Bentley Continental GT Speed & Facelift Thread

[Merc1]

Does Bentley never stop?

Apparently not, and with the might of the VW Group behind it, little can slow expansion at the Crewe firm. It's just announced that in the first half of 2007 it delivered 5600 cars - and this year should be the first time Bentley breaks into five-figure sales. Back in 2002 it made just 1000.

Bentley isn’t resting on its laurels, today releasing details of its facelifted Continental GT, along with news of a higher-spec GT Speed model. CAR Online first scooped the changes back in 2006, and they’ll filter through onto the Flying Spur and GTC next year.

How can I spot the revised Continental GT?

The coupe gets a wider and lower air intake, with a more upright radiator grille, which is the most obvious change. This feeds the unique twin-turbocharged W12 engine which has a new crankcase, camshafts, catalysts and exhausts. Combine this with a new ECU and you get a cut from 410 to 396g/km. Still enough to scare Greenpeace silly, though. But there’s no change in output for the regular car, with 552bhp and 479lb ft. Ample, as they say.

The baby Bentley has 405mm discs at the front – which Bentley claim are the largest on any production car – and 335mm discs at the back. Carbon discs are an option, at £10k, and save 20kg of unsprung mass. The standard Continental GT also gets a distinctive ‘B’ brake pedal (above).

So lots of power then, but what about the actual driving?

Bentley has released a new, more powerful GT Speed version, more of which in a moment, and all Conti GTs get a 35kg drop in weight thanks to lighter suspension and cooling components. This is still a bloater, though; even the basic car weighs a chunky 2350kg.

And that increased use of aluminium in the suspension and revised steering are claimed to improve steering feel. Just don’t bet on it matching sports cars half its weight.

And what about this new Speed GT range-topper?

As befits its name, this is the fastest Bentley ever. It gets a nice round 600bhp, along with 553lb ft to shift its substantial girth. It's enough to send the Bentley from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (4.6 for the regular Conti GT) and 0-100mph in 10.3sec. All that torque is put down by the four-wheel drive system, and the ESP stability control has been recalibrated to allow a little more slip for standing starts.

The Speed GT is Crewe's first production car to crack 200mph, though CAR in fact managed an indicated 206mph in the original coupe at launch (see CAR Magazine, October 2003).

What else do I need to know about the Speed?

Despite the fact that the GT Speed’s name was apparently inspired by the racers of the 1920s, the road car will be very luxurious. It comes as standard with a Mulliner Driving interior with numerous exclusive trims and quilted-style seat options, plus drilled alloy pedals.

How to spot the Speed? The grille is a darker tint than regular Contis, while the tailpipes are larger than normal. And despite having 20-inch wheels (19in on the standard car), air suspension is there to smoothe the ride; the GT Speed’s ride height is 10mm lower at the front, and 15mm at the back.

What'll it cost, mister?

Prices have gone up. The regular Continental GT costs an extra £3k, so you’ll now need £120,500 to become a Bentley owner. Another £17k will get you a GT Speed, and you can order both from today. But even for that money you get a Saab-esque steering wheel (above).

The revised Conti isn't the end of Bentley’s expansion plan. We’ve see pictures of the Azure-based Brooklands coupe, whilst Bentley is already plotting the next-generation of models.


Bentley Continental GT Speed - First Official Pictures - Carmagazine.co.uk


M

[YoUhimhER]

nice steering wheel and peddles. other than that, it's pretty much the same.

[PanterroR]

Originally Posted by YoUhimhER

nice steering wheel and peddles. other than that, it's pretty much the same.

And rims...

[SDNR]

Ahh, Marcus, the car you love to hate

Maybe in time we will come to appreciate this car a little more. I really don't like the design of this car much at all .....I don't think it's hideous like you do but I also don't think it looks much like a Bentley either. To me, this car is to Bentley what the Ocean Drive Concept would be to Mercedes-Benz. I am saddened to see these great marques loosing their identity -- I guess I am too sentimental

Having said all that, this Bentley is beautifully built and most certainly one of the finest cars in the world.

[YoUhimhER]

Originally Posted by TycoonGTR

And rims...

forgot the mention that, new rims are hot.

[le_rosey]

Damn, Merc were creating CL to be perfect. In my honest opinion it is way better than CL. GT Speed version is an orgasm on road.

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by le_rosey

Damn, Merc were creating CL to be perfect. In my honest opinion it is way better than CL. GT Speed version is an orgasm on road.

I certainly agree with you regarding the Bentley's interior ...but I still like the CL's exterior design a bit more .....both vehicles are desirable but the Bentley does feel more exclusive.

Still, I would certainly prefer to own the CL 600

[Centurion]

I guess i was a little late with my thread, it just got locked

Anyway I think the facelift is subtle. The front bumper looks nice but I wish the rear got itself a little update too. The rims looks great and the steering wheel is one of the best looking I've seen in a while.

[PanterroR]

Guys, your posts have been moved to Marcus' thread and other thread(s) deleted.

[MikeJ]

It still has one of the most repulsive front ends ever to (dis)grace any car, I'd say.

