A Transformed Front End

The concept car, Bentley " unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015,EXP 10 Speed 6" served as the inspiration for the exterior design of the new "Continental GT." Drawing hints from forms that convey a refined and powerful impression, such as fighter jets and modern architecture, the motif is also reflected in aspects like the body's smoothness.

The front grille sits lower than on the previous model, giving it a more low and wide impression. The headlamps on either side utilize LED matrix technology and are designed to evoke the look of European crystal cut glass.

Similarly, the rear combination lamps also employ LED matrix technology. Bentley's rear combination lamps have traditionally featured an oval motif, a design that continues in the new model.

A significant change is the position of the front axle. The distance from a line drawn vertically to the ground from the base of the A-pillar to the front wheel is 135mm longer than on the previous model, with the front axle positioned further forward. This extension emphasizes elegance and, combined with a shorter front overhang, creates a sporty appearance. Furthermore, the wheels are positioned at the four corners, and the longer wheelbase improves ride comfort. It also allows the engine to be placed slightly further back, improving weight distribution and benefiting handling.

All Aluminum Body, Except for the Trunk

Looking at the side view, similar to the first and second generations, motifs from the "R Type Continental," which debuted in 1953, are visible throughout. Examples include the power line, which runs from the front fender over the door, and the traditional haunch line over the rear fender. The gently sloping roofline is also inherited from the R Type Continental.

While the doors on previous Continental GT models were made of steel, the new model's entire body, except for the trunk lid, is made of aluminum. This results in a weight reduction of 85kg. Incidentally, the trunk lid incorporates the antenna, and composite material was used to avoid interfering with its radio waves.

Furthermore, the superforming process, previously used by Bentley for fenders, has now been applied to the entire side body. This enhances sharpness and allows for a more precise realization of the designer's vision. This forming method involves heating aluminum to 500 degrees Celsius and precisely shaping it, a technique used in aircraft. This is the first production model in history to have this process applied to its entire side body.

Exquisite Craftsmanship, New Endeavors

The overall impression of the interior has not changed significantly. The instrument panel, inspired by the "Winged B," features a design that sweeps broadly across the dashboard. The wood extending to the side panels enhances the sense of spaciousness.

Moreover, the new Continental GT incorporates numerous firsts for Bentley. One of these is the digital instrument cluster, a first for the brand. This allows for the repositioning of the tachometer and speedometer, and the display of navigation and night vision within the cluster. Regarding its adoption, Norikazu Yokokura, Marketing, PR & Academy Manager at Bentley Motors Japan, stated, "The aim is not to create digital-specific movements or gimmicks, but rather to present the analog meters beautifully while enhancing their functionality."

Additionally, the optional rotating display is a significant feature. Specifically, within the center cluster of the instrument panel, a three-sided prism rotates. When the engine is started, a 12.3-inch monitor appears, allowing for navigation and audio control. Alternatively, for those who wish to focus more on driving, it rotates 120 degrees to reveal a trio of gauges: outside temperature, compass, and chronometer. According to Mr. Yokokura, these gauges are inspired by those used by the "Bentley Boys" of yesteryear. When the engine is turned off, it rotates another 120 degrees to return to the wood panel.

In addition, various other new approaches have been taken to enhance luxury. Previously, Bentley's interior aluminum panels featured patterns like the "engine-turned" finish resembling ginkgo leaves, and the "knurling" on shift knobs was distinctive. However, for the development of the new generation Continental GT, with an eye toward the next 100 years, Bentley Motors CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer instructed the creation of something new, not just a continuation of the past. This led to the "Côtes de Genève" finish on the center console. This motif, used in high-end Swiss watches, features 0.1mm height differences every 5mm width on the aluminum panel, creating a refined image within the cabin.

The "diamond knurling" used on the dials is also a new decorative method for Bentley. It features a diamond-shaped pattern, but the pattern itself has a step of about 0.3mm, enhancing grip.

