The Bentley GT: performance and style

VW, who currently owns the Bentley marque, unveiled the rather spiffy-looking Bentley Continental GT at the 2002 Paris Motor Show.

Rumoured to have been in production for quite a few years now, the finished product, due to release in 2003, says one thing when you first see it: "Don't mess with me."

Indeed, the sheer proportions of the stately grand tourer are hard to swallow - it's one seriously long coupe and it's got road presence like no other.

Even the way it sits on its wheels is poetry in motion - or maybe that's going a little too far...

Still, former Skoda designer Dirk van Braeckel has done a wonderful job in keeping with tradition while offering something fresh.

But why was the Continental GT built? It's hard to say exactly, and apart from providing the likes of the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes SLR competition, it would be better to look at it from another angel.

The new Bentley is very significant because: Firstly, it's the fastest Bentley ever built. Secondly, it's the first Bentley built under the VW name. Thirdly, it's the first Bentley in some 40 years to use a new platform and it's also the first Bentley to make use of four-wheel drive.

All Bentley vehicles built prior to the Continental GT used a modified Rolls Royce Silver Shadow platform, which dates back to the 60s. So, in order to improve handling, ride, even power delivery and visual appeal, Bentley opted for a new platform.

For those who adore heritage and traditional, don't fob the Continental GT off, simply because it's now a VW.

While the Bentley name is now owned by German automaker Volkswagen, only certain aspects of the driveline, such as the engine, are VW sourced.

The vast majority of the Continental GT is built in Crewe, England, which has been the home of Bentley since 1919. In fact, the company has all-new manufacturing facilities to cope with the storming Continental GT.

Moving right along, and the first thing that most will want to know about the Continental GT, is how fast is it?

Pretty damned fast, really. Making use of a W12 engine (basically two 3.0-litre V6s sharing the same crankshaft) the 6.0-litre mill creates a prodigious 375kW of power.

Oh, we forgot to mention that the large capacity 6.0-litre engine also gets twin turbochargers, which goes a long way to increasing bottom-end torque, responsible for a staggering 0-100km/h dash of less than 5.0 seconds.

Bentley is keeping tight-lipped on exact performance specs, but we'd expect a 0-100km/h sprint time of roughly 4.6 seconds.

Again, Bentley was loathe to quote a top speed at the car's launch in Paris, but the Boys in Blue will be rather amused to know this luxury tourer will hit 300km/h without breaking a sweat. Rumour suggests the car will even reach about 330km/h, conditions permitting...

Adding to the idea of ludicrous amounts of power available at the flex of one's ankle, the new Continental GT gets a six-speed paddle-operated six-speed automatic gearbox, which transfers power to all four wheels. Don't expect a rally version, though...

As far as the new look goes, we like it. Looking at the photos, you can see the larger, more prononced rear-wheel arches - a throwback to Bentley's past. Other features include the quad-headlight design, a pillarless cabin, short front overhangs and an electronically controlled rear wing.

While a stonking engine and head-turning looks are vital to any coupe, it's inside that the boys from Crewe have really worked their magic. And while the interior is typically British, VW has obviously had some input into ergonomics, which will please long-term Bentley owners immeasurably.

Inside the 2+2 coupe, driver and passengers will be greeted by acres of wood, leather and chrome. There's a plehtora of controls that the driver can operate from the steering wheel, and the central console area houses a large LCD screen used for navigation, air con and other general features.

With new underpinnings, the GT is expected to handle a whole lot better than any of the current V8 bruisers Bentley offers. It reckons the Continental GT will offer a "firm" rather than harsh ride and have impressive resistance to roll and still be compliant enough to ride poorly surfaced roads with "absolute equanimity." Aqua-what?

With double-wishbones at the pointy end, and a multi-link rear axle, the GT also gets "Air Springs". These are used at each corner in place of conventional coils, each one containing its own infinitely adjustable electronic damper. Just think air suspension.

Naturally, both traction control and the latest Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are fitted, though they can be disabled at the discretion of the driver. Braking will be provided by all-new, ventilated disc brakes at each corner featuring the latest Bosch anti-lock system with Brake Assist and Emergency Brake Force Distribution.

We will have a full run-down of the Bentley Continental GT when it is officially launched, and with that we'll have exact power and torque specs too - 375kW was only a Bentley estimate - plus wheel/tyre sizes and hopefully a quarter-mile time, too.

While no official price was offered by the PR spin-merchants, most agree that around $US500,000 is highly likely. That translates to about $922,000 locally, which is quite a bit for a four-wheeler.

Still, we imagine that there will be at least half-a-dozen lucky sods who'll buy one in Australia, though no concrete details were given about its ETA, though it is expected to go on sale in Europe during the second half of 2003.