2000 Bentley Continental

Much of Bentley's post-World War II success relied exclusively on models whose basic architecture was shared with other Rolls-Royce products. In 1985, the Geneva Auto Show was used to gauge the public's interest in a high-performance car unique to Bentley. Six years later, after an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response, the Bentley Continental R made its debut. Consultants John Heffernan and Ken Greenley at Worthing-based International Automotive Design assisted with the vehicle's new style and it benefitted from computer-aided design and wind-tunnel testing. Apart from just a few non-traditional such as doors recessed into the roof, the Bentley heritage could be seen throughout the design. The four-speed automatic with an 'overdrive' top ratio was new and mated to the 325 horsepower turbocharged R engine allowing for zero-to-sixty mph times in under 7 seconds with a top speed of around 150 mph. The Continental S and Continental R Mulliner versions that followed raised the performance level even further.

The Continental S was built between 1994 and 1995 as a limited-edition performance model equipped with a liquid-cooled change cooler. The engine offered 385 horsepower and zero-to-sixty was accomplished in 6.1 seconds. A total of 37 examples were built.

Continental R : 1991 - 2002
Both the 'R' and 'Continental' were sourced from the company's history, with both from the post-war period. The 'R' recalled the R-Type Bentley models of the 1950s and the Turbo R of the 1980s and 1990s.

The 6.75 L Garrett-turbocharged V8 from the Turbo R was backed by a four-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and installed in a wheelbase that had a wheelbase of 120.5-inches and a length of 210.3 inches. Engine management was done via the MK-Motronic digital fuel injection with a fully mapped ignition control system. It used a self-leveling hydraulic suspension with adaptive ride control and front ventilated disc brakes with twin calipers.

The 325 horsepower engine offered plenty of performance but with an overall weighed that tipped the scales at 5,340 pounds, it was a heavy car. With that weight came luxury, and all Continentals were equipped with a center console-mounted electronic gear selector, which marked the first time the company did not use the auto box selector on the steering column. With the touch of the Sport button, the gearbox mapping was adjusted and the suspension for stiffened for more aggressive and enthusiastic driving.

In 1994, Cosworth modified the cylinder heads resulting in an increase in power to around 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The alloy wheels also grew to 17 inches and were complemented by a new 7-spoke design. By 1996, the engine had received liquid-cooled chargecooler and a Zytek EMS3 engine management system which improved throttle response and fuel efficiency along with a digitally controlled turbo over-boost. Horsepower once again rose, this time to 385 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Another change to the 1996 models was revised 17-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel tilt adjustment for the first time. Later 1966 model year cars received an Electronic Traction Assistance System.

The electronic traction assistance system became standard in 1998. The front seats of the convertible Azure were now used in the Continental T, which were also shared with the BMW 8 Series and trimmed by Rolls-Royce. Other revisions included small mesh vents below the headlights, revised alloy wheels, minor changes to the bumpers, and a laser-cut mesh radiator grille.

Between 1999 and 2003, Bentley offered customers a unique bespoke program call the Personal Commission program. 194 Continental R models were equipped with the 420 horsepower engine, including the Millenium, Continental R 420, LeMans, and Wide Body. Six wide-body coupes called the Continental R California Edition were built-in 1998. One other wide body car was also made in 1998.

Continental R Mulliner
At the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1999, Bentley introduced the Continental R Mulliner edition which came with the same engine found in the Continental T. The 420 horsepower engine, with 650 lb-ft of torque, had an estimated top speed of 170 mph. While the Continental T had a shorter 116.5-inch wheelbase, some customers wanted the high-horsepower engine in the longer Continental R wheelbase. Thus, Bentley accommodated their wishes by creating the 'Mulliner' edition.

Continental T : 1996 - 2002
The Bentley Continental T was a short-wheelbase version of the Continental R. When it was introduced in 1996, it offered an additional 15 horsepower over its sibling, the Continental R, and an additional 40 lb-ft of torque. These figures increased in 1998 to 420 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The 4-inch shorter wheelbase and extended wheel arches gave it a more aggressive and athletic stance. To help cope with the additional horsepower, Bentley fitted the Continental T with larger disc brakes with ABS and full front brake calipers. Weighing 200 lbs less than the Continental R, the Continental T could go from zero-to-sixty mph in 6.2 seconds and had an estimated top speed of 170 mph.

The Continental R models had wood finished interiors while the more sporty Continental T models had a turned-metal dashboard with chrome-finished instruments, lambswool carpets, and polished aluminum trim.

In 1999, the Bentley Continental T Mulliner was introduced, bringing with it modified shock absorbers and stiffer torsion bars. One other unique version of the Continental T was the limited production version Continental SC 'Sedanca Coupé' of 1999 which had a removable roof panel over the front seats. 79 examples were built with 6 being completed with the Mulliner package. 48 were configured with left-hand drive.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020