Bentley's Continental GT Undergoes Full Model Change | Bentley

BENTLEY Continental GT | Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT Undergoes Full Model Change

Bentley Motors announced on August 29th the "Continental GT," a four-seater luxury grand tourer that has undergone a full model change to its third generation.

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Designed, Engineered, and Handcrafted in Britain

"For nearly 100 years, Bentley has led the world of luxury grand touring cars. The third generation "Bentley Continental" is a testament to Bentley's design and engineering prowess, and a car that marks a new chapter in history with the joy of ownership," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors.Continental GT"Continental GT" is a testament to Bentley's design and engineering prowess, and a car that marks a new chapter in history with the joy of ownership," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors.

The new Continental GT, designed, developed, and hand-built in Britain, is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbocharged TSI engine, refined with the latest engine management system. Boasting an impressive 634 ps and 900 Nm of torque, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Bentley ContinentalGT | Bentley Continental GT

Furthermore, the adoption of an idling stop function, cylinder deactivation, and dual fuel injection (high and low pressure) has improved fuel efficiency to 12.2 L/100km (approximately 8.2 km/L) from the previous generation's 14.2 L/100km, and reduced CO2 emissions to 278 g/km, a 16 percent improvement. The unique W12 engine layout, 24 percent shorter than comparable V12 engines, offers numerous advantages, including ideal weight distribution and increased interior space.

The chassis features the advanced "Bentley Dynamic Ride" control system, which electronically controls and adjusts the anti-roll bars on each axle to minimize body roll during cornering while maintaining comfort during normal driving. The air suspension utilizes three-chamber air springs, providing a wide range of chassis adjustability for different driving modes.

While still all-wheel drive, the system now employs an active all-wheel-drive system that automatically controls torque distribution based on driving mode, conditions, and driver input, a departure from the previous fixed 40:60 front-to-rear split.

BENTLEY Continental GT | Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT Undergoes Full Model Change (2)

Bentley's Commitment Carried Forward

The new exterior design draws inspiration from the two-seater concept "EXP 10 Speed 6" unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, blending classical elegance with a sharp form. The long hood and short deck, with the front wheels positioned 135mm forward, create a low and elongated silhouette.EXP10 speed6"EXP 10 Speed 6," blending classical elegance with a sharp form. The long hood and short deck, with the front wheels positioned 135mm forward, create a low and elongated silhouette.

The front features a design instantly recognizable as a Bentley, with round four-LED matrix headlights and a mesh matrix grille. At the rear, the taillights have been redesigned into an elliptical shape, echoing the oval tailpipes below, creating a cohesive and radical look.

The sharp, all-aluminum body is formed using superforming (heating aluminum to 500°C for shaping), a first for a production model.

The interior, meticulously handcrafted with high-quality wood, leather, and metal, maintains Bentley's signature style.

A striking feature is the rotating "Bentley Rotating Display" in the center of the dashboard, offering a choice of three panels: a full-digital 12.3-inch touchscreen that appears upon engine start, three analog gauges for exterior temperature, compass, and chronometer, or a flush wood veneer panel.

Further attention to detail is evident in the "Diamond in Diamond" quilting on the door panels, offering a supremely tactile experience. The center console features delicate trim inspired by the "Côtes de Genève" technique used on the plates of high-end Swiss watches.

Naturally, Bentley's renowned personalization options are available, with an extensive range of choices.

The exterior color palette includes 17 standard colors, expandable to 70 with options. Carpets are available in 15 types, wood veneers in 8 hand-finished options, and leather in 15 choices. Customization possibilities are virtually limitless, entrusted to the skilled artisans of Bentley's bespoke division, Mulliner.

The development team subjected the new Continental GT to rigorous testing in extreme conditions, including cold-weather climate testing in the Arctic Circle, high-temperature testing in Death Valley, USA, durability testing on rough roads in South Africa, and further trials in the Middle East, China, and Europe, to ensure its capability in any driving scenario.

The price in Japan is set at 25.3 million yen, with deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2018. The car will make its public debut at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2017, opening on September 12th.