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).

Today, Bentley Motors unveiled the Mulsanne, the company’s all-new flagship grand tourer, at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in Monterey, California.

The Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentley’s crowning achievement in 1930, the 8-litre. And it was W.O.’s own sensitively conserved company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach. This early motoring masterpiece represented the last big Bentley that was designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers – until now.

Nearly 80 years later, while paying respect to this illustrious past, the new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern statement of luxury driving and grand touring. Conceived, styled and engineered entirely at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, the Mulsanne, with its completely new and unique platform, goes into production next year in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the Crewe factory.

Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne at Pebble Beach, where Bentley was the featured marque, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said:

“The challenge we set our engineers was to create a new grand Bentley that would stand as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, offering the world’s most exclusive driving experience. They have responded to this challenge with real passion and the result is a luxury grand tourer that sets new standards in terms of comfort, effortless performance and hand-crafted refinement – the very qualities for which Bentley is renowned.”

The Bentley design team, lead by Dirk van Braeckel, have created a flagship that offers the classic sporting, styling cues long-associated with Bentley – expressed in a thoroughly contemporary way.

“From the very first hand sketches in the styling studio, we were inspired by the traditions of the grand touring Bentleys and have sought to evolve this story for a new generation of Bentley enthusiasts.”

The return of the Mulsanne name to a car carrying Bentley’s iconic ‘Winged B’ emblem underlines the company’s racing pedigree and nowhere reflects that heritage better than the famed Le Mans circuit, the scene of no fewer than six Bentley triumphs. Few places offer a stronger or more emotive connection with the Bentley marque than the famed Mulsanne corner.

The Bentley 8-litre displayed alongside the Mulsanne in California was first shown at the 1930 London Motor Show. It was the second-built and was W.O. Bentley’s company car for two years. Capable of reaching more than 100 mph, the 8-litre demonstrated W.O. Bentley’s ambition and ability to build a grand luxury car capable of surpassing every other leading manufacturer of the day. A total of 100 cars were built in 1930 and 1931.

“The 8-litre’s breathtaking performance and quality was perhaps the finest example of a ‘pure’ grand Bentley. Every mechanical detail carried W.O. Bentley’s unique stamp and it was the clearest demonstration of a car built without compromise,” commented Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering.

“The Mulsanne has been designed with exactly the same guiding principles, so it is entirely fitting that these Bentleys from different eras share the same stage.”

The Bentley Mulsanne will go on sale from mid 2010. It will also be displayed at the forthcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show (15-27th September, 2009) where Bentley Motors will provide additional product information.

For his exhibition “Come to my World“ in Berlin, the famous artist Romero Britto chose a Bentley Continental GT as a canvas for his cheerful and vivid signature motifs. This is probably one of the most unusual Bentleys ever seen: a large, happy flower, little stars, squiggles and signs dance on the elegant hood and colourful, comic-like figures adorn the doors. The Continental GT – a static prototype built in 2003 – has become a truly unique work of art created by the world-renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto. Bentley Motors donated the Coupe on the occasion of Britto´s Berlin exhibition “Come to my World” in the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden.

Britto, one of the most admired and popular artists currently working within Pop Art, creates pieces specifically to put a smile on people´s faces. Having grown up in poverty in Recife, Brazil, his work belies his background by creating a fantasy world inhabited by child-like creatures and optimistic, strong colours. “Since everything in life moves toward an end”, says Romero Britto, “we should fill our life with colour and hope.” His paintings, graphics and sculptures can be admired in many of the world’s leading art galleries including the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim in New York. He counts the Kennedys, Rothchilds, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steffi Graf and Elton John among his friends and collectors.

Romero was delighted to be given the chance to turn a Bentley into a Pop Art sculpture: “It is the most beautiful and elegant car in the world. The lines of the new design are perfect to paint as a clean canvas. What a way to start a fascinating and colourful journey.”

Raul Pires, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors and like Romero Britto, a Brazilian was central to the creation of the Continental GT. He thoroughly agrees with his countryman: “A Bentley holds the unique combination of exhilaration and relaxation in one package. An automotive sculpture with elegant powerful surfaces. The ultimate in craftsmanship.”

The Romero Britto exhibition, hosted by the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in cooperation with the Mensing Gallery, will take place from 10 July until 6 September 2009. In keeping with Britto’s wider ideals, at the conclusion of the show, the “Britto-Bentley” will be put up for auction in aid of the Nathalie Todenhöfer Foundation for multiple sclerosis as well as Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to improving the integration of the mentally disabled within society.

The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience.

The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company’s commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012.

Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.

The Continental Supersports began as an ‘under the radar’ project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers.

The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new ‘Quickshift’ transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) onto a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h).

Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars.

Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Continental GT Speed.

The evolution of the Supersports’ design is very much a case of ‘form following function’ with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin.

For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley’s designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents.

Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.

The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.

Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley’s interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and AlcantaraTM not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight.

The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.

The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women at the company’s factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fibre panels, replacing traditional wood veneers.

The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis.

Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel.

The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.

The ‘Supersports’ name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.

Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive said:

“The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector.”

Continental Supersports – news in brief

The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company’s 90-year history

• 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700 – 5600 rev/min
• 0 – 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds)
• 0 -100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 8.9 seconds
• 50 – 70 mph in 2.1 seconds
• 80 – 120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
• Top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h)

Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley’s environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector

* Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
* Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
* A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent.
* Offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions

Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience

* Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
* New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’
* Uprated front suspension with aluminium forward levers, stiffer bushes together with retuned anti roll bar and Servotronic steering for sharper turn-in
* Revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for improved body control
* Unique lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 10 kg (22 lb) weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling. Increased 25 mm (I inch) offset on rear wheels improves grip and stability
* 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
* Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the most powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
* Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes – the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car – contribute 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving
* 110 kg (243 lb) weight saving compared to Continental GT Speed

Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character

* Form follows function: distinctive centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay
* Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance
* Distinctive ‘smoked steel finish’ to all exterior ‘brightware’, including the first automotive application of ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ to stainless steel
* Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider
* 2 new pearlescent and 2 new matt finish colours
* Unique driver-focused, two-seater cabin with lightweight sports seats, giving a 45 kg (99 lb) weight saving
* Rear seats replaced by stowage deck with carbon fibre luggage retaining beam
* AlcantaraTM, carbon fibre and ‘Soft Touch’ leather’ provide a very different interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship with choice of Single Tone and Duo Tone combinations

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The fastest, most powerful Bentley ever

For the Continental Supersports, Bentley engineers have created the most powerful engine in the company’s 90-year history.

Bentley’s renowned 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 630 PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared with the Continental GT Speed. Maximum torque of 800 Nm (590 lb ft), up by 6.7 per cent, is achieved from 1700 rev/min across virtually the entire rev range for effortless power delivery.

The extra power and torque resulting from the increased turbocharger boost necessitated a 10 per cent increase in air flow to the intercoolers and radiators following an extensive programme of Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Dramatically-styled front air intakes feed the intercoolers behind, while twin bonnet vents ensure positive extraction of hot air above the engine.

These changes also help to increase downforce at the front, balanced by the addition of a re-profiled spoiler on the rear aerofoil with a raised rear edge.

The new ‘Quickshift’ version of the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission is engineered exclusively for the Continental Supersports. Shift time has been cut by 50 per cent and the revised transmission also helps double downshifts (e.g. 6th down to 4th)

During upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability. Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun. This replicates manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching and helps double downshifts for enhanced response.

Acceleration times are improved, response times throughout the whole gear range are enhanced and engine braking can be better exploited during enthusiastic driving. The result is a driving experience with a sportier feel and sound.

To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the ZF transmission is also strengthened.

The increased power and torque, ‘Quickshift’ transmission and a 110 kg reduction in weight endow the Supersports with a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h) and a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3.7 seconds (0 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in just 8.9 seconds.

Engineering Bentley’s first ‘FlexFuel’ engine

At the 2008 Geneva Auto Salon, Bentley announced a far-reaching environmental programme to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy across its model range.

An important element of this strategy is by 2012 to make the entire Bentley fleet capable of running on renewable fuel through the introduction of FlexFuel technology, where engines are capable of running seamlessly on bioethanol, petrol or any mix of the two.

At the same time Bentley declared that this would be achieved without sacrificing its well-known performance and luxury.

This statement of intent has taken shape in the Continental Supersports – a car that balances extreme potency with the pioneering use of biofuel technology in the luxury sector.

