Continental – Page 4 – Automobiles Review

Bentley Introduces Mulsanne and Continental Le Mans Limited Edition Models

Bentley just introduced their Le Mans Limited Edition Mulsanne and Continental model specifications, which will be distributed across North America. Each model is inspired by a driver from Bentley’s six victories at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race.

These special models celebrate brands significant achievements at the race. In fact, 48 examples of each Le Mans Limited Edition model will be produced, with each car having unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, Le Mans Edition clock face, embroidered Le Mans badge to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colours.

To go further into details, the Mulsanne model, which is one of the most exclusive cars of the British luxury motoring, sprints form 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 184 mph. This is possible thanks to its drivetrain which delivers 505 hp (371 kW).

In addition, the limited edition specification here offers highlights such as diamond-quilted hide seat covering, diamond-quilted hide door panels, Le Mans Edition illuminated treadplates, drilled alloy foot pedals, sports tuned suspension and steering, ‘Quad’ Effect Tailpipe Finishers, and two-piece five spoke dark tint alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the 4-seat Continental GT Speed Le Mans Edition coupe delivers the highest standards of design, engineering, luxury and performance. Under the hood is hidden the renowned 6.0-litre W12 engine, that generates 616 hp (453 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) available from 2000 rpm. This means that the GT Speed sprints to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and is the fastest production Bentley ever with a top speed of 205 mph.

Bentley Continental and Mulsanne Le Mans Edition Specifications:

John Duff Specifications:

John Duff was the one, who back in 1924 gave Bentley the first win at Le Mans 24 Hours.

Exterior: Moonbeam
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Beluga
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminium

Dudley Benjafield Specifications:

Dudley Benjafield drove at numerous events and took first place at Le Mans in 1927.

Exterior: Verdant – the same colour of the victorious Bentley Speed 8 in 2003
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminium

Woolf Barnato Specifications:

Woolf Barnato is considered “the best driver we ever had” by W.O. Bentley. He remains the only driver to have won on each occasion of entering the race recording wins at Le Mans in 1928, 1929 and 1930.

Exterior: Granite
Interior: Hotspur
Stitching: Beluga
Veneer: Carbon Fiber in Continental series
Dark Stain Burr Walnut with Dark Aluminium in Mulsanne

Tim Birkin Specifications:

Tim Birkin was an ex-fighter pilot who was renowned for his willingness to be utterly ruthless with his car to achieve a winning result.

Exterior: Glacier White
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: White
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminium

Glen Kidston Specifications:

Glen Kidston won first place at Le Mans in 1930.

Exterior: Dark Sapphire
Interior: Two-tone Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Aluminium
Continental GT Convertible models are finished with a Blue hued exterior roof.

Guy Smith Specifications:

Guy Smith was a central figure for Team Bentley’s at both the Sebring 12-Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours. He secured his place in racing legend at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Exterior: Beluga
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: Hotspur
Veneer: Piano Black and Dark Aluminium

The Continental GT models will be available in the second quarter of this year, while Mulsanne Le Mans Edition models – in the beginning in the third quarter.

Source: Bentley

May 10, 2013

Anderson Germany Bentley Continental GT

Anderson Germany has announced their tuning program for Bentley Continental GT. The luxurious sports coupe has received both – styling and performance upgrades.

The W12 6.0 liter twin-turbocharged engine is boosted to 680HP (500 kW), which is an increase of 105HP (77 kW). No words about acceleration and top speed, but 0-100 km/h is around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of more than 322 km/h (200 mph).

The tuned Continental GT rolls 9J x 22” alloy wheels at the front fitted with 265/30 ZR22 tires and 10.5J x 22” with 295/25 ZR22. Behind these big wheels, there is a high-performance brake kit.

Other highlights include a new front hood, a new front lower spoiler, a pair of new side skirts, a new rear spoiler with modified diffuser and new boot lid. The skirts have five white LED emitters on each side create a “royal” under car illumination.

The interior also boasts carbon fiber package featuring new steering wheel, leather and Alcantara finishes, as well as a high-end audio system with powerful speaker, subwoofer and amplifier.

Source: Anderson Germany

March 19, 2013

Mansory Sanguis based on Bentley Continental GT

Mansory will present their tuning package for Bentley Continental GT at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The name of the project is Sanguis. . The car’s series model is already one of the most exclusive that money can buy. But Mansory deluxe manufactory has taken this a step further and created a top-level customisation of the second generation of the British Gran-Turismo.