[Centurion]

Look at the pedals. That's what I call high attention to detail. Superb

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by MikeJ

It still has one of the most repulsive front ends ever to (dis)grace any car, I'd say.

Yeah ...well, you obviously haven't seen THIS yet .....but I do know what you mean.

Unfortunately, things aren't great at at the other end either.

[Bartek Sikorski]

GCZ: Bentley Continental GT Facelift and New GT Speed Revealed




Bentley Continental GT Facelift and New GT Speed Revealed

[Bruce]

I've always had an affection for the standard Continental, so naturally, I like this too.

[zetableh]

Want.

[YoUhimhER]

so are those pictures of facelift cgt of the gt speed?

[ree]

Originally Posted by YoUhimhER

so are those pictures of facelift cgt of the gt speed?

In my opinion, the pictures show the GT Speed!!

[El Zorro]

I think the Bentley Continental GT is a very good 21th century interpretation of the Bentley brand. It bears enough resemblance with the Azure and Arnage, has a very sexy "derrière" (IMO) with those big chromed exhaust pipes and modern rear lights and foremost, it has a stunning interior. The attention to details is amazing.

I must say I don't really like the new steering wheel, 'cause it's too modern in comparison to the rest of the interior. It isn't something you would expect in a Bentley.

The 'weakest' points of the car are the side mirrors (which are to VW-ish IMO) and the fact that it shows a lot of 'hip' when seen from 3/4 in the front (the weight is an issue too of course, but that has nothing to do with the design).

[Tarek]

Love it but still likes the CL65 more

[Car Diva]

This car is beautiful!!!

will it be available in custom colors?

I'd love one to match my Chanel Vamp nail polish....

Hey NSL Can I ? Can I?

[Osnabrueck]

Usually I can understand why people don't care for particular car design. With the GT, however, I'm mystified. This car just feels like twenty metric tons of class pressed into the shape of a car. Maybe it's that the GT broke away years of entrenched Bentley design - which I know many of you are enamored with. What you might call "classic" and "stately," I call "stodgy" and "outmoded."

Anyways, this facelift looks smashing. VW shows us once again how much they really care about tiny, inconsequential details.

[phaeton]

New 600bhp Continental GT Speed extends the worldwide appeal of Bentley’s iconic GT coupe

Bentley has issued the following press release:

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the company’s highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed’s high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre ‘Speed Model’, complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).

The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also represented the first step in Bentley's renaissance, positioning the company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration. Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model offering:

“The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”

New Continental GT Series – News in Brief

Continental GT Speed

- The most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12 engine delivers 600bhp (610PS/449kW) and 553lb ft (750Nm):
- A nine percent increase in power and 15 percent increase in torque.
- Top speed of 202mph (326km/h).
- 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s).
- 0-100mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2s).
- Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.0s).
- CO2 emissions reduced by 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption as a result of improved engine efficiency.
- Harder-edged, more sporting driving experience through enhanced chassis:
- Lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
- New levels of roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
- Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
- ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
- Subtle styling modifications distinguish the Continental GT Speed from the Continental GT:
- Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
- Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
- Mulliner Driving Specification (also available as an option on the Continental GT) includes:
- Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever
- Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels.

Continental GT

- Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS) but benefits from internal efficiency improvements for a reduction in C02 emissions of 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption.
- Top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).
- Improved ride comfort thanks to addition of new low-friction dampers.
- In combination with the all-wheel drive system, the uprated ESP 8.1 with new ‘Sport Traction’ mode ensures superb traction, without being intrusive.
- Distinctive, classic Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

Both models

- 35kg (77lb) reduction in kerb weight due primarily to optimisation of suspension and cooling system components.
- Increased use of aluminium parts in suspension benefits steering feel and rolling comfort.
- Revised Servotronic power steering gives improved feel and feedback.
- Optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes provide improved brake feel (only available on 20-inch wheels).
- Discs will last lifetime of car and pad life is doubled (in normal driving conditions).
- New, more upright front grille and larger lower air intakes give improved airflow, to aid engine cooling.
- Chromed headlamp bezels.
- Two new exterior paint colours (Cumbrian Green and Granite).
- Two new leather hide colours (Newmarket Tan and Cumbrian Green).
- The new Continental GT and GT Speed are available to order from August 2007.

Text Courtesy of Global Auto Index - research 1,700 car makers, 100,000 photos - the best and largest free online car catalog and biggest automotive directory in the world. Vehicle information and pictures.

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

Maybe it's that the GT broke away years of entrenched Bentley design - which I know many of you are enamored with. What you might call "classic" and "stately," I call "stodgy" and "outmoded."

You make good points Josh but I still think it could've been done with a little more elegance.

[Osnabrueck]

To my eyes the GT has more elegance than a runway show of dandies riding on satin lace unicorns. I'm utterly confused Rob, because you have such informed opinions... every time a discussion comes up regarding this car I feel as though I'm seeing a completely different car. Not just figuratively - but like... maybe my web brower is broken or something.

[Deutsch]

Finally a CGT I can dig. Everything about this car looks right, and it's all just the small stuff: wheels, air intake... and uh... interior, (wow, does the steering wheel look great or what!?). This looks more like what I would have wanted from the get go in a high end boutique GT.