The result is a net CO2 reduction of up to 70 per cent on a well-to-wheel-basis, the measurement of CO2 release of a fuel from its production (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel).

Bioethanol can be derived responsibly from crops such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane and switchgrass. Second generation bioethanol uses the non-food fibres of the plant (biomass), as well as agricultural waste and forestry residues. These are collected and refined into cellulose ethanol.

The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice

Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s.

The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.

For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.

The GTC’s chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h).

The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.

The GTC Speed’s 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.

The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).

The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed:

“The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.”

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC – NEWS IN BRIEF

Continental GTC range

• New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake
• Chrome headlamp bezels
• Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel
• Optional follow–to -stop, radar–based Adaptive Cruise Control system
• Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 – inch wheels)
• Two new exterior colours – Aquamarine & Blue Crystal
• New interior colour – Aquamarine

Continental GTC Speed

Technical
• 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque
• Top speed (roof up) of 200 mph (322km/h) and 0–60 mph in 4.5 secs (0–100 km/h in 4.8 secs)
• Top speed (roof down) of 195 mph (312 km/h)
• Lowered suspension (10mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimised ride quality, comfort and refinement
• New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tyres
• New ‘Dynamic’ mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention

Exterior
• Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes
• Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option
• Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option
• Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes
• New aerodynamic rear spoiler
• Black lower bumper valance

Interior
• ‘Speed’ treadplates to both doors
• 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Knurled chrome and hide gear lever
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels
• Optional turned aluminium inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.
Continental GTC
• Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS)
• Top speed is unchanged at 195mph (312km/h) with a 0–60mph time of 4.8 secs (0–100 km/h in 5.1 secs)
• Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers
• Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal

Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque

Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company’s Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley’s W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC.

Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine’s flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the ‘crackle black’ finish to the intake manifold.

This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).

The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.

Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP 8.1). The ‘Sport Traction’ mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The ‘Dynamic Mode’ of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments:

“The new GTC Speed exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver exceptional performance and driving enjoyment. It is a driver’s car which will redefine people’s expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve.”

A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling

The Continental GTC’s steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimises ‘scuttle shake’ but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.

For the 552bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort.

The GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tyres, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response.

The GTC Speed’s suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response.

The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel.

To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 200 mph (322 km/h) the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed.

For both models, Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a cost option. Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.

The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.

Commenting on the GTC Speed’s character, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, said:

“The GTC Speed offers supercar performance, superb refinement, comfort and unrivalled craftsmanship all in one car. It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley ‘Speed Model’ of the 1920s.”

Subtle evolution of the GTC’s distinctive style

Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance.

The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent.

The GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.

GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 ‘standard’ paint colours including two new colours (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal).

Luxurious hand-crafted cabin

The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, including the new option, Aquamarine.

The GTC Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Speed’ logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

A range of options give further opportunities for personalisation, including fascia panels, centre console, door pads and rear quarters in bright aluminium. Uniquely, the GTC Speed is also available with a dark tint aluminium option.

New adaptive cruise control system

A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a ‘time gap’, as selected by the driver.

GTC and GTC Speed interior key features:

• Electronically powered, insulated three-layer fabric roof folds flat in 25 seconds
• True 2+2 configuration
• Fully adjustable electric front seats incorporating three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with optional massage facility
• Rear seat panel removable to reveal lockable ski hatch
• Electronic climate control system
• Comprehensive infotainment system includes:
? DVD satellite navigation system with route guidance and post-code entry
? Optional television tuner (except for US market)
? Climate control operation
? Computerised suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings)
? 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment
? Optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system featuring 1100 Watt amplifier and 14 speakers
• BluetoothTM remote SIM access profile telephone system with wireless connectivity for rSAP-enabled telephones, most BluetoothTM-enabled telephones and onboard SIM-card reader
• Telephone voice dialling (n/a Japan)
• Keyless entry and keyless ignition system
• Power latching of doors for easy exit and entry
• Console-mounted start/stop button
• Electronic park brake with move-off assist (move-off assist n/a for USA)
• Column-mounted gearshift paddles for sequential gear shifting
• Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver’s footrest
• Comprehensive anti-theft and immobiliser systems
• An advanced rollover protection system is installed beneath the rear headrests – two reinforced steel hoops deploy in a split second when a potential roll-over situation is detected

Ends

CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED AND GTC
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL TYPE
Body type Two-door, 2+2 Grand Tourer convertible
Construction Steel monocoque with aluminium, steel and composite panels and closure

ENGINE
Type Twin-turbocharged W12 engine
Installation Front, longitudinal
Construction Alloy block and heads
Bore/stroke 84.0 x 90.2 mm
Capacity 6.0-litre, 5998 cc
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valve gear Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
Power
GTC Speed 600 bhp / 610 PS / 449 kW @ 6000 rev/min
GTC 552 bhp / 560 PS / 412 kW @ 6100 rev/min

Torque
GTC Speed 750 Nm / 553 lb ft between 1750 – 5600 rev/min
GT 650 Nm / 479 lb ft @ between1600 – 6100 rev/min
Fuel 98 (95) RON

TRANSMISSION
Type Continuous all-wheel drive
Gearbox ZF 6-speed automatic with fully automatic or
sequential ‘manual’ operation with paddleshift feature; torque converter lock-up clutch
Ratios 1st: 4.17
2nd: 2.34
3rd: 1.52
4th: 1.14
5th: 0.87
6th: 0.69
Final drive: 3.524 (front), 3.528 (rear)

SUSPENSION
Front Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Springs Computer-controlled progressive air springs
Dampers Continuous damping control, with four adjustable settings

STEERING
Type Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
Turns lock to lock 2.7
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.4 m ( 37’ 5”)

BRAKES
Front 405 mm ventilated discs (optional 420 mm carbon/ ceramic, cross-drilled discs – with 20-inch wheels)
Rear 335 mm ventilated discs (optional 356 mm carbon/ ceramic, cross-drilled discs – with 20-inch wheels)
Anti lock Standard ESP and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

WHEELS & TYRES
Wheels
GTC Speed 9.5J 20-inch Alloy
GTC 9.0J 19-inch Alloy (optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy)
Tyres
GTC Speed 275/35 x ZR20 bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP
GTC 275/40 x ZR19 Pirelli PZero Rosso
(optional 275/30 x 20 Pirelli PZero)

DIMENSIONS
EXTERIOR
Overall length 4804 mm (189.1 in)
Overall width (inc. mirrors) 2194 mm (86.4 in)
Height (roof raised)
GTC Speed 1388 mm (54.6 in)
GTC 1398 mm (55.0 in)
Wheelbase 2745 mm (108.1 in)
Front track 1623 mm (63.9 in)
Rear track 1607 mm (63.3 in)

INTERIOR
Front headroom 942 mm (37.1 in)
Front legroom 1075 mm (42.3 in)
Front shoulder room 1568 mm (61.7 in)
Rear headroom 979 mm (38.5 in)
Rear legroom 743 mm (29.3 in)
Rear shoulder room 1318 mm (51.9 in)

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
GTC Speed & GTC
Kerbweight 2485 kg (5478 lb)
Gross vehicle weight 2900 kg (6393 lb)
Luggage capacity 235 litres
Fuel tank capacity 90 litres (24 US gallons)

PERFORMANCE
Top speed (roof up)
GTC Speed 200 mph (322 km/h)
GTC 195 mph (312 km/h)
Top speed (roof down)
GTC Speed 195 mph (314 km/h)
GTC 190 mph (306 km/h)
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
GTC Speed 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
GTC 4.8 seconds (5.1 seconds)
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h)
GTC Speed 10.6 seconds (10.5 seconds)
GTC 11.4 seconds (11.4 seconds)

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
EU CYCLE
GTC Speed and GTC
Urban 11.2 mpg (25.3 litres/100 km)
Extra-Urban 24.3 mpg (11.6 litres/100 km)
Combined 17.0 mpg (16.6 litres/100 km)
Co2 emissions 396 g/km
Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV II

EPA DRIVE CYCLE
GTC Speed and GTC
City Driving 10.0 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 17.0 mpg (US)

FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dark tinted radiator grille and lower grille
Chromed headlamp bezels
Twin rifled oval stainless steel sports tail pipes
Lowered sports suspension
20-inch, two-piece, multi-spoke alloy wheels

INTERIOR FEATURES Unique treadplates bearing ‘Speed’ model name
Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors
and rear quarter panels
Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
Cloth hide headlining
Single-tone, hide-trimmed multi-function steering
wheel in a 3-spoke sports design with brushed silver
switch surround
Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals

