CAR News

Bentley is introducing a new performance flagship, its fastest production model ever, the Continental GT Speed coupe. The new 205 mph (329 km/h) GT Speed will appeal to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance, agile handling, distinctive design and sporting luxury. Orders for the new GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to commence in October 2012.

At the heart of the new Continental GT Speed is an up-rated version of the unique Bentley 6-litre, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine. For the new model, the legendary Bentley W12 develops 625 PS (616 bhp/460 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm of torque to deliver thunderous, supercar performance with effortless overtaking capability. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a mere 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s) and the GT Speed has a top speed of 205 mph (329 km/h).

The new Speed’s immense power is transmitted via a close-ratio, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This state-of-the-art transmission delivers quick yet imperceptible gear changes through intelligent adaptive control software to ensure the perfect combination of speed and refinement. The new gearbox also makes a significant contribution to an overall twelve per cent improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Channelling the extreme performance of the GT Speed is a unique chassis tune that includes uprated steering and suspension systems and a lowered ride height. The enhanced chassis is complemented by unique 21-inch Speed wheels, available in two lustrous finishes, and fitted with 275 35 R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres. The result is a sportier and more engaging Bentley driving experience with tauter handling and improved agility.

Commenting on the new GT Speed, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive says:

“For nearly a decade, the Bentley Continental GT has defined high luxury, high performance grand touring and the unique W12 engine has been so successful that Bentley is now the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines. The new GT Speed with its harder-edged, sportier character reaffirms this pinnacle positioning and continues to broaden the worldwide appeal of the Continental coupe.”

The muscular, elegant sculpted coachwork of the Continental coupe is subtly enhanced with design touches which reinforce the sporting character of the new model. Most notable are the dark-tinted matrix front grille and lower air intakes and the ‘rifled’ finish to the exhaust tailpipes.

The new GT Speed delivers supreme levels of performance with no compromise in comfort, refinement, craftsmanship and quality. Using only the finest natural materials, the hand-crafted cabin of the GT Speed features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard as well as a number of signature Speed design cues that combine contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.

Standard fitment on all Continental models, the permanent all-wheel drive system, employing a central Torsen differential, harnesses the prodigious power and torque of the new GT Speed and ensures huge levels of grip and stability whatever the road or weather conditions.

Ahead of deliveries this autumn, the GT Speed makes its international debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed from 28th June until 1st July. Modern-day Bentley Boys Juha Kankunnen, Guy Smith and Derek Bell will pilot a pre-production GT Speed up the Goodwood Hill twice a day.

New Continental GT and GTC V8 models will debut at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (January 2012)
Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio combined with classic Bentley power and torque from new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine
Fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to a new powertrain delivering a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions
Advanced technologies include direct injection, variable displacement, new close-ratio 8-speed transmission and all wheel-drive
New Continental V8 model range complements the flagship 6.0 litre W12 GT and GTC
Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012.

The new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180mph (290km/h).

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel. Full and official figures will be released in early 2012.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The instantly recognisable growl of the new 4.0 litre V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stablemates.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge emphasise the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

Both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.

The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631bhp (640PS).

Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering strength.

Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said:

“With the new 4.0 litre V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”

THE NEW CONTINENTAL V8 MODELS

Distinctive sporting style

Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider
Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-coloured dividers
Dark rear lower valance
Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres
7 exterior colours offered in standard range
Sporty, contemporary interior

New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models
Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim
Short centre console in place of W12 through-console
4 hide colours offered in standard range
Unique two-tone leather colour split
3 hood colours (Continental GTC)
Exhilarating, efficient new 4.0 litre V8 engine

Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio reflecting engine efficiency
Variable displacement (a technology first proven on the Mulsanne) imperceptibly cuts 4 cylinders on cruise and light throttle
Switchable engine mounts ensure refinement
Engine optimisation technologies boost efficiency
New, close-ratio, 8-speed transmission offers 6 per cent efficiency gain with ultra-fast shifts
Turbochargers mounted within ‘V’ for efficiency and fast response
Over 500 miles (800km) range on one tank of fuel
Distinctive V8 growl
All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split

Bentley personalisation specialists Imperium Automotive have today announced their new exclusive upgrade package for the recently released new generation Bentley Continental GT Coupe. This visually unique limited series production package wears the distinctive name ‘Audentia’ a direct Latin translation for ‘boldness and courage’.

The new Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia upgrade is strictly limited in production to only 50 units worldwide and is now available to order directly through Imperium with initial customers estimated to take full delivery within the next 6-8 weeks.

This exclusive upgrade package features a newly designed front bumper with grille, air vents and visually lowering sport side skirts. The new rear apron design features a new boot lip spoiler, subtle rear diffuser and newly designed sports exhaust tips.