Leather also offers a new decoration called "Diamond in Diamond." Previously, selecting Mulliner options provided leather with diamond quilting, but this new treatment adds another layer of diamond embroidery within that quilting.

According to Mr. Yokokura, "When embroidery is applied to leather, the leather itself shrinks by about 12%, making it difficult to create straight lines with embroidery. To solve this, we developed new sewing machines over approximately 18 months. As a result, we can now sew precisely and straightly without damaging the leather." He added that each diamond requires 712 stitches, totaling 310,675 stitches per car, and the total length of thread used in one car amounts to 2.8km.

Significantly Improved Driving Performance

The engine is a 6.0-liter W12, fundamentally the same new TSI engine used in Bentley's SUV, the Bentayga.BentaygaIt features an idling stop function and a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down six cylinders when below 3,000 rpm and 300 Nm, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Performance figures include a torque of 900 Nm, the highest in Continental history. The power output is 635 ps, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds, surpassing the previous "Continental GT Speed" (642 ps) at 4.1 seconds by 0.4 seconds. The top speed is an impressive 333 km/h.

The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear, while 7th and 8th gears are essentially overdrive.

The chassis control system is the same "Bentley Dynamic Ride" found in the Bentayga. This 48V electronic system controls and adjusts electronic actuators in the anti-roll bars of each axle, not only improving handling and ride comfort but also delivering an even more agile and precise driving feel.

Additionally, an active all-wheel-drive system has been newly adopted. It is primarily rear-wheel-drive based, distributing torque to the front wheels as needed. In "Bentley Mode" and "Comfort Mode," up to 38% of torque is distributed to the front wheels. In "Sport Mode," this is reduced to 17%, achieving a sportier drive and steering feel.

Features to enhance sporting performance also include torque vectoring. Previously implemented in the Supersports and GT3-R, this function improves cornering agility and tire grip by lightly applying brakes to the front or rear wheels during cornering.

The rear suspension utilizes the familiar three-chamber air suspension found in many luxury cars today. With a 60% increase in air volume, it allows for more precise control, enabling both a softer and firmer ride than before.

The History of the Luxury Grand Tourer, Beginning in 1952

In 1952, Bentley unveiled the R Type Continental. "This car quickly gained a reputation as the world's fastest four-seater and the ultimate high-speed luxury car, establishing the genre of the luxury grand tourer," stated Tim C. C. Mckinlay, Representative of Bentley Motors Japan.

Inspired by this R Type Continental, the first-generation Continental GT was born in 2003. With its 560 ps 6-liter W12 engine, all-wheel drive, luxurious interior, and high performance, it "created an entirely new segment as a modern luxury tourer, and over 2,000 Continental series vehicles have been sold in Japan."

Mr. Yokokura also recalled the first-generation Continental GT, saying, "It was a car that caused a sensation worldwide as a vehicle capable of 300 km/h with four occupants. In Japan, priced under 20 million yen, it was accepted by a very large number of customers."

The second generation was announced in 2011. "The theme was to make significant improvements based on the requests of customers who owned the first generation. In terms of sporty performance, we changed the torque distribution from the previous 50:50 to 40:60, and to address the lack of storage compartments, we increased the storage space. In terms of design, we achieved a more glamorous body through the superforming technique. Furthermore, regarding environmental performance, we addressed the demand for improved fuel efficiency by introducing the V8 model. Thus, the second generation was developed by incorporating customer feedback," said Mr. Yokokura.

He described the new third generation as "something we want people to think of as a completely new car. In a word, it is a car that has become sportier and more luxurious."

Indeed, Mr. Yokokura noted, "We received various comments from the Frankfurt Motor Show venue, such as 'it's more aggressive,' 'it's impressive,' and 'this is truly a Bentley,' and the reception was very positive."

He elaborated, "Keywords that have traditionally described Bentley, such as 'dynamics,' 'luxury,' and 'performance,' are now complemented by new terms like 'younger,' 'feminine,' and 'stylish.' In essence, we believe it has evolved into a car capable of attracting a new customer base across the board."