The exterior features a newly designed front apron with daytime running lights and an extra-light carbon-fibre bonnet. The carbon-fibre front wings and rear widening components considerably reinforce this impression. In combination with the newly designed side sill sets, they
widen the Coupe by 50 mm at the front axle and 60 mm at the rear axle. The new rear apron delivers additional downthrust and creates space for the exhaust pipes of the thunderous exhaust system.

The interior boasts new leather, wood trim, aluminum pedals and door sills.

The 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo is boosted to 672HP (494 kW) at 6,000RPM and 780Nm (575 lb-ft) at 1,700RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 secodns and a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).

The one-part 10J x 22” wheels with 10 double spokes impresses both through its exclusive look and through its outstanding build quality. They are fitted with 295/25 ZR22 ultra-performance tires.

Source: Mansory

March 4, 2013

Bentley Teases The New Continental Flying Spur

Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a model that has just been teased two weeks ahead of its official release. It aims to redefine performance and luxury standards.

No additional details around it were disclosed so far. However, Bentley also published a video through which some of the exclusive features of the new Flying Spur become visible. Running through the streets of the big city, the model gets distinctiveness through its updated exterior lines, enhanced headlights, and new set of multi-spoke wheels.

The interior shows a two-tone treatment, with bespoke touch and contrast stitching, and of course it will probably include the finest Alcantara or/and Nappa leather. More details and full specifications will be released on 20th February.

Source: Bentley

February 4, 2013

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley has announced the new 2013 Continental GT Speed Convertible. The luxurious drop-top will make its official debut at the 14^th January at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit. This is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 48-valve 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 – 625HP (460 kW) at 6,000 RPM and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) at 2,000 RPM.0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Other interesting discipline – 0-160 km/h in 9.7 seconds.

The engine is mated to a close-ratio, quick-shifting 8-speed transmission. It achieves a 15% improvement in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions compared with the first generation Speed.

The Continental GT Speed Convertible also comes with uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfort of Bentley’s Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions.

Other highlights include a set of 21” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, -tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes. The interior boasts the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, having contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.

The result is an exhilarating combination of performance and practicality; a Bentley that can tackle sun-drenched boulevard or snowy alpine pass with equal confidence.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible Technical Specs:

	GT Speed Convertible	GT Speed
Engine
Type	6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power	616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rpm
Max Torque	800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission
Type	ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline	Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios	1^st : 4.71; 2^nd: 3.14; 3^rd: 2.1; 4^th: 1.67; 5^th: 1.29; 6^th: 1.00; 7^th: 0.839; 8^th: 0.667
Final Drive	2.85
Brakes
Front	405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear	335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels	9.5J x 21”
Tyres	275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type	Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock	2.6 turns
Turning circle	11.3 m
Suspension
Front	Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear	Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping	Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall length	4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body)	1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (inc. mirrors)	2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall height	1393 mm / 54.8 in	1394 mm / 54.9 in
Fuel tank	90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume	260 / 9.18 cu ft	358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU)	2495 kg / 5500 lb	2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross vehicle weight	2900 kg / 6393 lb	2750 kg / 6063 lb
Performance
Top speed	202 mph / 325 km/h	205 mph / 330 km/h
0-60 mph	4.1 secs	4.0 secs
0-100 mph	9.7 secs	9.0 secs
0-100 km/h	4.4 secs	4.2 secs
0-160 km/h	9.7 secs	9.0 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban	12.5 mpg (22.7 litres/100km)	12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100km)
Extra Urban	27.2 mpg (10.4 litres/100km)	28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100km)
Combined	19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km)	19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km)
CO₂ emissions	347 g/km	338 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg)	12	13
Highway (US mpg)	20	20
Combined (US mpg)	15	15
Emissions Controls	EU 5 and US LEV II

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.

** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

January 1, 2013

Bentley Continental GT3

Bentley has announced the new Continental GT3, which will make its second appearance at the Autosport Stage in Birmingham, UK. Following the announcement of Bentley’s return to motorsport in the GT3 category, response to the Continental GT3 has been overwhelmingly positive with significant interest from numerous potential customers.

