Bentley Continental GT

For other models sharing this name, see Bentley Continental.

Bentley Continental GT

Production	2003–present
Predecessor	Bentley Continental R Bentley Continental T
Class	Luxury Grand tourer

The Bentley Continental GT is a two-door 'two plus two' grand touring coupé released in 2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and T.

It is equipped with a 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 560 metric horsepower (412 kW; 552 bhp) at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 newton metres (479 lbf·ft) at 1,600-6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is standard. It will accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour (197.6 mph).

First generation (2003–2011)

First Generation

Production	2003–2011
Assembly	Crewe, England, United Kingdom
Body style	2-door 2+2 fastback 2-door 2+2 convertible
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, Torsen permanent four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group D1
Engine	6.0 L W12 twin-turbo
Transmission	6-speed ZF 6HP26A tiptronic automatic
Wheelbase	2,746 mm (108.1 in)
Length	4,808 mm (189.3 in): 2003-05 4,804 mm (189.1 in): 2006-present
Width	1,918 mm (75.5 in): 2003-05 & GTC 1,946 mm (76.6 in): Supersports 75.4 in (1,915 mm): 2009-present Coupe 77.4 in (1,966 mm): 2009-present Convertible
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in) 1,380 mm (54.3 in): Speed 1,398 mm (55.0 in): GTC
Kerb weight	2,350 kg (5,181 lb) 2,485 kg (5,478 lb): GTC
Related	Bentley Continental Flying Spur Volkswagen Phaeton
Designer(s)	Dirk van Braeckel

Flying Spur

Main article: Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)

The four-door Continental Flying Spur saloon was first displayed at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The Flying Spur utilizes most of the technical underpinnings of the Bentley Continental GT, and was introduced to European and North American markets in the summer of 2005. Together, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur have boosted Bentley's annual production from around 1,000 units in 2003, to 9,200 units in 2006.^{[citation needed]}

The Flying Spur has a 6-litre, 12-cylinder engine, configured in a W formation. Unlike a conventional 12-cylinder engine with two banks of 6 (V-12), the Continental’s 6-litre engine is configured in four banks of 3 cylinders each (W-12). This shortens the W-12 engine's length considerably, compared to a 2-bank configuration. The W-12 produces 552 bhp (412 kW; 560 PS), accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and propels the Flying Spur top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).

One notable aspect of the Continental Flying Spur is its grille. Made to look like traditional chromed brass mesh, it is a metal-covered plastic-core. This was fitted as a safety feature; it is designed to break apart upon impact with a pedestrian.

GTC

2010 Bentley Continental GTC with the top down.

2006 Bentley Continental GTC interior.

The convertible version of the Continental GT, the Continental GTC, was first presented in September 2005, and was introduced to several world markets in the autumn of 2006. With the second generation Azure, it is the second Bentley convertible released in 2005. The roof is produced by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany.

The GTC uses identical powertrain detail as the GT, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in 5.1 seconds. With the roof up, it will reach a top speed of 314 kilometres per hour (195.1 mph), and with the roof down 305 kilometres per hour (189.5 mph).

GT Speed

On 1 August 2007, Bentley released details of a more powerful GT. Power is increased to 600 metric horsepower (441 kW; 592 bhp), with a top speed of 326 kilometres per hour (202.6 mph) and a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. The GT Speed can accelerate to 200 km/h (124 mph) from 0 in 16.2. The Continental's weight is also reduced by 35 kg (77 lb). Minor exterior changes include a tinted front grille and larger exhaust tailpipes. The price for this model is £176,385. The Continental GT Speed is the first production Bentley officially capable of reaching 326 km/h (202.6 mph), despite the fact the car weighs over 2,400 kilograms (5,291 lb).

Early 2013 saw Bentley introduce the latest variant of the Bentley Continental GT Speed, which has been refreshed with a face-lift as did the standard Continental GT. Power has been bumped up to 616 HP and 800 NM of torques pushing it to a top speed of 205 MPH. 0-62 MPH now takes only 4.0 seconds and this has been said by Bentley to be the fastest 2-door coupe that they have ever produced.

