A More Aggressive Design and Face

Since its market introduction in 2003, the Continental GT, an iconic model of the reborn Bentley, has been an unusually successful ultra-luxury coupe. It has now undergone a full model change and its introduction to the Japanese market has begun. While reservations opened in December last year and imports to Japan are scheduled to commence sequentially from around June, the fact that this year's allocation is already sold out indicates the high level of popularity and anticipation for the new model.

Bentley states that while the new Continental GT inherits the concept of its predecessor, it has reached a higher standard in terms of design, engineering, craftsmanship, luxury, dynamic performance, and everyday practicality and refinement.

While its appearance unmistakably identifies it as a Continental GT at first glance, the design is lower, more elongated, and emphasizes width compared to the previous model. The changes are more apparent in person than in photographs. For example, the sculptural body and sharp power line extending from the front fender to the trunk lid, made possible by the latest manufacturing techniques such as aluminum superforming, the headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and the matrix grille, which is more upright than before, create a highly aggressive expression. The body dimensions have increased slightly: 9mm in length, 24mm in width, and 4mm in height compared to the previous model, while the wheelbase remains the same.

V8 Model Also Planned for Release This Year

At the time of its introduction to Japan, the engine will be exclusively the 6-liter W12 twin-turbo, delivering a maximum output of 423kW (575ps), a 12kW increase, and a maximum torque of 700Nm, a 50Nm increase. Despite being 65kg lighter than the previous model, this massive vehicle weighing 2,320kg can accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (0.1 seconds faster than the previous model). Its top speed is 318km/h, the same as the previous model. Furthermore, although details have not yet been revealed, a V8 model is scheduled to be released in the latter half of 2011. Bentley claims this engine reduces exhaust emissions by 40% compared to the W12 engine and achieves the highest level of CO2 emissions per output in its class.

Like the previous model, the Continental GT is equipped with all-wheel drive, but the torque distribution has been changed from 50:50 to 40:60, reportedly enabling sportier driving. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic, the ZF 6HP28, capable of rapid shifts in 200 milliseconds and double downshifts.

The interior features an 8-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, Cobra-design seats with improved hold, and a dashboard shaped like fluttering wings, reminiscent of the Bentley mascot. The Continental GT, which has evolved significantly beyond its appearance, will be sold for 24.15 million yen.

BENTLEY Continental GT Coupe | Bentley Continental GT Coupe
Body | Length 4,806 x Width 1,944 x Height 1,404mm
Wheelbase | 2,746mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,320kg
Engine | 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo
Maximum Output | 423kW (575ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum Torque | 700Nm / 1,700rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Fuel Consumption | 16.5L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 384g/km
Price | 24.15 million yen
*Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are based on European data.