“Joining forces with Bentley to help create the new Continental GT3 is a rare privilege. Bentley’s design and analysis work to-date has shown that the Continental GT road car can become an extremely competitive race car, and we are looking forward to capitalising on our extensive competition car development experience and success to help Bentley realise its goals.”, commented M-Sport’s Managing Director Malcolm Wilson.

M-Sport will design and develop specialist components, together with design work and project organisation being undertaken in-house at Crewe. The company’s Dovenby Hall base in Cumbria complements the Crewe-based team and factory facilities, together creating an array of expertise and equipment that will help to ensure the development of a competitive GT3 racecar worthy of Bentley’s return to the racetrack.

Source: Bentley

December 18, 2012

Vilner Transforms Bentley Continental

After the great success that the Bulgarian tuners from Vilner achieved with their last two tunings on Audi RS6 and S5, they are now ready to bring even more luxury, style and prestige to the automotive world. The specialists are doing that with the release of their new project on Bentley Continental. Of course, the readers of automobilesreview.com are the first to see it!

In general Bentley is a vehicle which leaves us with the impression that it doesn’t need any additional tuning. For instance, in the present case the original interior is in one color and has accents of wooden applications. Undoubtedly this is something which adds to brand’s famous sense of luxury.

Despite that the professionals from Vilner wanted to refresh the interior with the aim to make it more contemporary and to underscore its sporty spirit! For this purpose they have used dark brown leather and Alcantara.

A lot of attention to the detail has been paid and the craftsmanship of the specialists is obvious. For example, the steering wheel and the airbag are given sportier look and form. For the middle part of the seats and the ceiling is used a “bespoke touch” where the stitching forms diamond-like shapes.

Furthermore, all wooden elements are painted in Brown Piano Varnish, and to make them even more individual, light-brown and white bands are applied lengthwise on them. The design of the mileage-meters is also changed.

Source: Vilner

December 12, 2012

Wheelsandmore Bentley Continental GT – 680 HP and 850Nm

Wheelsandmore has announced their latest project, which includes a number of special accessories for Bentley Continental GT, GTC and superfast GT Speed model.

The exterior boasts set of new huge wheels in dimensions from 21” to 22” fitted with Continental Sport Contact 5P tires. The ride can be put closer to the ground with the help of an electronic lowering module.

Wheelsandmore also offers a handcrafted stainless steel sports exhaust. Giving not only a nice deep sound, but additional power – 15HP and around 18Nm of torque. For further joy, you can also order sport catalysts giving another 15HP and 25Nm or a combined power only from the complete exhaust system – 30HP and 43Nm of torque.

The tuning company can boost the mighty engine in Continental GT via an ECU re-map giving 565HP and 750Nm of torque for the GT V8 model. The Continental GT W12 is boosted to whopping 635HP and 760Nm and the GT Speed boasts 680HP and 850Nm of torque.

Source: Wheelsandmore

October 10, 2012

Bentley Continental GT3 – Price £200,000

Bently has announced a street legal variant of the Continental GT3 model. This means that the car will be company’s fastest production model. Key details have yet to be finalised, but Bentley is understood to be looking at a production run of around 300 cars to be built over a 12-month period circa 2014-2015. The GT3 race car was revealed at the Paris motor show and marks the return of Bentley to front-line motorsport.

The 2013 Continental GT3 will be powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine with 700HP (522 kW).

The power will be put on the road through an all-wheel drive system.

Only 300 units will be produced and the price will start from £200,000.

“We now have a chance to look at all these possibilities,” said another senior source.

The race car’s extreme rear wing and the rest of the aerodynamic package would be toned down for road use. A roll cage won’t be present feature, because it’s considered too extreme for Bentley owners.

Source: Autocar.co.uk

October 5, 2012

Bentley Continental Audentia GTC by Imperium

Imperium Automotive has announced their new tuning package for the Continental GTC. The big convertible car now boasts more style and individuality. The name of the project is Imperium Audentia GTC and it features only exterior modifications.
The aerodynamics pckage includes a new front bumper with air vents, a new front grille, a pair of lowering side skirts and a custom rear apron. There is also a new boot lip spoiler, rear diffuser and sports exhaust tips.

All components are made from high-quality materials. Each individual limited edition package is manufactured to order in the finest ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre.

Imperium Audentia GTC is a limited edition upgrade and the tuning company has already began taking orders.

