BENTLEY ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF NEW MODEL YEAR CONTINENTAL GT AS V8 DERIVATIVE ARRIVES

Details of new model year Bentley Continental GT announced

•Panoramic Glass Roof added to W12 Coupe to give a new perspective to Extraordinary Journeys

•New V8 sits at the core of the ground-breaking Continental GT line-up

•Combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency

•Customers can explore vast array of options with V8 launched on car configurator - https://bit.ly/2lLSJs8

(Crewe, 6 September 2019) Bentley has announced new model year details for its ground-breaking Continental GT, the GT V8, and the introduction of new features.

A Panoramic Glass Roof is now available on the Continental GT W12, whilst High Gloss Carbon Fibre technical finish for fascia and doors is now offered on all models.

Courtesy of its powerful V8 petrol engine, the Continental GT V8 blends a lively and engaging drive with unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology.

The V8 model has recently launched on Bentley's car configurator, where customers can explore the vast array of options available to build a truly unique car matching perfectly individual tastes, needs and lifestyle. Often regarded as one of the most configurable cars available, the Continental GT has 7 billion different configurations possible alone.

Giving a new perspective on the occupants' Extraordinary Journey whilst illuminating the exquisite craftsmanship of the Bentley's cabin, a Panoramic Glass Roof is now offered as a cost option – starting at £3,150 - on the Continental GT Coupe W12.

The sunroof is equipped with polarised glass that reduces glare allowing the passenger a clearer view of their surroundings, and an interior blind that is electronically operated from the console for when they wish to feel cocooned by the luxurious cabin of their Continental GT. The blind is clad in Alcantara® that matches one of the 15 headliner colours available from the Bentley palette.

A further stylish option now available on all Continental GT models is a High Gloss Carbon Fibre technical finish. Reinforcing the luxurious feel for which Bentley cabins are renowned, the High Gloss Carbon Fibre is applied to the fascia and door waistrails, while the centre console is Piano Black Veneer.

The Continental GT V8 is equipped with a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, Great Britain, the third generation Continental GT V8 and GT V8 Convertible combine driver-focussed performance with exquisite refinement and cutting-edge technology.

The new GT V8 – Offering a unique breadth of Grand Touring abilities

The third-generation Continental GT represents the pinnacle of Bentley's design and engineering achievements and sits in the modern luxury Grand Tourer segment that the British brand created in 2003 with the launch of the first-generation model.

Excellent weight distribution makes the dynamic GT V8 feel even more agile and responsive. The new-generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 petrol engine delivers a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds) for the Coupe; and 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) for the Convertible.

Spirited performance is complemented by refined efficiency, stemming partly from the ability of the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive. Stop-Start technology, which operates at 'near-to-stop' speeds, is also available.

Effortlessly elegant, the new V8 is a truly breath-taking car, featuring 20-inch, 10-spoke painted alloy wheels and the option to choose from nine other designs measuring up to 22-inches. Both Coupe and Convertible models are distinguished by quad exhaust pipes and subtle V8 badging to the front wings.

The Continental GT V8's innovative, luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement. It seamlessly integrates natural materials such as the highest quality leathers and rare, sustainably sourced veneers into the finest handcrafted cabin. A 10-speaker Bentley Audio system pumps out a powerful 650 watts of entertainment.

The GT V8 comes with an advanced, fully digital, driver-focussed instrument panel and the optional Bentley Rotating Display. The latter features a 12.3-inch touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves from the veneer to reveal the touchscreen, as well as three elegant analogue dials.

The new Continental GT V8 provides the driving character expected of a class-leading Grand Tourer, along with the opportunity to explore the range of performance available via the Bentley Drive Dynamics selector. The different modes offer the full breadth of performance, from class-leading refinement and comfort to focussed handling in Sport mode.

Both GT V8 models are both equipped with front and rear hollow, lightweight anti-roll bars for exceptional handling while the technically advanced, adaptive chassis created for Bentley's intelligent Dynamic Ride System, which controls ride comfort and lateral roll, is also available as an option.

The air suspension further improves ride comfort and dynamic character, with the scope to vary from sporting spring stiffness to luxury limousine refinement, depending on which mode is selected. Continuous Damping Control optimises comfort and handling, by constantly adjusting the damper forces in response to road inputs, vehicle movement and driver demand.

As well as an Active All-Wheel Drive System, and Electric Power-Assisted Steering to aid manoeuvrability, the V8 models are offered with a wide range of driver assistance features, such as Active Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Park Assist.

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