CONTINENTAL GTC

EXTERIOR FEATURES Bright chromed radiator grille
Chromed headlamp bezels
Twin oval stainless steel tail pipes

INTERIOR FEATURES Single tone, hide-trimmed multi-function
steering wheel in a 4-spoke design
Brake pedal with Bentley ‘B’ emblem
Hide and chrome trimmed gear lever with
manual shift change facility

SELECTION OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE
‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system
iPod/MP3/USB interface
20-inch, two-piece, seven-spoke alloy wheels (GTC only)
Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes
ACC Adaptive Cruise Control

THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION
(STANDARD ON GTC SPEED, OPTIONAL ON GTC)

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Choice of veneers – Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels
• Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
• 20 inch 2-piece alloy sports wheels (GTC only)
• 20 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in Dark Tint painted finish (GTC Speed only)

MULLINER FEATURES AVAILABLE SEPARATELY FOR BOTH MODELS:
• Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap
• Exterior paint match service to customer specification
• Exterior paint colour from Arnage range
• Contrast stitching to seats and door panels
• Cross-stitching to seats and door panels (in contrast)
• Embossed ‘BENTLEY’ to seat facings
• Choice of premium veneers – Chestnut and Olive Ash
• Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium
• 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
(choice of veneers – Burr Walnut, Chestnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
Madrona, Piano Black)
• Lambswool rugs
• Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming to front and rear footwells
(matched to carpet)
• Boot carpet to match interior carpet

Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world’s most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley ‘T’ styling cues reinforcing its sporting stance, the 500bhp Azure T delivers driver-focused performance with the ability to transport four adults in first-class, open-top luxury.

The new Azure T, specified with the high performance version of Crewe’s iconic 6¾ litre V8 engine, is the latest in a line of Bentley models to bear the ‘T’ legend. The 1996 Continental coupe was the first modern Bentley ‘T’, followed in 2002 by the Arnage T, both flagship models with a distinctive sporting character and thunderous performance.

The Azure’s already striking form is now enhanced by 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tyres, ‘Le Mans’ front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying ‘B’ mascot.

For the performance-oriented Azure T, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – an 11 per cent increase in power and a 14 per cent increase in torque over its 450bhp/875 Nm Azure stable mate.

The famous Bentley wave of torque is even more prodigious than before and performance is significantly raised with a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec). Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Stuart McCullough comments:

“The new Azure T reflects our passion for creating the world’s most exhilarating and prestigious convertibles that, true to the Bentley T tradition, blend sophistication with a powerful presence.”

BENTLEY AZURE T – NEWS IN BRIEF

* Exterior design styling changes, as standard, include:

20-inch five-spoke ‘Bright Finish’ alloy wheels
Retractable ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot
Dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles
‘Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents
Bentley ‘Jewel’ fuel filler cap
Twin exhaust tail pipes
Choice of 42 exterior paint colours

* Interior design enhancements, as standard, include:

Diamond quilting to seats and door panels
Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals
‘Engine-turned’ aluminium finish to fascia
Instrument faces in black
Embroidered ‘Bentley’ emblems to front seats and rear seat centre
iPod/USB interface
Choice of 8 unbleached veneers and 25 hides from full Bentley range
Knurled finish to: organ stops, mirror adjustors, door handles (interior and exterior), light switch and seat lumbar controls
Knurled & chromed gear knob

* Further enhancements to the standard Azure T specification include:

Large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
Hide covered boot rail

* Further enhancements to the Azure T optional specification include:

‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system delivering the world’s best in-car sound stage and featuring 10 speakers, a dual channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual Digital Signal Processor (DSP) modes to reproduce true emotions and a ‘live’ concert-like experience.

* Arnage T powertrain with 6¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – increases of 11% and 14 % respectively
* Top speed raised to 179 mph (288 km/h).
* 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds).
* Acceleration to 100 mph cut to 12.1 seconds (0-160 km/h in 12.0 seconds).
* Six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter provides fast yet ultra-smooth gearshifts
* Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system improves dynamic response and handling with less intrusive intervention when a reduction in grip is detected
* Tyre Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard

A UNIQUE OPEN-TOP MOTORING EXPERIENCE

Based on the Azure, the Azure T offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance and hint at its increased performance potential. Key ingredients of its distinctive appearance include design features 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and ‘Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents.

Further distinguishing points from the Azure are standard features such as dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, ‘jewel’ fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and door mirror mountings finished in body colour.

Like the Bentley Brooklands, the Azure T sports the iconic Flying ‘B’ mascot, which can retract neatly into the grille surround. Originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby, the ‘B’ was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.

With exterior lines that echo visual elements of the Bentley Mk.6 from 1946, the Azure was enthusiastically received on its original debut as a concept car at the Los Angeles Show in January 2005. Now, as the Azure T makes its own ‘debut’ at LA, Raul Pires, Manager of Exterior design for Bentley Motors, notes:

“The Azure’s proportions provided us with the ideal platform to work with when creating the new Azure T. The prominent haunches and ‘supermodel’ body inspired our designers to create a new interpretation of a Bentley convertible with the accent placed on a more muscular, sporting stance.”

Bentley’s designers highlight the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé and 1995 Azure as the main influences for the current Azure and Azure T. Like the ’50s convertible, the car has a deep body with a single feature line that runs along both flanks and rises at the powerful rear haunches before spearing off at the rear of the car. Similarly, the Azure T’s fast and flowing roofline is echoed in its seven-bow canvas roof that gives the car a visible sporting profile when raised.

Prominent wheel arches grace a slender, narrowing boot that results in a ‘horse shoe’ trailing edge. This elegant shape is reminiscent of the first Crewe-built Bentley, the Mk.6, and the overall effect is a subtle hint at the power and performance that lies beneath the Azure T’s bodywork.

Delicate brightware detailing accentuates the flowing lines of the Azure T and this includes rear tail-lamp bezels, exhaust finishes and slender strips that run the length of the car.

Significant time and effort has gone into making the Azure T’s folding roof attractive as well as highly functional. Operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch, the impressive, three-layer canvas roof is elegantly stowed beneath the rear parcel shelf in a matter of 25 seconds. Because the roof is held in a separate well area, there is no impact on the generous boot space which was designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.

EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM MIGHTY V8

The engine and transmission of the Azure T are identical to those already employed in the high-performance Arnage T and Arnage Final Series saloons. In this specification, Bentley’s remarkable all-aluminium 6¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque – with over 90 per cent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min – figures that ensure the signature Bentley ‘wave of torque’ delivers effortless performance for a unique open-top convertible driving experience.

Each of these hand-made V8 engines comes with a black-finish air intake manifold bearing the signature of the team leader who oversaw its construction by Bentley technicians in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Manual) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.

A sophisticated electronic management system provides fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Another important feature of the latest Azure T is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently – via a ‘Sport’ switch on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission’s Sport mode.

Bentley’s V8 guarantees outstanding performance levels. From standstill, acceleration to 60 mph is achieved in just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h 5.5 seconds), 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (160 km/h in 12.0 seconds) and a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) is possible.

DYNAMIC HANDLING, SUPERB RIDE AND AWESOME BRAKING

The Azure’s double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the Azure T unaltered. Set-up and fine-tuned to give a refined ride that best suits the character of this convertible Bentley, the system features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.

The Azure T’s suspension delivers impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres further improve handling and road holding.

As an option, Azure T owners may specify an upgraded braking system with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake ventilated discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive deceleration and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight, benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.

This lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal use, the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled compare to the standard system.

For Azure T and its Bentley stable mates, the Traction Control system is calibrated with the aim of avoiding all unnecessary reductions in engine torque. The ESP logic system, which is set up to allow spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety, monitors the car’s overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the Azure T’s V8 engine to be fully exploited.

The Bentley Azure T enjoys an 11 per cent power and 14 per cent torque increase compared with Azure and the strength and stiffness of the original chassis are such that no changes were deemed necessary, as Brian Gush, Director of Powertrain and Chassis, explains:

“The Azure chassis has always had an immense potential and this enables us to offer the extra power of our 500 bhp V8 engine and the driver-focused qualities of a true Bentley T without compromising ride comfort.”

Compared with the Arnage, the Azure T benefits from significant stiffening members. These strengthened steel parts lie in the sill section of the car and extend into the A-pillars that form the windscreen frame. Beneath the front and rear of the Azure, carbon fibre cross-bracing members reinforce the whole bodyshell, while adding far less weight than steel.

