Bentley Continental GT V8 Review

The new V8 engine will be available in two models, the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. New Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180mph (290km/h).

Both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.

The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631bhp (640PS).

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Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia Review

Imperium Automotive have announced their new exclusive upgrade package for the recently released new generation Bentley Continental GT Coupe. The new Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia upgrade is strictly limited in production to only 50 units worldwide and is now available to order directly through Imperium with initial customers estimated to take full delivery within the next 6-8 weeks.

This exclusive upgrade package features a newly designed front bumper with grille, air vents and visually lowering sport side skirts. The new rear apron design features a new boot lip spoiler, subtle rear diffuser and newly designed sports exhaust tips.

All new Imperium Bentley Audentia bodywork components are skilfully manufactured using the finest British engineering principles, techniques and processes. Each limited edition package is exclusively made to order in the customer’s preferred choice of PU-RIM plastic or ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre.

Prices for this unique limited edition upgrade package start at £25,000.

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Bentley Continental SuperSports at Goodwood with Juha Kankunnen behind the wheel

Juha Kankunnen, the four-time world rally champion, turned up the heat at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed when he was reunited with his world ice-speed record breaking Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

The muscular 6.0 litre, 12-cylinder Bentley with its distinctive black and bright red livery proved to be one of the real head-turners in Goodwood’s famous Supercar Paddock.

Earlier this year, Kankunnen and the all-wheel drive Continental Supersports convertible set a new world best of 205.48mph (330.695km/h) on a 16.5km long ice track on a 70cm-thick layer of Baltic Sea ice, off the coast of Finland.

Goodwood’s famous Hill Climb and three days of hot, summer sunshine did not present Kankunnen with the extreme challenge he faced on the ice track. That did not stop him however from delivering for the large Festival crowds a series of typically blistering runs with the 640PS (631bhp) Supersports, the world’s fastest production convertible road car,

Kankunnen was joined in the Bentley ‘corner’ of the Supercar Paddock by five-time Le Mans winner, Derek Bell and the new Bentley Continental GT.

Bell, who has worked with Bentley for over a decade as a professional driving consultant for the company’s road car programme as well as helping to guide the Company’s victorious Le Mans campaign in 2003, was also formidably quick up the hill.

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Bentley Continental GT Review

The Bentley Continental GT is set to have a choice of two very distinctive high-performance engines. In addition to the new 575PS version of Crewe’s renowned 6.0 litre W12 powertrain, a new high-output 4.0-litre V8 engine option will be introduced in late 2011.

The new 4.0-litre V8 engine honours Bentley’s environmental commitment to deliver a powertrain that achieves a 40 percent improvement in CO2 emissions. The new V8 is being designed specifically by Bentley’s engineers to deliver all the exhilarating power and torque synonymous with the marque. The new Crewe-built engine will also offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio.

At launch, the new Bentley Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley’s acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency.

The shape of the new Bentley Continental GT coupe’s body is also more aerodynamic following extensive wind tunnel analysis. In conjunction with a range of extensive underbody refinements (including wheel arch and exhaust aerodynamic aids) the GT’s coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.33Cd and the lift at the front and rear axles has also been reduced to create greater stability at higher speeds.

The new Bentley Continental GT is specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with, for the first time on the Continental family, the option to upgrade to 21-inch designs. Three styles of wheel are offered – a 20-inch five-spoke version and two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations, which come in a variety of chromed and painted finishes.

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Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR Review

The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp / 471 kW) and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible ‘Ice Speed Record’ model from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100 mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s).

In common with its Continental stable mates, the new Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis, a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions.

Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic brake discs, with eight-piston callipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. As with all Supersports models the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres.

The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR is now available to order at Bentley dealerships and is priced at £189,300 (inclusive of VAT).

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Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling Specification Review

Bentley has unveiled a new range of Mulliner Styling Specification for the Continental GT. The new Mulliner Styling Specification’s Classic Pack features a unique front bumper splitter, strakes integrated into the front intake grilles, side extension blades and a rear diffuser, all made from high-gloss, black carbon-fibre. These are complemented by a range of individual design options, comprising black, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and door mirror cowls as well as distinctive, black-painted 21-inch “Elegant” alloy wheels and dark mesh front wing vents with black carbon-fibre bezels.

Each element of the Mulliner Styling Specification is distinguished by the use of specially commissioned, black high-gloss carbon-fibre featuring a distinctive weave design. Skilfully echoing the beautifully crafted wood veneers of the new GT’s cabin, each carbon-fibre component employs a similar ‘mirror matching’ process with the unique weave pattern flowing in one direction.

The sporting frontal appearance of the new GT is subtly enhanced by a sleek black carbon- fibre front bumper splitter, complemented by solid carbon-fibre strakes integrated into the lower air intake grilles.

Black carbon-fibre extension blades, positioned beneath the sills, sweep down the sides of the Continental GT, providing a fresh interpretation of the striking profile of the Bentley coupe, drawing the eye to the sharp powerlines and muscular rear haunches. Each extension blade features a discreet ‘Winged B’ motif. At the rear, a full-width black carbon-fibre diffuser adds greater definition to the GT’s signature twin, flared, elliptical exhaust tailpipes.

