For once, luxury car manufacturer Bentley pulls out all the stops with this new Continental GT. Still recognizable in its overall appearance, the innovations are found in the details. "Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Exterior
In terms of overall design, this translates into an instantly recognizable style that has greatly evolved—more muscular and dynamic while remaining highly elegant. The body has become lighter, thanks to the clever combination of steel and aluminum. At the rear, new, more oval-shaped lights replace those of the previous version, while at the front, subtler headlights make way for a very imposing grille. The new Continental GT features a chassis equipped with a new three-chamber air suspension, adjustable from the central console. The chassis configuration is also customizable, offering four driving modes: Sport, Comfort, Bentley, and Custom.
Interior
In this new version, Bentley's engineering and craftsmanship are once again showcased through the use of noble, high-tech, and precious materials. The central console features a brand-new technical finish, Côtes de Genève in aluminum, only 0.6mm thick, directly inspired by watchmaking! The new interlocking diamond quilting, composed of intricate embroidery and stitching, enhances the sumptuous fine leather seats. Alongside the exquisite comfort provided by various seat adjustment options, onboard tranquility is elevated by laminated acoustic glass that reduces external noise by 9 dBA. But don’t worry, the roar of the new W12 TSI 12-cylinder engine will still be heard!
The pièce de résistance of the interior is found at the center of the dashboard: a rotating three-sided unit. One side features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, marking Bentley’s first fully digital dashboard. The second side includes three analog dials displaying temperature, a compass, and a chronometer, adding a traditional and authentic touch. Finally, the third side showcases a wood veneer that matches the rest of the cabin, offering purity and discretion.
Powertrain
Under the hood, the new Continental GT is equipped with a W12 TSI 12-cylinder engine, one of the most advanced in the world. Its W configuration makes it 24% shorter than an equivalent V12, resulting in a more compact design, increased performance, and, most importantly, more cabin space! It takes Bentley's teams no less than six and a half hours to assemble the engine, a true masterpiece when you consider that each engine consists of 294 different components.
This powerhouse delivers 635 horsepower (467 kW) at 6000 rpm and 900 Nm of torque from 1300 to 4500 rpm. The maximum torque is available three times faster than in the previous version, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 333 km/h. This represents a gain of 25% in torque, 7.5% in power, a 0.8-second improvement in acceleration, and a 14 km/h increase in top speed. Clearly, with this compact W12 TSI 12-cylinder engine, size isn’t everything!
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