Strengthening has also been applied to the body structure behind the rear seats where an advanced rollover protection system is fitted. This immediately detects if the car is in danger of inverting and deploys two hoops that are integrated within the rear headrests. In conjunction with the strengthened front windscreen frame, these are capable of supporting 2.5 times the entire weight of an over-turned car.

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Befitting its role as a new Bentley flagship convertible, the Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as cost options on the Azure. The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an ‘engine-turned’ aluminium finish (reminiscent of 1920s racing Bentleys), and the instrument faces are finished in Black rather than Parchment.

Bentley emblems are embroidered on the front seat backs and the rear seat centre, an iPod/USB interface is provided, while the full range of Bentley’s premium veneers is available, a knurled finish is applied to several handles and switches and a knurled, chrome gear knob is fitted.

The new Azure T will have a strong appeal to Bentley customers, as Trevor Gay, Personal Commissioning Manager at Mulliner (Bentley’s specialist commissioning department), explains:

“The Azure has always stood apart from the rest of the Bentley range and the higher-performance Azure T will allow customers the opportunity to use the Mulliner service to create a bespoke convertible to their exact specification.”

Although many of the most desirable Mulliner options are included in Azure T as standard, Bentley anticipates that the majority of buyers will request additional enhancements. Inside, the Azure T is everything customers would expect of a bespoke Bentley, offering the highest levels of hand-craftsmanship to a small, discerning audience. The interior offers a spacious, luxurious cabin to provide the ultimate in first-class, open-top travel for four adults.

As in every Bentley, craftsmanship and bespoke finishing are to the fore. Every item of trim, be it veneer, hide or chromed bezel, uses authentic materials.

Azure T is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and the full range of premium veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.

Of course, the nature of a convertible means that its interior is often on display as much as its exterior and Bentley’s design team knew that the Azure T’s spacious cabin should make a strong a statement. Consequently, warm and inviting leather hide extend past the seats and onto the parcel shelf and this emphasises the dimensions of the rear compartment.

A new audio head unit with larger display screen and an SD (secure digital) memory card slot instead of the single CD slot is fitted. At the rear, a new hide-covered boot rail with coordinated leather trim and a chrome strip along the top edge gives the load area a tidier, premium appearance.

All Azure T models come with an iPod Interface linked to the Infotainment system, enabling customers to play their favourite music through the car’s audio system. The system is supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5 mm AUX jack and includes a 12 volt power outlet for charging purposes.

As an option, Azure T buyers can specify the Naim for Bentley premium audio system. Created in partnership with Bentley by Naim Audio, a UK-based high end hi-fi manufacturer, this system features 10 speakers, a dual-channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual DSP modes to reproduce true emotions and a ‘live’ concert-like experience.

In Azure T the sub-woofers are located in the rear passenger footwells and contained within a special enclosure to ensure the sound of this pure music remains within the open cabin.

BENTLEY AZURE T – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

AZURE T AZURE
POWERTRAIN
Engine type Twin-turbocharged
90-degree V8 Twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8
Engine displacement 6¾ litres, 6761 cc 6¾ litres, 6761 cc
Maximum power 500 bhp / 507 PS / 373 kW
@ 4,200 rev/min 450 bhp / 456 PS / 336kW @ 4100 rev/min
Maximum torque 738 lb ft / 1,000 Nm @
3,200 rev/min 645 lb ft / 875Nm @ 1,800 rev/min
Compression ratio 7.8:1 7.8:1
Emission standards EU IV / US LEV II EU IV / US LEV II
Transmission 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox
with semi-automatic and
sports functions 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions
PERFORMANCE
0-60 mph 5.2 sec 5.6 sec
0-100 km/h 5.5 sec 5.9 sec
0-100 mph 12.1 sec 13.4 sec
0-160 km/h 12.0 sec 13.3 sec
Maximum speed 179 mph/288 km/h 171 mph/274 km/h

CHASSIS
Steering 3.18 turns lock-to-lock
Type Speed sensitive, hydraulic power assisted, rack and pinion steering system

Suspension Double wishbones front and rear, with coil springs and computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic damping system (ARC) and automatic ride-height control with auto load compensation and headlamp levelling

Braking (front/rear) Micro-alloy ventilated discs
Hydraulically boosted front and rear circuits with stability control system

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban 28.8 (litres/100km) / 9.8 mpg
Extra-urban 14.1 (litres/100km) / 20.1 mpg
Combined 19.5 (litres/100km) / 14.5 mpg
EU drive cycle CO2
Fuel type 465 g/km (combined)
98 (95) RON

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase 5410 mm (212.60 in)
2125 mm (83.66 in) including door mirrors
1492 mm (58.74 in)
3116 mm (122.68 in)
Front track 1608 mm (63.13 in)
Rear track 1608 mm (63.13 in)
Width 1900 mm (74.8 in) with mirrors folded
Luggage compartment 0.316m3 / 310 litres / 10.95 cu ft

WEIGHTS
Kerb weight 2695 kg (5699 lbs)
Gross vehicle weight 3065 kg (7948 lbs)
Front axle weight 1535 kg (3384 lbs)
Rear axle weight 1615 kg (3560 lbs)
Fuel tank capacity 96.0 litres (25.3 US gallons)

BENTLEY AZURE T – STANDARD FEATURES

EXTERIOR FEATURES
o Choice of 42 exterior paint colours
o Retractable ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot
o Body coloured headlamp bezels
o Dark tint upper and lower grilles
o ‘Le Mans’ lower front wing vents
o Bentley ‘jewel’ fuel filler cap
o Twin oval exhaust tail pipes
o 20-inch five-spoke Sport aluminium alloy wheels
o Body coloured door mirror mountings
o Black finish intake manifold for engine

INTERIOR FEATURES
o Leather hides with choice of 25 colours
o Diamond quilting to seats and door panels
o Treadplates featuring AZURE name
o Multiple choice of unbleached premium wood veneers from full range
o Bright engine spin ‘spun aluminium’ fascia finish
o Drilled alloy brake and accelerator
o Instrument faces in black
o Embroidered Marque emblems to front seat backs and rear seat centre
o iPod/USB interface with 12-volt power outlet
o Knurled finish to organ stops (front and rear), door mirror adjusters, interior door handles, exterior door handles, light switch and seat lumbar controls.
o Knurled chrome and hide sporting gear lever
o Leather trimmed boot rail
o Eight-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer in the boot and SD card slot in new dash-mounted head unit with larger display

SEATING / CONTROLS
o Memory facility linking driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel
o Electrically adjustable tilt steering wheel with cruise control switches
o Electrochromic self-dimming interior rear-view mirror
o Electrochromic door mirrors dip on selection of reverse
o One-touch front window operation
o Multi-zone air-conditioning system
o Dehumidifier plus pollen and dust micro-filters

SAFETY & SECURITY
o Dual front, plus front and rear thorax and curtain airbags
o Pre-tensioned and load-limited seatbelts
o Tyre pressure monitoring system
o Xenon dipped beam headlamps
o ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
o Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
o Park Distance Control (front and rear)
o Multi-function programmable alarm and immobiliser
o Perimeter monitor with inclination sensor
o Volumetric interior monitor with glass break sensor
o Central locking and deadlock system

BENTLEY AZURE T – OPTIONS AVAILABLE

REGULAR OPTIONS
o Naim for Bentley 1100 Watt premium audio system with 10 speakers
o Dark tint 20-inch five-spoke Sport aluminium alloy wheels
o Dark tint engine-turned aluminium fascia finish
o Carbon silicon carbide cross-drilled disc brakes

MULLINER OPTIONS (principal options only listed)
o Leather hides from previous Bentley model ranges
o Leather hide colours matched to customer specification
o Alternative premium veneers
o NavTrak ADR (Automatic Driver Recognition) with 24-hour car location and tracking (UK and Europe only)

SERVICE & WARRANTY
o Service intervals 10,000 miles or 12 months
o 3 Years unlimited mileage warranty

Since its debut in 1998 the Arnage has conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the last decade the car has undergone a process of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market.

To celebrate 10 years of the Arnage, 50 years of its mighty V8 engine and 90 years of the marque, Bentley Motors launches its limited edition model at the Paris Motor Show today.

Called the Bentley Arnage Final Series, the new model features a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupe, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon – a grand finale, for the grandest of Bentleys.