Imperium Bentley Continental Audentia GTC

Source: Imperium

May 4, 2012

Bentley embraces the V8 world

The original Bentley continental GT launched in 2003 has been a major success on the global market. Up until now over 50 000 customers have had the privilege to own one and marvel at the magnificent W12 6.0 twin-turbo engine that powered them. Spawn from the biggest ever twelve cylinder factory in Crewe, England, it was, and still is a refined beast which embodied the engineering supremacy of Bentley Motors Limited

Nowadays however, with the tightening regulations on CO₂ emissions and the constant climb of fuel prices, Bentley needs a new strategy. What they intend to do is broaden their production range by adding a new sophisticated V8 engine that will deliver all that there is expected from a V8 and yet it will also show that Bentley is after all an environmentally conscious company with a few tricks up its sleeve.

According to the figures given, performance will not be impaired. We are talking about a 500BHP powerhouse which will grant you 660Nm (487 lb ft) of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range. Pair that with a close-ratio 8 speed auto-box and you’ll get less than 5 seconds of 0-60mph acceleration time and a top speed of a 180mph – hardcore. It is also four-wheel-drive but uses a torque split system with a Toresn differential that sends only 40% of the power to the front tires so we get all the safety with none of the drawbacks.

Bentley Continental GT V8 (2012)

But let us talk about the clever bits. Bentley say they have manged to achieve great power-to-economy ratio. Mind you this is in terms of luxury performance economy so we are not actually saving the planet here. Yet one has to admit that the claimed 40 percent improved fuel efficiency does sound impressive. That and a travel range of over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel are the only official claims we have so far. There will be more available early in 2012 when the Continental GT and GTC (which will debut these engines) are introduced on the American International Auto Show in Detroit.

So how do they achieve these feats of economy without harming the Bentley spirit? The company engineers have employed a complex engine management system which allows the car to potter all day in town using only four of the cylinders and then when you put your foot down on lets say an extra urban road you get all the cylinders you need to bend time and space. It is a system that has been around but nor very common. Other more standard features include: high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and an innovative turbo charger packaging all work together in the name of efficiency.

And how do we tell apart these newcomers from the top of the range GT W12? Petrol heads will have no problem recognizing the distinctive V8 growl but for the more oblivious there have been some sublime visual alterations. The grille is a glossy black matrix mesh which has been framed and also slashed in the middle with some chrome. Three patches of the same mesh is also used to style the front lower bumper. The hallmark “B” badge is in enamel red in front and at the back as well. Two chromed tailpipes each representing an ominous “eight figure” add to the aggressive look. And speaking of aggression both of the models come with 20 inch alloys as standard but if you really want to leave an impression the optional 21 inch diamond black or diamond silver ones are up for the job. The interior is as sporty as it is luxurious – Eliade cloth headlining garnished with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, two-toned leather theme as an optional extra and a short centre console made for the appeal of the demanding customer.

Will the new Continental GT and the convertible GTC pose as fine compliments to the astonishing W12? Only time will show.

Source: Bentley

December 12, 2011

2012 Bentley Continental GTC US Price – $212 800

Bentley Motors will offer the new Continental GTC to the North American market.

“Los Angeles is the ideal location for Bentley to launch the luxurious and powerful GTC convertible,” commented Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing.

“Southern California remains the most successful market for Bentley in the US, and the US remains the largest market in the world for the Company. New model introductions, such as the GTC convertible – which will reach US customers later this year – and the new GT coupe – which went on sale in the spring – have helped Bentley global sales grow by a third in 2011.”, he added.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC is powered by a brutal twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine with 567PS (417 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). The engine is mated to a Quickshift transmission that improves acceleration response times and cuts shift times to only 200 milliseconds.

The GTC’s chassis, the stiffest of any convertible in the world, provides a firm foundation for suspension control, minimising scuttle shake and contributing to the GTC’s refined handling.

The GTC interior comes with luxurious wood and leather. There are also 8” touch-screen infotainment system, and zip-code entry navigation, all supported by a 30GB HDD. To ensure drivers and passengers alike enjoy an extended top-down driving season, the GTC now features neck warmers in the rear headrests of its cobra-head designed slim-line seats. With the top up, acoustics have improved thanks to the addition of acoustically-sensitive undersheet, wheel liners, front and side glass and a three-layer roof with a rubber-film middle layer.

The new Bentley GTC convertible will enter the US market in late 2011. The price tag is as stunning as the car itself – $212 800.

Source: Bentley

November 16, 2011

Tag: Continental