Luxurious 2+2 coupe loses some weight, gains more power and features a raft of new electronics shared with other VW Group brands.
Ah, they’ve finally renewed it!
If you’re talking from ground-up, then yes. Although the first generation Bentley Continental GT was made since 2003, it was updated in 2011 with some reference being made as a second-gen model.
But the one you see here in official pictures ahead of a world premiere at this month’s Frankfurt motor show is all-new with a new platform, redesigned body panels and overhauled interior.
The quad head lights remain but have a sleeker appearance, while the rear end is instantly recognisable with the new ellipse-shaped lamps.
The interior, meanwhile, gains a digital instrument panel, 12.3in touchscreen and 20-way adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions. As ever, lavish trim like quilted leather and wood panels adorn the 2+2 cabin.
As used in many new models from the mighty Volkswagen Group, the front-engine, rear/all-wheel drive chassis has been applied to the new Continental GT. The Bentley coupe is 25mm wider than before and sees its wheelbase growing by 110mm to 2,856mm. And because the front wheels have been moved further toward the nose of the car, the weight distribution is said to be improved.
Speaking of that, the Continental GT is some 80kg lighter than before, but it’s still essentially a two-tonne car because it tips the scales at 2,250kg in 12-cylinder form.
Is that W12 still lurking under the bonnet?
Yes it is, but the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 has been tweaked to produce 635hp and 900Nm to help propel the Continental GT from 0-100kph in 3.7sec before running out of breath at 333kph. And thanks to the use of cylinder deactivation (from 12 to six), the Continental GT is more economical on fuel on the average: 8.2kpl vs 7.0kpl.
But the more interesting news is the switch from a torque-convertor automatic to the dual-clutch type, also with eight forward ratios. Like in the latest Porsche Panamera (which shares the same platform), the twin-clutcher allows for quicker gear changes.
The use of a 48V electrical system for the active suspension allows for more precise and quicker operation of the damping to improve both handling and ride. As a result, Bentley promises a more satisfying driving experience in the new Continental GT.
Although Bentley isn’t talking about V8 power yet, expect the Continental GT to use the existing 4.0-litre twin-turbo unit with varying power outputs (and lower prices) at a later stage in the car’s life cycle. A plug-in version is reportedly on the cards, as well.
How does it shape up with the Ferrari Portofino?
If you’re talking about the new replacement for the California T which also bows at the German car show, then the Italian GT is probably a sportier option because its 600hp 3.9-litre bi-turbo V8 enables for a quicker 3.5sec 0-100kph acceleration time due to a weight advantage of some 500 kilos.
Of course, some may be quick to point out that such a comparison isn’t valid because the Bentley’s a coupe while the Fezza’s a convertible. But let’s not forget that a drop-top version of the Continental will eventually follow and that the 20-25 million baht price range is similar to that of Fezza.
Fans of the Continental GT can start to place their orders already because it’s claimed that the Thai Bentley agent has already cleared stocks of the outgoing model.