Hand crafted at Bentley’s Crewe facility, the Final Series is an exclusive run of 150 cars, a unique example of the marque’s flagship created to bid ’farewell’ to the highly successful Arnage line in the most appropriate manner and style. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explains:

“For 10 years, Arnage has enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon market. The Final Series is a celebration of the Arnage era as Bentley prepares for the next generation of its flagship model.”

BENTLEY ARNAGE FINAL SERIES – NEWS IN BRIEF

• Limited production run of 150 cars
• Arnage T powertrain with 6 ¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque
• Six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter provides fast yet ultra-smooth gearshifts
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system improves dynamic response and handling with less intrusive intervention when a reduction in grip is detected
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard
• Exterior design styling changes include:
20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
Retractable ’Flying B’ bonnet mascot
Body coloured headlamp bezels
Dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles
Lower front wing air vents
’FINAL SERIES’ badge on front wings
Bentley ’Jewel’ fuel filler cap
Twin exhaust tail pipes
• Interior design enhancements include:
’FINAL SERIES’ treadplates to front doors
Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals
Waistrails with inset chrome strip and recessed Bentley marque badges (for the first time on Arnage)
Rear cocktail cabinet and document stowage trimmed in hide
FINAL SERIES stainless steel flask and shot glasses
Two picnic tables available in a range of premium unbleached veneers
• Four Bentley umbrellas with wooden handles
• Further enhancements to the standard Final Series specification include:
Large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
Removable rear cup holders for rear centre armrest
Hide covered boot rail
• Further enhancements to the Final Series optional specification include:

iPod interface

Rear remote control for infotainment system

Naim for Bentley audio system: 1100W, 10 speakers and next generation Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with 8 modes to create the world’s best in-car sound stage.

A COMMANDING ROAD PRESENCE

For the last ten years the Arnage’s combination of muscular lines and understated luxury have endowed it with a commanding road presence synonymous with all Bentley Grand Tourers, subtly conveying the car’s formidable performance potential.

This powerful exterior profile is underpinned by a torsionally stiff bodyshell (with an astonishing 6,500 spot welds) that helps to deliver outstanding ride and refinement. Based on the sporting Arnage T, the Final Series offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance. Key ingredients of the distinctive appearance include a dark-tinted Bentley matrix radiator grille with Flying ’B’ mascot and dark-tinted lower grille. The iconic Flying ’B’, which can retract neatly into the grille surround, was originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby and was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.

The Arnage Final Series is further distinguished by exterior design features first seen on the exclusive Bentley Brooklands coupe, comprising 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and ’Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents.

Additional unique features include body-coloured front and rear lamp bezels, ’jewel’ fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) together with ’Final Series’ wing badges and polished stainless steel treadplates to the front doors.

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Arnage Final Series will have a very special appeal to Bentley customers, as Peter Guest, Head of Department, Body & Trim, explains:

“Thanks to its hand-built exclusivity and superb quality, Arnage has become a world-wide benchmark for automotive craftsmanship. The Final Series epitomises the truly bespoke feel we aspire to and are determined to maintain.”

Inside, the Final Series is everything you would expect of a bespoke Bentley, offering the highest levels of hand-craftsmanship to a small, but discerning audience. The interior offers a remarkably spacious, luxury cabin to provide the ultimate in firstclass travel for four adults.

Many of the most desirable Mulliner options are included in Final Series as standard, most notably the hand-made waistrails with inset chrome strip with recessed Bentley badges, the new rear cocktail cabinet and document storage trimmed in hide, plus the beautifully designed picnic tables available in a choice of three premium unbleached wood veneers – all prime examples of Crewe craftsmanship.

Bentley is the only automobile manufacturer in the world to offer as standard a cabin trimmed entirely with leather hides – including the headlining. The handcrafted steering wheel requires up to 16 hours of double-stitching. A set of mirror-matched veneers for each car takes 13 days to craft, while 17 hides and almost 400 separate pieces of leather are used for the upholstery, trim and headlining. Arnage Final Series spans the many eras between traditional coachbuilding skills and 21st century high-performance automotive engineering.

As in every Bentley, peerless craftsmanship and bespoke finishing are to the fore. Every item of trim, be it veneer, hide or chromed bezel, uses authentic materials. Built by hand, the creation of each Arnage takes a minimum of six weeks and owners can take full advantage of Mulliner, Bentley’s specialist commissioning department, as Trevor Gay, Personal Commissioning Manager, Mulliner elaborates:

“Up to 80 percent of Arnage customers specify Mulliner features. Mulliner is completely dedicated to fully understanding their requirements and to delivering a bespoke experience and a uniquely high level of personal service.”

Arnage Final Series is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and three veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.

To help customers finalise the specification of their Arnage Final Series, the Bentley design team recommends six classic colour and trim combinations – Titan Grey (with Anthracite interior), Royal Ebony (with Beluga), Windsor Blue (with Windsor Blue), Meteor (with Imperial Blue), Burnt Oak (with Burnt Oak) and Black Velvet (with Burgundy).

NEW FEATURE ENHANCEMENTS

Arnage Final Series buyers will also benefit from a range of standard and optional feature enhancements. Standard enhancements include:

• New audio head unit – with larger display screen and an SD (secure digital) memory card slot instead of the single CD slot.
• New rear cup holders – displaying Bentley craftsmanship, these removable cup holders attach to the front edge of the rear centre armrest, or can be stored inside the armrest.
• New hide covered boot rail – features coordinated leather trim and a chrome strip along the top edge.

New optional enhancements available at extra cost:

• iPod Interface – links to the Infotainment system and enables customers to play their favourite music through the car’s audio system. Supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5mm AUX jack. Includes a 12 volt power outlet for charging purposes.
• Rear remote control – enables the rear seat passengers to control the infotainment system. When not in use it can be stored in a dedicated pouch inside the rear centre armrest.
• Naim for Bentley world class audio system – delivers the world’s best in-car sound stage. Created in partnership with Bentley by Naim Audio, a UK-based high end hi-fi manufacturer, this system features 10 speakers, a dual channel sub-woofer and a 1100 Watt amplifier – the world’s most powerful production unit fitted in a car. Bentley is also the first car manufacturer to use a next-generation Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in its audio system which features eight individual modes to reproduce true emotions and a ’live’ concert-like experience.

EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM CREWE’S MIGHTY V8

The engine, transmission, chassis and running gear of the Arnage Final Series are identical to those previously employed in Arnage T. In this specification, Bentley’s remarkable all-aluminium 6 ¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque – figures that ensure that the legendary Bentley ’wave of torque’ delivers effortless performance for a unique driving experience.

Acceleration to 60 mph is accomplished in 5.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.5 secs) with 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (0-160km/h in 12.0 seconds). Top speed of the Final Series is 179 mph / 288 km/h. Each V8 engine bears the signature of the team leader who oversaw its hand-built construction in the Crewe factory.

The six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced for the 2007 model, ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Semi-Automatic) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.

DYNAMIC HANDLING, SUPERB RIDE AND AWESOME BRAKING

Significantly upgraded in 2007, the Arnage’s fully independent double wishbone front and rear suspension features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation. These endow the Arnage with impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres – originally developed for the Brooklands coupe – aid handling and road holding.

As an option, Final Series may be specified with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive retardation and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight, benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.

This lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal use, the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled compare to the standard system.

The Traction Control system is calibrated with the aim of avoiding all unnecessary reductions in engine torque. The ESP logic system, which is set-up to allow spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety, monitors the car’s overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the V8 engine to be fully exploited.

50TH ANNIVERSARY FOR BENTLEY’S MIGHTY V8

The fitment of Bentley’s legendary V8 engine in the Final Series in its most powerful Arnage form is an ideal way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this renowned powertrain. Drawing on the wealth of aircraft engine experience gained at Crewe – manufacturing thousands of Merlin engines to power such famous British WW2 planes as the Hurricane, Spitfire, Mosquito and Lancaster – the first Bentley V8 engine was designed and built in 1959.

The fact that Bentley’s V8 design has served the marque remarkably well for five decades should not come as a surprise, as Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, comments:

“The original forward-thinking design of the all-aluminium Bentley V8 was a masterpiece and so good that we have been able to improve it continuously for nearly 50 years. Today’s engine produces around two and a half times the power of its 1959 predecessor, fuel consumption is only 60 percent of the original and emissions are
an incredible 99 percent lower.”

