Bentley Continental GT Coupe: First Look

Motoring Staff - 09/September/2010

England, United Kingdom - Bentley has released details of it's redesigned and updated Continental GT Coupe.

The new body gives the GT coupe a sharper, more defined appearance. Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming were used for the front wings and boot lid.

Meanwhile, the classic Bentley matrix radiator grille is more upright, while the new headlamp design, in traditional four-lamp format, has 'jewel-like' detailing including, LED daylight-running lights.

At the rear, Bentley's signature 'floating' LED lamps extend around the corners of the wings, emphasising the new coupe’s wider stance.

The luxury interior offers new levels of comfort and space. The seats, provide greater support and rear leg-room thanks to the new 'cobra'-design.

A new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system features state-of-the-art navigation, Google Maps, in-car 30G hard drive and a DVD player.

The Continental GT coupe's 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain now has a raised power output of 423kW and 700Nm of torque and this is mated to a new Quickshift transmission which enables double downshifts.

The engine also has FlexFuel technology so the vehicle can run on both standard unleaded petrol and sustainable bioethanol (up to E85) or any mix of the two.

In late 2011 an all-new, 8-cylinder engine will also be available to order. This advanced power unit will deliver a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the current W12 engine.

Both engines send power to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with the 50:50 bias of the original Continental GT) minimising understeer while an increased front and rear track provides better grip and stability.

The new GT comes with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 21-inch alloys being available as an added option.

Three styles of wheel are offered – a 20-inch five-spoke version and two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations, which come in a variety of chromed and painted finishes.

Bentley Continental GT coupe specifications (W12 engine):
6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine
Power: 423kW
Torque: 700Nm
0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds
0-160km/h in 10.2 seconds
Top speed: 318km/h
Overall weight saving of 65kg versus predecessor

Brakes
Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

Wheels and Tyres
9.5J x 20" (optional 9.5J x 21”)
275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21 linked to option wheels)

Steering
Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

Suspension
Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

Dimensions
Wheelbase 2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall Length 4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body) 1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (including mirrors) 2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall Height 1404 mm / 55.3 in
Fuel Tank 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot Volume 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb Weight (EU) 2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight 2750 kg / 6063 lb

Fuel Consumption (EU Cycle) *
Urban 25.4 litres/100km
Extra Urban 11.4 litres/100km
Combined 16.5 litres/100km
CO2 emissions 384 g/km

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval. * Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

Related Links:
- Bentley Continental GT Speed (2008)
- Bentley Arnage T (2007)
- Bentley Continental GTC (2007)
- Bentley Azure (2006)
- Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe (2006)
- Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)
- Bentley Arnage Limousine (2005)
- Bentley Speed 8 (Racecar)