BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT CONVERTIBLE GALENE EDITION BY MULLINER: INSPIRED BY THE FINEST LUXURY YACHTS

•New, limited edition of the Continental GT Convertible by Mulliner

•Inspired by luxury yachting

•Sophisticated maritime opulence and exquisite material detailing

•Mulliner introduces Pinstripe Walnut, a new bespoke wood finish

•Limited edition named after the Greek goddess of calm seas, Galene

•Jaume Vilardell handpainted illustration adorns front fascia panel

•Limited to just 30 examples worldwide

(Crewe, 24 July 2017) Bentley Motors is today announcing the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition by Mulliner, inspired by luxury yachts.

Bentley's bespoke commissioning division, Mulliner, has created the ultimate edition of the Continental GT Convertible in collaboration with British yacht experts, Princess Yachts, and takes inspiration from yacht design.

Defined by brilliant Glacier White and Sequin Blue hues externally, and inspired by the clean, confident design lines and materials of yachts internally, the Galene Edition by Mulliner combines the best elements of an oceanic lifestyle with luxury convertible motoring.

It is powered by Bentley's refined 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant, with 507 PS and 660 Nm and benefits from Bentley's elegant, four-layered retractable hood which keeps occupants in the same unruffled environment that the hard-top Continental GT coupe provides.

Designed by the Ocean: Clean, Confident Lines

The external design of the new Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition by Mulliner captures the iridescent sparkle of crystal clear waters.

Painted in pristine Glacier White, with a matching bodywork kit, the Galene Edition is specified with lower brightware in Sequin Blue, a timeless detail and elegant reminder of the life aquatic. A dark blue hood and striking 21' polished Propeller Wheels complete Mulliner's external signature on the Galene Edition.

Inspired by Luxury Yachts, Created by Mulliner

The interior of the Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition pays homage to the classic opulence, finest hand-crafted materials and exquisite details that are championed both by yachts and Bentley cars.

The seats are in Linen and Portland hides with Camel hand cross stitching, the door panels are Linen, Portland and Brunel. Linen, Brunel and Camel accentuate the dashboard, centre console and armrests, whilst the steering wheel is Linen and Brunel with a Camel 12 o'clock stripe. The detailed headrest embroidery is in Camel and the Glacier White stowage case is exquisitely lined in Brunel Alcantara.

The Glacier White external paintwork is echoed inside, in the stowage case and fascia panels, which can be specified with a unique handpainted Jaume Vilardell illustration of a super yacht alongside the Mulliner script in each car. It also coats the clock bezel in the Galene Edition, creating an interior space full of light and luxury.

Pinstripe Walnut: Commissioned for the Galene Edition

Inspired by the timeless appeal of sophisticated yacht design, Mulliner has created a new material finish – Pinstripe Walnut – for the Galene Edition.

This distinctive surface is used in open-pore form, for a more authentic, natural finish, in the centre stack and console.

A Pinstripe Walnut insert also adds a note of understated elegance to the bespoke illuminated treadplates in the Galene Edition, and lines the boot floor, creating a striking harmony with the rest of this graceful series, limited to just 30 examples worldwide, by Mulliner.

About Princess Yachts

Plymouth-based Princess Yachts epitomises the best of British manufacture, from its quality craftsmanship, design and engineering pedigree, to the refined elegant and luxury interior styling of its craft. The result blends cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to set new standards in performance, evident across the Princess range of sophisticated Flybridge motor yachts, dynamic V Class sports yachts, ground-breaking S Class sportbridge yachts and flagship M Class superyachts. The Princess reputation for design, engineering and manufacturing excellence has earned the company global appeal and established it as a truly international brand.