In 1959 the power and torque of that first 6.23-litre 90-degree V8 engine in the Bentley S2 saloon was officially described as “adequate”. Actual output was around 200 bhp with 400 Nm of torque. Today, the Final Series 6 ¾ V8 produces 500 bhp and 1000 Nm with over 90 percent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min.

One of the reasons Bentley’s V8 engine has evolved so successfully is the position of the exhaust valves, high in the cylinder head with short ports, originally designed for rapid heat dissipation to help engine cooling. Decades later this meant that the catalytic converters could be quickly heated thanks to the short path from valves to catalysts, which benefits exhaust emissions.

Driven by the need to meet increasingly stringent exhaust gas legislation around the world and the desire of many Bentley drivers for more power, the V8 engine has progressively evolved over the years. In 1962 an increased compression ratio enhanced performance. Seven years later, for the Bentley T-series, the V8 engine underwent a far greater power boost with a longer stroke increasing capacity to 6 ¾ litres, where it remains to this day.

The introduction of turbocharging in 1982 delivered an even more dramatic increase in power to 297bhp to create the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo. The later introduction of port injection systems and a charge cooler for the turbo further improved performance.

In 1999 the V8 engine was introduced into the Arnage, codenamed “F1″, with a single turbocharger, by now developing 400bhp/298kW and 616lbft/835 Nm of torque. This was followed in 2002 by the “F6″ version featuring twin turbochargers, boosting power to 450bhp/336kW with 645lbft/875 Nm of torque. The V8 engine underwent perhaps its most extensive development in 2006 taking power to 500 bhp and torque to 1000 Nm. The introduction of two low-inertia, quick-reacting turbochargers that operate with far greater efficiency at lower engine speeds, reach maximum turbine speed in half the time of the previous units.

Furthermore, a re-profiled camshaft with an all-new roller tappet system provided revised valve timing and substantially improved refinement. These changes also delivered increased power, enhanced durability and ensured compliance with European EU IV and US LEV II emission standards.

THE PERFECT MODEL TO BID ’FAREWELL’ TO ARNAGE

Commenting on the final chapter of the Arnage story, Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, says:

“The Final Series is the perfect model to give our Arnage flagship a splendid send off. Handcrafted at Crewe, this exclusive run of 150 cars represents the ultimate expression of Bentley luxury and effortless power.”

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur is set to deliver even greater levels of refinement, comfort and opportunities for customer personalisation. The class-leading 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp (610PS) Continental Flying Spur Speed. The most powerful 4-door car ever produced by the British manufacturer, the Flying Spur Speed offers the pure driving experience and uncompromising performance synonymous with all Bentleys bearing the Speed legend.

The Continental Flying Spur has been an extraordinary success story for Bentley since its launch in 2005. Its unrivalled combination of exciting performance, luxury, craftsmanship, style and four-door practicality has broadened the appeal of the Continental range. The Flying Spur has become the most successful 12-cylinder luxury saloon in the world and has played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of Bentley.

The instantly recognisable style of the Flying Spur undergoes a subtle evolution with changes to the front and rear design. The new, more upright grille and bolder lower air intake accentuate the distinctive Bentley profile, while the new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.

A comprehensive range of noise-absorbent measures including acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheelarch liners ensure that cabin refinement, already a hallmark of the Continental Flying Spur, is best in class.

The new Flying Spur may now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.

As a further option, the new Naim for Bentley audio system provides the world’s best in-car sound stage. Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, the system features an 1100 Watt amplifier, the most powerful unit offered in a production car, and 15 custom-built Naim speakers, including dual Naim sub-woofers. The next-generation Digital Signal Processor further enhances the listening experience.

The aluminium-intensive suspension of the Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort and refinement.

Bentley’s commitment to the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer personalisation is highlighted with an enhanced choice of beautifully crafted wood marquetry and chrome inlays. In addition, seat piping, a traditional Bentley feature, is introduced on Flying Spur together with two new hide colours. Three new colours and four duo-tone paint combinations are added to the exterior paint palette.

The 600bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed unleashes the same potent performance and intense levels of driver engagement as its highly acclaimed stablemate, the Continental GT Speed.

Inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures including a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.

A lowered ride height, uprated and redesigned suspension as well as retuned steering deliver outstanding agility and body control. Exceptional grip comes from the unique 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tyres.

The Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues which emphasise its performance credentials, including dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the new range:

“The global success of the Continental Flying Spur has created a new generation of Bentley owners. Responding to their feedback, we have refined an already remarkable car and with the debut of the Flying Spur Speed we are extending its appeal.”

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR RANGE – NEWS IN BRIEF

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

Styling evolution

New front end design with:

• More upright front grille with bright chrome matrix
• Larger, lower air intakes
• Chromed headlamp bezels
• Optional bright chrome matrix lower grille

New, more slender rear bumper design with:

• Wraparound brightware and black valance.
• Bright tail lamp bezels.

Best-in-class cabin refinement

• Acoustic glass to side and rear windows
• New acoustic tri-laminate undertray and wheelarch liners
• Retuned exhaust system

Enhanced driving dynamics

• The aluminium-intensive suspension features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre, for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort, response and refinement.
• New design 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.
• Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel.
• New ‘Sport Traction’ mode from ESP 8.1 system offers superb traction without being intrusive.

• Optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes provide improved brake feel (only available on 20-inch wheels).
• Discs last lifetime of car and pad life doubled (in normal driving conditions).
• New, follow-to-stop precision radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control with five time-gap settings.
• Power output of the twin turbo 6.0 litre W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS/412kW).
• Top speed of 195mph (312km/h) and 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2).

Enhanced cabin comfort and customer convenience

• New optional exclusive Naim for Bentley audio system with 1100 Watt amplifier provides the world’s best in-car sound stage.
• New optional glovebox-located iPod, MP3 & USB interface connects personal music to the in-car infotainment system.
• Multi-layer seat construction for enhanced comfort.
• New optional full width rear seat with electrically adjustable outboard positions and fixed central seat.
• Park distance control system with new graphics on infotainment screen
• Aluminium foot pedals incorporating the “B” Bentley logo.

Improved personalisation and bespoke choice

Enhanced choice of handcrafted interior and exterior finishes include:

• Contemporary style marquetry with crossbanding to door waistrails (Walnut & Chestnut veneers only).
• Traditional style marquetry with crossbanding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper centre console (Walnut & Chestnut veneers only).
• New chrome inlay strip to door waistrails.
• New two tone interior hide colour options providing greater opportunities for personalisation.
• Two new interior hide colours, Linen and Imperial Blue.
• Seat piping now available in 16 colours to allow customer to match secondary hide or single tone interior.
• Three new standard exterior paint colours (Havana, White Sand and Onyx) along with four unique duo-tone paint combinations (Havana, Dark Sapphire, Onyx and Midnight Emerald) for the first time on the Continental family

THE NEW CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED

The new Flying Spur Speed shares the enhancements of the Continental Flying Spur model above with the following additions taken from the acclaimed GT Speed:

A more powerful 600bhp (610PS/449kW) version of Bentley’s highly acclaimed W12 with 553 lbft (750 Nm) of torque.

• A 9% increase in power and 15% increase in torque.
• Maximum torque constant from 1750 rev/min.

More engaging Bentley driving experience through uprated chassis:

• 10mm lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
• Exceptional roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
• Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
• ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
• 0-60mph in 4.5 secs (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and a top speed of 200mph (322km/h).

Unique Speed model styling cues:

• Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
• Bright chrome grilles available as a no cost option.
• Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
• ‘Speed’ treadplates to all four doors.
• 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel.
• Optional bright or dark tint aluminium fascia panel.
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever.
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and door panels.

THE NEW 2009 CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

With typical Bentley understatement the styling of the new Continental Flying Spur is both evolutionary and subtly effective. At the front, the new bright chrome radiator grille, now more vertical, has a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the distinctive Bentley profile.

Beneath the grille, the new lower bumper features a wider, bolder central air intake. The black matrix grille also provides a 14 percent increase in airflow for the more powerful Speed version and the charge cooler intakes are positioned on the corners.

The lower grilles may also be specified in bright chrome to complement that of the main radiator. Chromed bezels around the headlamps complement the new frontal design.

At the rear, the new bumper with black lower valance and wraparound chrome trims make for a more slender appearance that is complemented by new chromed tail lamp bezels. Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel explains the styling evolution:

“The Flying Spur is instantly recognisable on the road and we were keen to retain its individuality. The subtle styling changes have given the car a fresh look at the front and sleeker, more balanced appearance at the rear.”

