Bentley has taken a page off Porsche and designed the all-new Bentley Continental GT much like the German carmaker's 911, and that's to basically make the new car look much like its older counterpart.
Though the car bears more than just a passing resemblance to the previous generation Continental GT, it actually is an all-new car. The new Continental GT shares the same length, height, and wheelbase measurements as its predecessor but it is a much wider car to accommodate the wider front and rear wheel tracks.
The signature Bentley matrix radiator grille is more upright while the quad headlamps have been redesigned to add some jewel-like detailing courtesy of the LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, the Bentley "floating" LED taillights have been extended around the corners of the wings to emphasize the car's wider stance. Elliptical tailpipes serve to reinforce the all-new Continental GT's sporting credentials.
The all-new Continental GT will still be powered by the same six-liter, W12 twin-turbo engine though its output has now been boosted to 567hp and 700Nm of torque. This will be mated to a new six-speed Quickshift transmission that allows double downshifts and will let the car sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.6 seconds and on to 160kph in 10.2 seconds before it reaches a top speed of 318kph.
An all-new, high-output 4-liter V8 variant will become available late next year. The engine puts out 40 percent less emissions than its W12 counterpart while still offering the kind of performance and refinement the Bentley brand is known for.
The Continental GT will continue to employ an all-wheel drive system though power delivery is split 60/40 in favor of the rear wheels to give the car a more sporting feel.
"The new Continental GT is an automotive work of art, with superb craftsmanship and elegant, contemporary design. It drives like a supercar, but without the usual sacrifices in ride or practicality," Bentley chairman and chief executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen said. "It is a car that you can enjoy every moment of every day."
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