All new Imperium Bentley Audentia bodywork components are skilfully manufactured using the finest British engineering principles, techniques and processes. Each limited edition package is exclusively made to order in the customer’s preferred choice of PU-RIM plastic or ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre.

Prices for this unique limited edition upgrade package start at £25,000.

2011 Mulliner Bentley Continental GT

Widely acclaimed for its crisp, sculpted design, the new Bentley Continental GT is poised to create a further stir with the new Mulliner Styling Specification, a range of Bentley-designed styling options reaffirming its potent road presence.

The new Mulliner Styling Specification’s Classic Pack features a unique front bumper splitter, strakes integrated into the front intake grilles, side extension blades and a rear diffuser, all made from high-gloss, black carbon-fibre. These are complemented by a range of individual design options, comprising black, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and door mirror cowls as well as distinctive, black-painted 21-inch ‘Elegant’ alloy wheels and dark mesh front wing vents with black carbon-fibre bezels.

Styled by Raul Pires, Bentley’s head of exterior design who, under the leadership of Design Director Dirk van Braeckel, was the creative force behind the lithe shape of the Continental GT, the Mulliner Styling Specification underlines the iconic form of Bentley’s new GT. Pires comments:

“The Mulliner Styling Specification, with its sharper lines and darker, lower appearance subtly underscores the extrovert, flamboyant nature of our new Coupe. It delivers a more personalised, sportive interpretation of a luxurious, refined GT.”

The new Mulliner Styling Specification provides customers with the opportunity to personalise their new GT with a range of stylish features engineered at the company’s factory in Crewe, England, ensuring Bentley standards of quality and design integrity.

The Mulliner Styling Specification – Classic Pack

Each element of the Mulliner Styling Specification is distinguished by the use of specially commissioned, black high-gloss carbon-fibre featuring a distinctive weave design. Skilfully echoing the beautifully crafted wood veneers of the new GT’s cabin, each carbon-fibre component employs a similar ‘mirror matching’ process with the unique weave pattern flowing in one direction.

The sporting frontal appearance of the new GT is subtly enhanced by a sleek black carbon- fibre front bumper splitter, complemented by solid carbon-fibre strakes integrated into the lower air intake grilles.

Black carbon-fibre extension blades, positioned beneath the sills, sweep down the sides of the Continental GT, providing a fresh interpretation of the striking profile of the Bentley coupe, drawing the eye to the sharp powerlines and muscular rear haunches. Each extension blade features a discreet ‘Winged B’ motif. At the rear, a full-width black carbon-fibre diffuser adds greater definition to the GT’s signature twin, flared, elliptical exhaust tailpipes.

The Mulliner Styling Specification – Optional Design Features

In addition to the core features of the Classic Pack, customers have the opportunity to personalise their cars still further with four additional optional features. The GT’s stylish rear spoiler, which automatically deploys at higher road speeds, may be specified in carbon -fibre, while Pires’s renowned eye for detail is reflected in the optional carbon-fibre door mirror cowls.

To complement the carbon-fibre features of the Mulliner Styling Specification, customers may also specify the option of 21-inch 7-spoke Elegant alloy wheels in a dramatic black-painted finish with contrasting bright machined detailing.

Customers may also opt for eye-catching, curved wing vents. Positioned just behind the front wheel arches, the dark chrome mesh vents (framed by a carbon-fibre bezel) offer improved heat diffusion as well as forcefully underlining the Continental GT’s high-performance credentials.

Rigorously tested by Bentley for customer peace of mind

Unlike many after-market styling packages, Bentley has subjected the components of the Mulliner Styling Specification to a typically rigorous and comprehensive quality and engineering test and development programme.

A series of high performance ‘V-Max’ tests and wind tunnel appraisals were undertaken to ensure that the handling and performance credentials of the new Continental GT are not compromised by the addition of the Mulliner Styling Specification.

The carbon-fibre itself has been subjected to an extended regime of extreme climatic and real world driving tests to ensure that durability matches the same high standards of the cars to which they are applied.

To ensure that Bentley standards of build quality are maintained, the Mulliner Styling Specification package is only available for fitment by factory-trained technicians at authorised Bentley dealers. Steve O’Hara, Aftersales Director, explains the Bentley philosophy:

“To ensure complete peace of mind for our customers, the Mulliner Styling Specification is underpinned by the Company’s exhaustive aerodynamic and durability testing programme and is backed by a full Bentley warranty.”

The Classic Pack is available to order from June 2011 onwards and the optional design features can be ordered from authorised Bentley dealers from Autumn 2011.