Bentley has taken the wraps off the all new Continental GT, proving that less is more when it comes to changes…
When a car is the most successful in the company’s history, it doesn’t make a great deal of sense to radically change it. This is obviously the case with Bentley, and their new Continental GT.
While it looks virtually identical to the outgoing model, the company claims that every body panel is completely brand-new. A closer inspection will reveal the creases are more prominent, the beltline is higher, and the side windows are slightly longer.
The most noticeable changes are around the front and rear though. The new front end design has a more powerful, muscular look to it, with new headlights using LED technology (from the Mulsanne), and a large grille set lower than before. A swooping front bumper with gaping vents finishes off the front. At the rear a familiar bumper sits below slightly re-profiled lights, and a boot lid with a more pronounced middle, much like the current BMW 6-Series.
Like the exterior, the cabin only sees minor modifications. The overall design carries over, but there is a new infotainment system (the same as you get in the Skoda Superb, Bentley owners will be horrified to hear), a floating center stack, and higher quality materials. Thanks to slimmer front seats, rear seat passengers are awarded an extra two inches of legroom.
Check out all the styling changes in our huge gallery:
In terms of performance, Bentley engineers installed aluminum suspension components, a new steering system, and a 40:60 F:R spilt all-wheel drive system.
Power is provided by a revised 6.0-liter W12 engine which produces 567 hp (423 kW / 575 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque - an increase of 15 hp (11 kW / 15 PS) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm). It enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (an improvement of 0.2 seconds), before hitting a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). Despite the extra oomph, the 2011 GT is expected return 12/19 mpg which is up from 10/17 mpg.
Later next year, a new 4.0-liter V8 will be offered alongside the W12. Details are limited, but Bentley says the engine will be more efficient and not destined for an entry-level model. Certainly intriguing stuff. We think it must have turbos, two of them, and at least 450 hp. Anything less than that, and the 2300kg coupe will barely move. The W12 will then be the 600hp unit from the Supersports as default.
So, what do you think? Will it be as successful as the old model? Should htey have changed the styling? Would you like one in the Supercar competition? Leave a comment below and let us know.