Enhanced cabin refinement

Since its launch in 2005, the Continental Flying Spur model has achieved a well-deserved reputation for outstanding cabin refinement. For the new model range, the Bentley engineering team were tasked to build on this success and create a unique cabin ambience with best in class refinement and comfort.

Key to that improvement is a comprehensive package of enhancements to the Flying Spur’s already impressive acoustic suppression technology. The complex double-glazed windows, a standard feature since launch, now feature a sophisticated acoustic laminate inner layer for all side and rear windows. In addition, new tri-laminate acoustic underbody trays and wheel arch liners absorb road noise.

A redesigned exhaust system provides greater refinement while maintaining the sporty, baritone character of the exhaust note. Overall, these changes deliver a substantial improvement in cabin refinement.

Bentley’s Head of Body and Trim Engineering, Peter Guest, explains the effect of this acoustic management:

“We are immensely proud that the cabin refinement of the new Flying Spur is best-in-class. While achieving superb levels of noise insulation, the sporting character and sense of connection with the road is undiminished.”

Enhanced driving dynamics and ride comfort

At the heart of the Continental Flying Spur is Bentley’s 6-litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine, the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production. The 48-valve head employs four camshafts and continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via an uprated ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The W12 engine continues to produce 552bhp (560PS/412kW) at 6100 rev/min and a maximum torque of 650Nm (479lb ft) from 1600 rev/min across virtually the entire rev range.

In common with all Continental models, the Flying Spur employs a complex four-link suspension at the front and a trapezoidal multi-link system at the rear.

Much of the suspension is made from lightweight aluminium, benefiting steering feel and rolling comfort. Self-levelling air springs are standard, constantly monitoring and adjusting the ride height and damping according to road conditions.

Outstanding levels of ride quality and comfort were the target for the new Continental Flying Spur and to achieve this, Bentley engineers have recalibrated both spring and damper settings and introduced a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero UHP tyre.

Using the same technology as the 20-inch performance tyre introduced on the 2008 Continental GT Speed, the 19-inch version is specially developed to optimise ride comfort and noise suppression, while providing outstanding grip and agility.

The hydraulics of the speed-sensitive Servotronic rack and pinion steering system have been retuned to reduce friction and improve steering feel and driver feedback.

The uprated advanced electronic stability control (ESP) 8.1 system has a new ‘Sport Traction’ mode that moderates ESP intervention at low speeds whilst providing a greater degree of driver interaction and control, offering superb traction without being intrusive.

Both Flying Spur models can now be specified with Bentley Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

As with conventional cruise control, ACC will maintain, within close limits, a ‘set speed’ as selected by the driver. In addition, ACC uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts braking and acceleration to maintain a ‘time gap’, as selected by the driver.

The ‘time gap’ also controls the vehicle dynamic response. The larger the time gap the more relaxed the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to tune the ACC system to suit their own driving style and traffic conditions.

All Flying Spur models are equipped with the largest brakes of any production passenger car on sale today, with 405mm x 36mm ventilated front discs and 335mm x 22mm rears.

Bentley’s carbon/silicon carbide brakes (CCB) are offered for the first time as an option on Continental Flying Spur. With even larger 20mm x 40mm cross-drilled front discs and 356 x 28mm rears, with eight-piston callipers, they may only be specified with 20-inch alloy wheels.

The lightweight, fade-resistant braking system minimises disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal driving conditions the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and brake pad life is doubled compared with the standard system. A 20kg reduction in rotating and unsprung mass also benefits steering response and handling.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments:

“True to the Bentley tradition, the Flying Spur delivers effortless power while significant advancements in ride quality and comfort further emphasise its deserved reputation for world-class luxury. The new Speed model exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver truly exceptional performance and driving enjoyment.”

Enhanced cabin comfort and customer convenience

The 2009 the Continental Flying Spur is the first model to feature the new Naim for Bentley audio system to create the world’s best in-car sound stage.

Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, it features an 1100 Watt amplifier – the world’s most powerful production unit fitted in a car – and 15 speakers. The speaker drive units are specifically tailored by Naim to the cabin of each model in the Bentley range to provide a unique and personalized audio experience.

Bentley is also the first car manufacturer to use a next-generation Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in its audio system, enhancing the listening experience still further.

All cars are now fitted as standard with a handset allowing rear passengers to control the main infotainment system.

A new optional iPod, MP3 and USB interface is located in the glovebox, enabling customers to connect personal music to the in-car infotainment system. When an iPod is connected, the tracks are displayed on the infotainment screen.

This perfectly complements the optional rear seat entertainment package that comprises two headrest-mounted 7-inch LCD screens, a 6-DVD multi-changer and two sets of headphones. An enhanced remote control unit now incorporates the rear seat entertainment systems.

A further driver convenience feature is introduced for the park/distance control. The new graphics readout on the console-mounted infotainment screen complements the audible signal.

All new Flying Spur models also benefit from significant developments to the cabin interior. The seating of all new models is extensively redesigned, with a multi-layer seat construction the comfort of which is optimised using different materials.

Employing the latest body profiling databases, the seats are constructed to offer the optimum shape for front and rear seat occupants. In addition, the rear seat cushions are lengthened by 40mm for additional comfort and support.

For the first time on Flying Spur, customers specifying a five-seat configuration may now opt for a rear-seat configuration with fully adjustable outboard positions and a fixed central seat. The outer seats have full lumbar adjustment together with heating and massage functions and a facility to adjust the position of an unoccupied front passenger seat for even greater legroom. Seat ventilation is available as an optional extra.

Improved personalisation and bespoke choice

Already renowned for its unrivalled standard of interior craftsmanship, the cabin of the Continental Flying Spur is now even more luxurious, offering unparalleled opportunities for personalisation in this segment of the market. This follows an extensive development programme that marries the latest production technology with the skills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women at its factory in Crewe, England.

Continental Flying Spur customers may now choose from an array of beautifully crafted inlays. These include chrome inlays to door waistrails and a choice of intricate marquetry wood inlays in contemporary and traditional designs, creating a unique and personalised appearance.

The contemporary style inlays comprise crossbanding to the door waistrails while the traditional style inlays feature crossbanding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper centre console. Both are available for Walnut and Chestnut veneers.

To further enhance the interior specification, seat piping is now available as a cost option and can be ordered in a contrast or non-contrast condition from the full colour palette of interior hides.

In addition, a new approach to the interior hide colour combinations provides customers with greater opportunities for personalisation. The door waistrails and lower door panels may now be matched to secondary hide while the centre door pads and armrests remain matched to the main hide colour creating a new two-tone effect.

Additions to the 2009 Flying Spur palette include two new hide colours (Linen and Imperial Blue) as well as three new standard exterior paint colours (Havana, White Sand and Onyx). Four unique duo-tone paint combinations (Havana, Dark Sapphire, Onyx and Midnight Emerald) are available for the first time on the Continental family.

THE NEW CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED

Following the highly successful introduction of the Continental GT Speed coupe in 2007, Bentley – almost half of new Continental GTs now sold are Speed versions – Bentley now offers the 600bhp (610PS) W12 powertrain in the new Continental Flying Spur Speed to deliver a more powerful and engaging Bentley driving experience.

The Speed engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 200mph (322km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability.

The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model.

New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels available in both bright silver or darkened tungsten carry bespoke Pirelli PZero performance tyres introduced on the GT Speed model, which provide the car with superb grip and feedback.

The Speed’s sporting performance is complemented by a highly capable chassis. Tauter handling and greater steering response with sharper turn-in and improved driver feedback is achieved through a retuned Servotronic steering system, direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings.

Improved agility and body control is also achieved through uprated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car’s high-speed dynamics, the Flying Spur Speed’s self-levelling air suspension sits 10mm lower.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models, provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.

The Flying Spur Speed offers a new ’Dynamic Mode’ that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.

Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering, comments:

“The new Flying Spur advances its Bentley performance credentials while delivering outstanding refinement and comfort through our unique application of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship.