GTZ

2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed.

Unveiled in the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Continental GTZ is a rebody option by coachbuilder Zagato.

GTC Speed

Released in 2009, it incorporates the same engine as the GT Speed and the Flying Spur Speed.

For 2011 the GTC Speed has a quad turbo 6.0L W-12 putting out 220 hp (164 kW) and 780 lb·ft (1,058 N·m).^{[citation needed]} with a 3-Speed Shiftable Automatic transmission.

Supersports

In February 2009, Bentley announced limited production of the Bentley Continental Supersports. The car was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, announced by Jay Leno, to be available in autumn 2009, while North American cars would be available by summer 2010.

Bentley Continental Supersports coupe

The first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel (E85 ethanol), its 6.0 litre W12 engine was rated 630 PS (463 kW; 621 bhp) at 6,000 rpm and 800 N·m (590 lbf·ft) at 1,700-5,600 rpm - using either fuel. The car has 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) acceleration of 3.1 seconds, 0 to 160 kilometres per hour (0 to 99.4 mph) acceleration of 8.9 seconds, top speed of 329 kilometres per hour (204.4 mph), making it the fastest and the most powerful production Bentley ever. The Supersports is already known as the best handling Bentley. Bentley says the supersports can deliver 1.29 g forces on a 300-foot (91 m) skid pad, as compared to its sibling the Continental GT speed which can perform up to .98 g forces on a 300-foot (91 m) skidpad.

It includes a revised ZF 6HP26A tiptronic automatic with "Quickshift" system that reduces shift times by 50%, and enables double downshifts.^{[citation needed]} The car uses a Torsen T-3 centre differential for the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the four-wheel drive system. Other changes include revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC),^{[citation needed]} 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels (with increased 25 mm (1.0 in) offset on rear wheels) with 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tires, advanced Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with switchable Dynamic Mode, Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic disc brakes (the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car),^{[citation needed]} 110 kilograms (243 lb) weight saving over Continental GT Speed, automatic retractable spoiler (deploys at 80 km/h (50 mph)).^{[citation needed]}

US model has MSRP of approximately $270,000, with early vehicles not having E85 capability, which would be available in summer of 2010 for US market.

Supersports convertible (2010-)

Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, Australia

In April 2010, Bentley announced a convertible version of the Continental Supersports. Pricing starts at $280,400, and went on sale in the Summer of 2010. The convertible gets the same engine as the coupe, but will receive a revised version of the ZF 6HP26 transmission with "Quickshift," cutting shift times by 50% and enabling double downshifts. The convertible also gets new, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels that are 22 lb (10.0 kg) lighter than the standard wheel. In February 2011, Bentley succeeded in breaking their own land-ice speed record previously set by the Continental GT. They managed to bring a slightly modified Supersports Convertible to 205.48 MPH in Finland, verified by the Guinness World Records.

Supersports 'Ice Speed Record' convertible (2011-)

It is a limited (100 units) version of Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, commemorating Bentley's world ice speed record set by Finland's four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen. It included a W12 engine rated 640 PS (471 kW; 631 bhp), Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, 420 mm front and 356 mm rear diameter carbon ceramic brake discs with eight-piston front calipers, 3 body colours (Beluga, Quartzite, Arctica White) with Dark Grey Metallic soft top in three-ply composite construction, 20-inch 10-spoke Supersports wheels in dark tint, leather interior upholstery, diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors and quarter panels and seat facings, 'soft-grip' leather on the steering wheel and gear lever, high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard and console and roof panel with unique red weave, Pillar Box red piping to seats and doors, Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles; front seats and floor mats with embroidered 'Supersports' legends, Breitling dashboard clock with red accent.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Motorsport

In early 2007, a Bentley Continental GT Speed equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta Sport Utility 5 studded winter tyres and driven by four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen, broke the World Speed Record on Ice - on the frozen Baltic Sea near Oulu, Finland. It averaged 321.6 kilometres per hour (199.83 mph) in both directions on the "flying kilometre", reaching a maximum speed of 331 km/h (205.67 mph). The previous record was 296 km/h (183.9 mph), achieved with a Bugatti EB110 Supersport. The record-breaking Bentley was largely standard except for a roll-cage, aerodynamic improvements, and low-temperature fuel and calibration.

