New Continental GT and GTC S – a sharper edge

◾New S range for Continental GT and GTC focuses on driving pleasure

◾Sharper looks through new wheel, black chrome and interior features

◾New V8 sports exhaust brings sound to match

◾Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard delivers exceptional agility

◾Dark-tinted front and rear lamps for greater presence

◾Black gloss grille and exterior brightware emphasize sporting character

◾New and unique 22' wheel in Gloss Black and Pale Brodgar Satin

◾Unique interior color split with Fluted S design sports seats

◾Dinamica and leather combine for a cabin of increased tactility

◾New S embroidery brings contrast to the cabin

◾New performance-focused graphics for driver display

Bentley is bringing contrast and depth to its Continental GT family with the launch of a new S range, focused on driving performance and visual presence. Through a multitude of enhancements to the exterior design, interior specification and dynamic system, the new S range adjusts the Bentley grand touring recipe to center on the pleasure of driving – an opposing yet complementary emphasis to the 'Wellbeing behind the Wheel' concept of the recent, comfort-centric Azure range launch.

Owners of Bentley's two-door models long appreciated the breadth of choice available to them, from the towering performance of the 6.0-liter W12 Continental GT Speed to the characterful beat of the 4.0-liter Continental GT V8. Now, with the arrival of the Continental GT and GTC S, owners can choose to emphasize the sporting character of the 4.0-liter V8-powered Bentley Continental GT, thanks to a package of performance-focused design and engineering features.

Agile and Exhilarating

The new S range retains the 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) 4.0-liter V8 engine that's proved incredibly popular with customers around the world, delivering a time of just 4.0 seconds for 0-62 mph (100 km/h). For the GT and GTC S, the engine is enhanced by the fitment as standard of a Sports Exhaust to amplify the crossplane V8 beat.

The eager, free-revving and lighter 4.0-liter V8 engine gives the Continental GT S models a responsive and agile character, and this is amplified by Bentley Dynamic Ride - the advanced 48 V electric active anti-roll control system first pioneered by Bentley. By generating up 959 lb.ft (1300 Nm) in 0.3 seconds, motors within the anti-roll bars actively compensate for cornering forces to minimize body roll under hard cornering, while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds by decoupling the left- and right-hand wheels from each other.

Exterior Design: Assertive and Purposeful

From the black gloss radiator grille and black brightware to distinctive S badging on the front fenders, the new S models make an instant and dramatic impact. Headlamps and rear lights are dark tinted, while all exterior brightware is specified in gloss black – with only the winged Bentley badge and lettering being finished in bright chrome. Gloss black wing build on the darker exterior look. The effect of these features is dramatic, giving the GT and GT S a more assertive stance regardless of the limitless choice of exterior colors they're paired with.

The S range is offered with an all-new 22' wheel option, with five Y-shaped spokes finished in gloss black and also available in a new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. Red-painted brake calipers sit behind the wheels to provide a perfect sporting contrast.

A second wheel option for the S models is a 21' tri-spoke wheel design that combines gloss black and bright machined finishes – also unique to S.

Finishing touches for the exterior include S badging on the front fenders, quad exhaust tailpipes (in black, naturally) and sill extenders in black as featured on the Continental GT Speed.

Interior Design: Tactile, Dramatic and Individual

Complementing the dynamic and purposeful exterior design is an interior that's striking and performance-focused, with a two-tone color split that's unique to the S models.

In the early days of Bentley, competitors at Brooklands and Le Mans would wrap steering wheels in cord for extra cushioning and a more secure grip. Today's sporting Bentley drivers are rather better served, with the suede-like properties of Dinamica proving ideal for the steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushion and seat backrest of the Continental GT and GTC S range. Leather hide is employed on the seat bolsters, door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console. The pairing of Dinamica with Bentley's incomparable leather brings an interior that offers the tactile contrast of smooth hide and the soft napped finish of Dinamica.

Driver instrumentation continues the sporting theme with the same performance-focused graphics as the Continental GT Speed. The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the 'S' emblem is embroidered on the headrest of each seat; embroidered Bentley wings are a no-cost alternative. Finishing touches include a metal S signature badge on the fascia and illuminated Bentley treadplates with the 'S' device replacing the Bentley Motors Ltd plaque.

Customer Choice – Sports and Wellness in Differing Blends

The combination of striking design, performance and agility gives the Continental GT S and Continental GTC S strong appeal for all those who love powerful, extrovert performance cars. With the recent launch of the wellness-focused Azure range alongside the S models, Bentley is providing customers with easier ways to choose the emphasis of their Bentley – centering on either onboard comfort and wellbeing through Azure, or dynamic performance and visual presence through the S and Speed options.

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