with the spirit of motoring. Leaving the Storfjord hotel, we headed south toward Oslo. Driving through thick forests and alpine meadows, the magnificence of the W12 did not truly show until we reached the famous Trollstigen mountain road, which works its way down the mountainside into the valley below. Pausing at the top of the 700-metre high plateau, we surveyed the lush greenery that spread beneath us and momentarily soaked in the visual splendour of the thing. Returning to the W12, I fired the engine with the push of a button and roared down the road. Hitting switchback after switchback, the concussive sounds of the twelve cylinders echoed off the jagged rocks, nearly mimicking the powerful tones of the 320-metre tall Stigfossen waterfall, which flows to the right of the road. The steering was quick, the brakes were sharp and confidence inspiring, and the grip insatiable, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system of every Continental GTmodel. Hammering down that hill, I experienced not only one of the best roads in the world but also one of the best cars to boot. Coming out onto the bottom of the twisting strip of tarmac, I floored the throttle. Careening down the mountainside, the grey scenery of the top of the Trollstigen had quickly transformed into a deep emerald that blurred in my periphery as the Continental GT gained speed. I was totally enraptured in the moment, awestruck by the beauty around me. Little did I know, however, that the best part was still to come.