On February 15, 2011 Kankkunen broke the record again, reaching an average speed of 331 km/h (205.67 mph) in a convertible Bentley Continental Supersports. Bentley announced that a limited edition of the car would be released to celebrate the achievement. It seems that Bentley provoked the former tyre supplier by attempting a new record with a different brand because, on March 6, 2011, Nokian Tyres test driver, piloting an Audi RS6 with Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tyres, took the ice speed record in Finland, clocking a top speed of 206.05 mph (331.61 km/h) in freezing conditions.

Second generation (2012–present)

Second Generation

Production	2011–
Assembly	Crewe, England, United Kingdom
Body style	2-door 2+2 coupé
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, Torsen permanent four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group D1
Engine	6.0 L W12 twin-turbo 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo
Transmission	8-speed tiptronic automatic
Wheelbase	2,746 mm (108.1 in)
Length	4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width	1,944 mm (76.5 in)
Height	1,404 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	2,320 kg (5,115 lb)

Continental GT (2011-)

Bentley Continental GT (II) interior.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Convertible (Germany)

A revised Continental GT was introduced in 2011. As a cheaper alternative to the existing (but updated) W12 engine, the new model can have a twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine (developed jointly with Audi). The 3993cc V8 produces 500 hp (373 kW) and 487 lb·ft (660 N·m). Cylinder deactivation technology effectively turns the V8 into a V4 to improve fuel economy by 8%. Other changes, including on-demand steering assistance, weight reduction, better engine heat management, overrun alternator charging and eco-tyres, improve overall fuel consumption by 40% from the W12's 17.1mpg to the V8's 26.1mpg.

Continental GT V8 coupe (2012-)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 North American International Auto Show , followed by SkyLounge in Munich.

Continental GT Speed (2012-)

Bentley announced on 20 June 2012 that it would produce the Continental GT Speed, its fastest ever vehicle with a top speed of 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph).

The engine is a twin-turbo 6.0 liter W12 that generates 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The ride height is lowered and chassis and suspension uprated.

The vehicle was unveiled in Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012, followed by 2012 Moscow Motor Show.

Continental GT Speed Convertible (2013-)

The convertible version Continental GT Speed includes ME17 engine management system, self-levelling system set 10 mm lower than the 575PS Continental GT convertible, Electronic Stability Control with Dynamic Mode, matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in dark-tint chrome finish, 21" Speed alloy wheels in silver or an optional dark tint, diamond-quilted hide upholstery, Dark Tint Aluminium 'engine spin' finish (optional fine wood veneers, satin-finish Carbon Fibre option for fascia and centre console), top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Body Styles

Petrol engines

Model	Coupe	Convertible
GT V8	2012–	2011–
GT W12	2011?–	2011?–
GT Speed	2012–	2013–

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
GT V8	2011–	3,993 cc (243.7 cu in) V8 twin turbo	507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)@6000, 660 N·m (487 lb·ft)@1700
GT W12	2011?–	5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo	575 PS (423 kW; 567 hp)@6000, 700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@1700
GT Speed	2012–	5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo	625 PS (460 kW; 616 hp)@6000, 800 N·m (590 lb·ft)@1700

Transmissions

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Types
GT V8	2011–	8-speed ZF transmission with Quickshift and steering column mounted gearshift paddles
GT W12	2011?–	8-speed ZF transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles
GT Speed	2012–	8-speed ZF transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles

External links

• Official Bentley Continental GT website
• Official Bentley Continental Supersports website
• New Bentley Continental pages: Continental GT V8, Continental GT, Continental GT Speed, Continental GT V8 Convertible, Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT Speed Convertible