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Imperium Bentley Continental GT Review

The new IMPERIUM Bentley Continental GT conversion features uniquely designed front and rear apron upgrades, aggressive carbon exposed side skirts, subtle boot lip spoiler and rear carbon fibre diffuser. All new bespoke designed bodywork components are manufactured in the UK to the highest possible standards from ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre to create a perfect surface finish and factory fit to the vehicle.

Further enhancing the exclusivity of the new IMPERIUM Bentley Continental GT, the vehicle will be equipped with bespoke one-off designed and manufactured ultra light fully forged alloy wheels. Tailored to the exact specifications of the client our designers create all our bespoke wheels from scratch allowing the client to specify their own stunning unique wheel design, colour and finish.

The IMPERIUM technical engineers maximise overall vehicle performance using an optimised braking system, lowered sport suspension and ECU upgrade. To compliment the enhanced performance the Bentley is fitted with the unique IMPERIUM sport exhaust system individually tailored to the exact level of exhaust noise and depth of sound desired by the client.

Finally the new IMPERIUM bespoke Bentley Continental GT is treated to a traditionally crafted interior refinement package using the client’s individual choice of specially hand selected luxurious leathers, tailor made carbon fibre, refined wood trim, ultra suede or classic black piano finishes. To complete the interior package the vehicle is fitted with a beautiful individually built and designed ergonomic sports steering wheel.

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Bentley Continental GTC Review

The Bentley Continental GTC four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The Bentley Continental GTC is powered by compelling powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

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Bentley Birkin Mulsanne Review

The Limited Edition of just 22 cars is available in three colour specifications: a fresh and contemporary Ghost White, Damson for a more vibrant touch, and a sophisticated contrast of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire, offering a modern interpretation of the classic two-tone Bentley paint design.

Numbered door sill plaques, a unique 21″ wheel design inspired by those on the original Mulsanne concept car, and a striking 3D ‘Flying B’ logo stitched into the vehicle headrests and inlaid into the wood of the front fascia and rear picnic tables, identify the Birkin models. In addition, all three specifications feature a stunning tailored luggage set – each one hand-crafted, individually numbered and matched with the interior of each car.

Items have been selected for the Birkin Limited Edition from the Mulsanne’s extensive options list for the well-travelled connoisseur and the Mulliner Driving Specification delivers an engaging motoring experience thanks to a unique ‘Sport’ setting on the Drive Dynamics Control system. An intricate diamond quilting pattern to the seats and door panels, complemented by an indented leather headlining and ‘knurling’ details to the interior metalwork, create a contemporary and tactile finish to the cabin.

The muse for this Limited Edition Mulsanne, Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin, was celebrated as both racing legend and unassuming style icon in his time, epitomising the idea of the British gentleman racer.

The Birkin Mulsanne specifications are born from the idea of how Birkin would commission a Bentley today. With its effortless performance and luxurious hand-crafted cabin, the Bentley Mulsanne embodies the essence of Birkin’s beliefs as motoring connoisseur. Now, with its unique styling details and exquisite specification, the Limited Edition Birkin Mulsanne is an automotive homage to one of Bentley’s most influential visionaries.

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Bentley Continental GT W12 Le Mans Edition Review

After being the sole British entry and placing fourth in the inaugural 1923 race, Bentley won the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in 1924. From 1927 to 1930 Bentley dominated the event and took victory on four consecutive occasions. In 2003, nearly 83 years to the date from its previous victory, Bentley achieved yet another victory, placing first and second, with Guy Smith piloting the first of the two Speed 8’s across the finish line.

To celebrate these significant milestones, 48 examples of each ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ model are being produced. Each car will have a 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, unique Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colours.

The 4-seat Continental GT coupe and convertible capture the GT spirit with the highest standards of design, engineering, luxury, performance, and everyday practicality. The 4.0-litre, twin turbo V8 achieves exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector. The instantly recognizable growl of the V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stable mates.

Also available in Le Mans Edition Coupe and Convertible form is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 engine. Producing 567 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the Continental GT W12 is quintessential Bentley refinement and performance.

The Continental GT Speed Le Mans Edition is available in coupe form only. The iconic GT Speed is powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 and in this version produces 616 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque available from 2000 rpm for instantly accessible high performance. The GT Speed sprints to sixty in 4.0 seconds and is the fastest production Bentley ever with a top speed of 205 mph.

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Bentley Flying Spur Review

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

The sumptuous interior of the new Flying Spur includes 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation. Class-leading entertainment and information technologies are married with traditional hand-crafted materials and stunning contemporary design to create the ultimate high-luxury sedan cabin.

Available in both four- and five-seat configurations, the new Flying Spur features redesigned front and rear seats trimmed in natural premium-quality leather. The new seats use a softer yet more durable hide unique to Bentley and available in twelve different colours.

A new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively to the new Bentley Flying Spur, either bright-painted or with a diamond turned finish. The new design consolidates a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options.

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Bentley Mulsanne Review

The new Bentley Mulsanne comes with a new Comfort Specification, including comfort headrests, footrests and duck down filled loose cushions has also been introduced to reaffirm Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Additional enhancements include privacy curtains, which promise to broaden the experience for the Mulsanne rear cabin occupants, allowing them to maximise work or rest as they travel.

An Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in technological developments, with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard, with the cabin of the Mulsanne becoming a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

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