2003-2010 Bentley Continental GT
The Bentley Continental GT is a grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British automaker Bentley Motors since 2003. It was the first car released by Bentley under Volkswagen AG management, after the company's acquisition in 1998, and the first Bentley to employ mass-production manufacturing techniques.
First generation (2003–2011)
The vehicle debuted in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, followed by Le Mans, the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 2003 annual Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone. The car differed from the previous Continental R & T models in terms of its concept: although much of the car is hand-assembled, it is a mass-produced car made in significantly larger numbers. It is not a coach-built car. The price at launch was less than half the price of the Continental R, giving the car a wider customer base.
The Continental GT is equipped with a 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which produces a DIN-rated power output of 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 N⋅m (479 lb-ft) at 1,600–6,100 rpm. A Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is standard. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0.0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 318 km/h (197.6 mph).
Early models include a choice of 6 body colours (Diamond Black, Burnt Oak, Cypress, Neptune, Spruce, and Umbrian Red), 8 hide colours (Beluga, Burnt Oak, Laurel, Nautic, Portland, Saffron, Savannah, Saddle), 5 veneer types (Burr Oak, Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Walnut, Madrona, Piano Black) and 4 carpet and seatbelt colours (Beluga, Burnt Oak, Laurel, Nautic). The dashboard clock was made by Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling.[8][9]
Changes to the Continental GT for 2008 include a 35 kg (77 lb) reduction in kerb weight due primarily to the optimisation of suspension and cooling system components and increased use of aluminium parts in the suspension. Other changes include a revised Servotronic power steering for improved feel and feedback, optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes provide improved brake feel (only available on 20-inch wheels), a 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), new low-friction dampers, new 'Sport Traction' mode for the Bosch 8.1 ESP system and a Bentley 'B' brake pedal.
The Series 51 models include additional vehicle customisation options for the Continental GT and GTC, such as the use of non-indented hide for diamond quilting and contrast piping for the seats and doors as well as bespoke Series 51 treadplates. Other options include Dark and Bright 'Engine Spin' aluminium dashboard and centre console options, Amboyna veneer, colour-matched overmats and boot carpets, 20-inch 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap, a signature '51' badge on the front wings and an optional two-tone paint job (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot).
The vehicles (including a Continental GTC with Imperial Blue as a main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Newmarket Tan as the accent colour) were unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the Continental GTC model in 2010 at the North American International Auto Show.
Ordering of Series 51 models began on 1 September 2009.