Exclusively for Japan: The Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition

• Bentley Mulliner creates a limited edition exclusively for Japan

•Restricted to ten cars, across six Japanese cities

•Fine attention to detail creates a contemporary specification

•Monochrome theme focused on black, silver and white

•Piano Moonbeam over Grand Black veneers

•Specially-developed silver thread runs through the cabin

•Carbon fibre Styling Specification finished with white pinstripe, which takes five days to paint

•Exterior styling enhances the muscular and powerful appearance of the Continental GT

Bentley Mulliner has added to its new and expanding Collections portfolio with an expertly handcrafted limited edition for the Japanese market – the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. Based around a monochrome colour theme of black, silver and white, the Equinox theme is one that brings power and grace through simplicity. Strictly limited to just ten examples, the Equinox Edition cars are destined for homes across Japan including the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Yokohama.

The exterior of the car has a powerful presence thanks to the contrasting monotone styling that accentuates the dynamic and powerful look of the Continental GT. The choice of powerful black Onyx or icy cool Glacier White exterior paint highlights the sculpted body and sweeping power line that guides the eye along the stunning profile to the muscular rear haunch and down to the striking wheels below.

The aerodynamic performance of the Continental GT is complemented by the Styling Specification to the exterior. Made from specially commissioned, high gloss, black carbon-fibre, the Styling Specification consists of a front splitter, rear diffuser, boot lip spoiler and side sills branded with metal Bentley wings inlays.

To further enhance the exquisite lines and authoritative appearance of the Continental GT, Bentley Mulliner has applied a Moonbeam (a rich silver) contrast accent pinstripe to the edge of the carbon fibre pieces. The accent line is painted by hand and takes five days per car to apply. In addition the 22' Mulliner Driving Specification wheel is uniquely finished in dark metallic Tungsten paint.

Exacting Standards and Extraordinary Craftsmanship

The monochrome colour theme continues into the cabin of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. The exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary features create a luxurious and sporting feel to the interior that is crafted with the highest attention to detail.

Bentley Mulliner signature craftsmanship is apparent throughout, showcasing painstaking attention to detail. Secondary silver accent hide to the headrest and seat edge panels elegantly complements the Beluga main hide. Contrast stitching in silver thread to the seats and steering wheel is mirrored in dual finish veneers featuring Piano Moonbeam over Grand Black. The painted veneer is sprayed by hand, with care taken to ensure that the amount of light reflected at different angles from the metallic paint surfaces are consistent panel to panel across the car set. The painted veneer of the passenger fascia is finished with an elegant Mulliner logo inlay.

The interior features have the power to delight and surprise - from mood lighting and illuminated sill plates, to refined silver accent stitches on the diamond quilted seats and deep pile Mulliner floor mats. Unique thread has been designed to be extremely durable and uses special dyes to maintain its colour to last for the lifespan of the vehicle. The thread is used for the contrast stitching elements and the embroidered Bentley wings logo on each headrest, each one being comprised of 4,500 stitches.

Uncompromised Performance and Luxury

Under the bonnet of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Editions is Bentley's renowned twin-turbo V8 engine. The new-generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It also features dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the 'V' of the engine, together resulting in 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).

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. The seamless change happens in just 20 milliseconds and is imperceptible to customers. Stop-Start technology, which operates at 'near-to-stop' speeds, is also available.

The uncompromising attention to detail throughout the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition creates a compelling statement of performance, luxury and automotive beauty that makes for exhilarating and extraordinary journeys.

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