Bentley, purveyor of exclusive, ultraluxurious automobiles, is turning up its already considerable performance reputation with a new model, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed four-door sedan.

It really shouldn't come as a surprise that Bentley would take this route. Few people now know that Bentley has a long racing heritage dating back to the early 20th century when the automobile was in its infancy.

The Flying Spur Speed, which has all-wheel drive, will be powered by a phenomenal 600-horsepower engine that puts out 553 pound feet of torque, and believe me, you can feel it from the moment you turn on the ignition.

While you are swathed in gorgeous quilted leather and an array of controls and gauges that throw off sparkly light from the chrome and aluminum, you are gently pushed back in your seat by the awesome power of this automobile.

Fuel mileage figures are unavailable. Prices for the Continental Flying Spur Speed are about $10,000 to $15,000 over the roughly $200,000 price tag for a conventional Flying Spur.