THE ALL-NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

By Shereen Shabnam

Bentley Motors head turning new Continental GT is the definitive Grand Tourer. Designed, engineered and handcrafted meticulously, the new third-generation Bentley Continental GT combines spirited, focused performance cutting-edge technology, to create the finest Grand Tourer ever produced.

At the heart of the new Continental GT sits an all-new, enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine, mated, for the first time, to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission, for faster, more efficient gear changes. The engine is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world.

A new, technically advanced, adaptive chassis uses Bentley’s intelligent
48-volt Dynamic Ride System that controls ride comfort and lateral roll, cushioning passengers from excessive movement and making the car feel effortlessly precise.

The muscular exterior design, created using revolutionary technology, results in a lightweight, yet stiff, body. The engine is positioned further back to improve weight distribution, resulting in driver-focused, dynamic performance.

Offering four seats and improved luggage capacity for genuine real-world usability, the new Bentley Continental GT’s luxurious cabin is packed with exquisite details such as a new ‘diamond in diamond’ leather design. In addition, significant work has gone into harmonising the extensive portfolio of 15 colours across hides and carpets.

The new Continental GT also showcases an advanced, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and Bentley Rotating Display for the driver are among the suite of innovations.

The interior design of the Continental GT is tailored with unrivalled attention to detail and seamlessly integrates cutting-edge onboard technology with the finest handcrafted natural materials. The result is an exquisite, harmonised, connected and luxurious space.

The exterior design of the new Continental GT is based on a bold new vision that is unmistakably Bentley. It retains the classic elegance that made its forebear so popular, the form of the new car is more sculptural and sharply defined and takes much of its inspiration from the critically acclaimed EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car.

The exquisitely styled dashboard of the new Continental GT is sculpted by long, flowing wings that mirror the shape of the Bentley badge. A floating leather top flows seamlessly to the doors.

A choice of three audio systems is offered in the new Continental GT. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650 Watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500 W, 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers.

The user interface is designed to be akin to a modern mobile phone and menus are structured to be instantly intuitive. The new Continental benefits from Apple CarPlay, the smartest and quickest way to integrate the functionality of Apple devices in a car is connected via a USB port.

Through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics Control different modes can be selected: Comfort mode, Bentley mode or Sport mode; the suspension, engine, gearbox and other chassis systems will modify to match the selected drive mode. The new engine also utilises Start-Stop technology where the engine rests not only when the vehicle is stationary but also at near-to-stop speeds.

Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) is also featured on the Continental GT offering a wide range of Driver Assistance features including Active Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Park Assist.

Bentley’s desire to offer customers cars with unsurpassed levels of luxury and performance goes hand-in-hand with a determination to enhance significantly fuel economy, reduce emissions and develop highly advanced, sustainable drive technologies for the future.

The car was tested for serious sub-zero driving on frozen lakes and in snow as well as in temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius covering thousands of kilometres. As with all Bentleys, the Continental GT can be enhanced further with highly skilled and dedicated craftspeople who respond to bespoke customer requirements.