2001 Bentley Continental T Personal Commission
Launched in 1996, the Bentley Continental T was a short-wheelbase version of the Continental R offering slightly more power, torque and responsive handling, at the expense of rear passenger legroom.
At its launch, the Bentley Continental T offered an additional 15 hp (11 kW; 15 PS) over the 1996 Continental R, at 400 hp, and an additional 54 N⋅m (40 lb-ft) of torque at 800 N⋅m (590 lb-ft). For the 1998 model year, this was increased to 420 hp (313 kW; 426 PS) and 881 N⋅m (650 lb-ft) of torque available at only 2,200 rpm. The Continental T has a more athletic outward appearance due to a 102 mm (4 in) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The T had larger brake discs and full front brake calipers. It was also equipped with ABS brakes.
The interior featured a turned-metal dashboard with chrome-finished instruments (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R), lambswool carpets and a polished aluminium trim, although some cars were specified with traditional wood trim. The Continental T's engine responded to a separate push-button starter. Performance, due to 91 kg (200 lb) less weight, was slightly better than the Continental R cars with the same engine. Due to its shorter wheelbase and compact interior, the Continental T was classified as a subcompact car by the EPA.
Performance figures included a 0–97 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 158.2 km/h (98.3 mph) along with a slalom speed of 100.1 km/h (62.2 mph) while the top speed was an estimated 274 km/h (170 mph).
It was at least 21% more expensive than the R, hence, 7% more expensive than the Azure convertible.
The Bentley Continental T Mulliner was introduced in 1999. Modified shock absorbers in combination with stiffer torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) increased the Continental's handling ability.