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• Third-generation Continental GT
• Built in Britain
• New rotating display and digital instrument panel
• Enhanced 6.0-litre W12 engine
• 466kW/900Nm
• 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
• Top speed 333km/h
• New dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission
England - Bentley released details of its all-new Continental GT, it will make its official world debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
(Wheels24 will be at the Frankfurt show offering live coverage).
The luxury automaker says the new third-generation Continental GT 'combines spirited, focused performance with handcrafted luxury and cutting-edge technology.'
Gallery: 2017 Bentley Continental GT
Grand Tourer
The new uses the familiar 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine, mated, for the first time, to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission. The engine is positioned further back to improve weight distribution,
A new adaptive chassis uses Bentley’s 48-volt dynamic ride system that controls ride comfort and lateral roll says Bentley.
The seating layout is a 2+2 configuration with an improved luggage capacity. The interior features details such as a new ‘diamond in diamond’ leather design. Customers can choose from 15 colours across hides and carpets.
This new model weighs 80kg less than its predecessor thanks to better use of materials.
Inside, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and rotating display for the driver are among the suite of innovations. The latter features an impressive 31cm touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves the veneer to reveal the touchscreen as well as three analogue dials.
Apple CarPlay is available too.
The Continental GT’s profile is longer and lower due in part to the positioning of the front wheels 135mm further forward, which in turn allows the bonnet to be extended and the nose to be lowered. However, the key signature lines of the original Continental still dominate, with the ‘power line’ travelling from the headlights to the muscular rear haunch.
Top speed exceeds 300km/h
The lighting on the Continental GT uses the latest LED Matrix technology. The headlight design is inspired by the finest cut-crystal glasses.
The new Continental GT has 21” wheels as standard, with two styles available. A 22” lightweight, forged wheel is also offered, alongside a hand-finished option, which allows for a twisted polished finish.
The new Continental GT is offered at launch with an enhanced version of Bentley’s peerless 6.0-litre, W12 TSI engine that sets a new benchmark in performance.
Designed, developed and handbuilt in Crewe, the W12 TSI engine is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world says Bentley.
The new powertrain produces 466kW/900Nm and accelerates the car to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 333km/h.
A dedicated Sport Launch mode delivers maximum acceleration through careful clutch pressure sensing and pre-loading when a race-style start is required by the driver.
The new engine utilises Start-Stop technology and, in Bentley’s advanced application, coasting is also made possible. The engine rests not only when the vehicle is stationary but also at near-to-stop speeds.
Cylinder deactivation
A system shuts down half of the engine under defined conditions. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder to save fuel.
A new active all-wheel-drive system replaces the traditional 40:60 power delivery split between front and rear wheels respectively, instead varying the front-to-rear torque split dependent upon the driving situation.
Through the 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. Alternatively, the driver can personalise his or her own dynamic settings.
The brakes, as always on the Continental GT, are bigger on the front axle, with a 15mm increase in size to 420mm to match the increased performance.
The exhaust tail pipes have also been revised, and now have an adaptive valve for greater tuning potential.
Two technology option packs are offered at launch: city specification for urban journeys and the Touring Specification for long-distance driving, both curated to optimise the customer experience.
City Specification includes hands-free boot opening, pedestrian warning, traffic-sign recognition and city braking systems as well as a top-view camera. The Touring Specification pack, meanwhile, offers adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, active lane assist, a heads-up display, night vision with an infrared camera, and pre-sense braking.