About Jaume Vilardell

Jaume Vilardell is a Spanish illustrator and creative director. Graduated at Escola Superior de Disseny de les Illes Balears in Industrial Design and specialized in furniture design at London College of Furniture - London Metropolitan University. His illustrations have been published by Lürzer's Archive on '200 Best Illustrators Worldwide' and awarded by Iconique-Societás in Fashion Illustration category. He has recently collaborated with Lifetime Networks Art Department in Los Angeles, USA for a film's production campaign (The Wronged Man. 2009. Sony Pictures Television) besides being featured in magazine such as L'Optimum, Rivista Studio and Esquire.

About Bentley Motors

Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. The company's headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company's four model lines – Continental, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

by Bentley

Rolls-Royce introduced the Project 90 concept car at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show. Many elements of this design would make its way into a new Bentley, which was backed by much enthusiasm and rave reviews of the concept. By 1991 the Continental R was ready and made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Again, the response was exceptional and the reviews were enthusiastic. The red show car that made its appearance at Geneva was purchased immediately by the Sultan of Brunei.

The body was designed by Ken Greenley and John Hefernan and was uncommon for a Bentley. It was aerodynamic, curvy, and sleek giving it an impressive 0.73 coefficient of drag. Its sporty image was enhanced by the sixteen-inch alloy wheels that could be found on all four corners. Its modern style was enhanced by the roof-cut door frames and a slight spoiler effect in the rear. This was the first Bentley with a body all its own since the S3 of 1965. Prior to this, it had shared many characteristics and platforms with the Rolls-Royce.

The name 'Continental' draws from the company's heritage and the names that adorned the pre-WWII Bentleys. The 'R' was in honor of the 1950's Bentley Type R models and the Turbo R's of the 1980s. This continued the tradition of a potent powertrain, impressive design, unquestionable elegance, and unrivaled comfort.

Under the sleek bonnet was a 6.75-liter Garrett-turbocharged engine producing an impressive 325 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque. These figures are estimates since the company never actually produced official ratings. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a GM 4L80-E automatic four-speed gearbox. This equation equaled a 145 miles-per-hour top speed with zero-to-sixty taking just 6.6 seconds. Stopping was also impressive, provided by its disc brakes with the front being ventilated. The interior was plush and comfortable with nearly every amenity available at the time and the instruments were finished in wood.

This package came at a price that immediately sent it into the exclusive club that only the well-to-do can afford. In 1992, a Bentley Continental R would set the lucky purchaser back $271,780US.

The Bentley Continental S was produced from 1994 through 1995 with 18 examples being produced. It was a limited-edition model that boosted the performance of the vehicle to a higher level, thanks to the addition of an intercooler. In a similar fashion, the Bentley Continental R Mulliner was another boost to the already impressive vehicle. Horsepower was raised to 420 and the torque lifted to 650 foot-pounds. The top speed was estimated at 170 mph. Bentley introduced the Mulliner at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999 and it was left up to the customers to customize to their exact requirements and specifications. The customers worked closely with the engineers and designers to create a unique vehicle that was up to their desires and expectations. Production lasted until 2003.

The Bentley Continental T was the pinnacle of the Continental series with a heavy emphasis on sporty characteristics while still maintaining a high degree of luxury, though luxury did take a back seat to performance. The Continental T originally produced 590 foot-pounds of torque but by 1997 that figure was raised to 650. With a shortened wheelbase, 2+2 configuration, and extended wheel arches, the Continental T looked very aggressive and undeniably sporty. The customer had the opportunity to specify components such as opting for the modified sock absorbers and stiffer torsion bars. This allowed the driver to take full advantage of the power-plant and propel the vehicles through anything the road had to offer. The press seemed to think differently as they gave the vehicles handling low marks.

The interior featured chrome finish instrumentation and a push-button starter. A gentle touch of the button and the vehicle would roar to life.

Production of the Continental T lasted from 1996 through 2002 with 322 examples being created. In 1999 Bentley offered the Continental T Mulliner, in a similar fashion to the Continental R Mulliner. In total there were 23 examples of the Continental T Mulliner produced. Five Continental T Le Mans vehicles were produced.

by Dan Vaughan