With 600 bhp and a sports-tuned chassis, the Flying Spur Speed redefines customer expectations of a large, four-door luxury saloon. The performance, handling and agility set new benchmarks.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
MODEL TYPE Four-door

ENGINE

• Type 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
• Installation Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
• Construction Alloy heads and block
• Bore/stroke 84 x 90.2mm
• Capacity 5998cc
• Compression ratio 9.0:1
• Valve gear Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
• Power Flying Spur: 552bhp/560PS/412kW @ 6100rev/min
• Flying Spur Speed: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
• Torque Flying Spur: 479lb ft/650Nm @1600rev/min
• Flying Spur Speed: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
• Fuel 98 (95) RON

TRANSMISSION

• Type Continuous all-wheel drive
• Gearbox ZF 6-speed automatic
• Ratios 1st: 4.17
• 2nd: 2.34
• 3rd: 1.52
• 4th: 1.14
• 5th: 0.87
• 6th: 0.69
• Final drive: 3.526
• PERFORMANCE
• Top speed Flying Spur: 195mph (312km/h)
• Flying Spur Speed: 200mph (322km/h)
• 0-60mph (0-100km/h) Flying Spur: 4.9 seconds (5.2 seconds)
• Flying Spur Speed: 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
• 0-100mph (0-160km/h)
• Flying Spur: 11.3 seconds (11.3 seconds)
• Flying Spur Speed: 10.5 seconds (10.4 seconds)
• 50-70mph (80-120km/h) Flying Spur: 2.6 seconds (3.3 seconds)
• Flying Spur Speed: 2.4 seconds (3.1 seconds)

SUSPENSION

• Front Complex multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
• Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar

STEERING

• Type Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
• Turns lock to lock 2.7
• Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.8m (38.7 ft)

BRAKES

• Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm carbon/ silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
• Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm carbon/ silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
• Anti lock Standard with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

BODY & CHASSIS

• Construction Steel monocoque
• Length 5290m m (208.26in)
• Width (inc. mirrors) 2118mm (83.39in)
• Weight 2475 kg (5456lb)
• Height Flying Spur: 1475mm (58.1in)
• Flying Spur Speed: 1465mm (57.7in)
• Wheelbase 3065mm (120.67in)
• Front track 1623mm (63.9in)
• Rear track 1607mm (63.27in)
• Wheels Flying Spur: 9.0J 19-inch Alloy (optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy)
• Flying Spur Speed: 9.5J 20-inch Alloy

Tyres (bespoke) Flying Spur:

• 275/40×19 bespoke Pirelli P Zero (optional 275/35×20)
• Flying Spur Speed:275/35×20 Pirelli P-Zero
• Tyre pressure monitoring standard

• Luggage volume 475 litres (16.7 cu.ft./ 0.47m3)
• Fuel tank capacity 90 litres (19.8 gallons/23.8 US gallons)

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

• Front legroom 1054mm (41.5in)
• Rear legroom 980mm (38.58in)

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS

• Fuel consumption Urban: 11.2mpg (25.3 litres/100km)
• Extra Urban: 24.3mpg (11.6 litres/100km)
• Combined: 17.0mpg (16.6 litres/100km)
• Carbon dioxide emissions 396g/km
• Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV II
• EPA Drive Cycle City Driving: 10.0mpg (US)
• Highway Driving: 17.0mpg (US)

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR STANDARD FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDE:

EXTERIOR FEATURES

• Bright chromed grille
• Black lower grille
• Twin Bi-Xenon headlamps with chrome surrounds
• Twin oval stainless steel tail pipes
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Power latching to all doors
• Rain sensing wipers
• Electronic tyre monitoring system
• Choice of 16 standard exterior colours

INTERIOR FEATURES

• Burr walnut to fascia, front & rear console and door waistrails
• Choice of 17 standard interior hide colours
• Single tone, 4-spoke hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
• Hide and chrome trimmed gear lever with
• manual shift change facility
• Four-zone electronic climate control
• Electronically adjustable front seats with memory and heat settings
• Integrated Bluetooth phone system with remote SIM access profile (rSAP)
• Telephone voice dialing
• Infotainment system with DVD Satellite Navigation and hi-fi system with remote control and 6 CD changer
• Breitling clock
• Steering column-mounted gear shift paddles
• Engine stop/start button
• Electronic cruise control
• Footpedal with Bentley ‘B’ emblem

CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR SPEED FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDE:

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dark chromed radiator and lower grille

• Sports tuned exhaust with twin rifled oval stainless steel
• Sports tail pipes
• Lowered sports suspension (10mm front & rear)
• Painted black finish to engine cover
• 20 x 9,5J wheels with bespoke performance tyres

INTERIOR FEATURES Unique treadplates bearing ‘Speed’ name

• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and doors
• Embroidered Bentley emblem to head rests
• Indented hide headlining
• Single-tone, 3-spoke hide-trimmed multi-function
• Sports design steering wheel with silver switch surround
• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals

A SELECTION OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY:

• Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System
• iPod/ MP3/USB interface
• Traditional style cross banding and inlay to fascia, door waistrails and upper centre console (Walnut and Chestnut veneers only)
• Contemporary style cross banding to door waistrails (Walnut and Chestnut veneers only)
• Chrome inlays to waistrails
• Choice of upgraded veneers
• Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium
• Fascia panels, header and centre console in bright or dark tint aluminium*
• Rear seat configuration with fully adjustable outboard positions and a fixed central seat.
• Seat piping to front and rear seats in 17 colours
• 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
• Exterior paint match service to customer specification
• Exterior paint colour from Arnage range

THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION ( OPTIONAL ON CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR ONLY)
INCLUDES:

• Choice of veneers – Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings and door panels
• Embroidered Bentley emblem to headrests
• Indented hide headlining
• 20’’ 7-spoke 2-piece alloy sports wheels

MODEL TYPE Single Seater

Power
Type 24v Wheelchair motor (Regulation)
Installation Transversely mounted, One-wheel drive
Power 240 Watt
Torque 7 Nm
Fuel Source 2 x 12 v Lead Acid Batterys

TRANSMISSION
Type Continuous one-wheel drive
Gearbox Nuvinci CVP
Ratios Infinitely variable between 0.5 under and 1.75 overdrive

PERFORMANCE
Top speed 40mph (64km/h).

SUSPENSION
Front Single wishbone rigid suspension
Rear Single wishbone rigid suspension

STEERING
Type Rack & pinion,
Turns lock to lock 1
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 19.2m

BRAKES
Rear 160mm ventilated disc (to single wheel)
Anti lock In development!

BODY & CHASSIS
Construction Carbon Fibre monocoque
Length 1420mm
Width (inc. mirrors) 1000mm (82.76in)
Weight 120 Kg
Height 500mm
Wheelbase 1300mm
Front track 1000mm
Rear track 1000mm
Wheels Custom made 16” carbon fibre

Tyres Michelin Eco-Marathon specials

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
Fuel consumption 2 hours per battery set
Carbon dioxide emissions 0g/km
CONTINENTAL GT FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR FEATURES Bright chromed grille
Bentley Wheel Badge

INTERIOR FEATURES Trimmed Steering wheel, Seat and dashboard, Touch screen driver information panel in development

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed’s high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre ‘Speed Model’, complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).

The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also represented the first step in Bentley’s renaissance, positioning the company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration. Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model offering:

“The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”

Continental GT Speed

• The most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12 engine delivers 600bhp (610PS/449kW) and 553lb ft (750Nm):
  • A nine percent increase in power and 15 percent increase in torque.
• Top speed of 202mph (326km/h).
• 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s).
• 0-100mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2s).
• Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.0s).
• CO2 emissions reduced by 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption as a result of improved engine efficiency.
• Harder-edged, more sporting driving experience through enhanced chassis:
  • Lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
  • New levels of roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
  • Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
• ’Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
• Subtle styling modifications distinguish the Continental GT Speed from the Continental GT:
  • Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
  • Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
  • Mulliner Driving Specification (also available as an option on the Continental GT) includes:
  • • Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever
    • Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels.

For the Continental GT, the engine continues to produce 552bhp (560PS / 412kW) at 6100 rev/min and a maximum torque of 650Nm (479lb ft) from1600 rev/min. The twin, low-inertia turbochargers are a key factor in producing the flat torque curve, characteristic of every Bentley.

A new higher output of the W12 engine is specified for the GT Speed, sharing engine efficiency improvements with the GT model. New lighter weight con rods enhance engine response, while new pistons, with anodised compression ring grooves, are designed to withstand increased cylinder pressures. Together with a recalibrated version of the new engine management system, the GT Speed develops nine percent more power than the GT – 600bhp (610PS) at 6000 rev/min. The maximum torque of 750Nm (553lb ft) at 1750 rev/min represents an increase of over 15 percent versus the standard engine. As a result, the GT Speed becomes the first production Bentley to top 200mph (322km/h), with a V-max of 202mph (326km/h).

Both the Continental GT Speed and GT models now produce lower CO2 emissions of 396g/km, down from 410g/km, an improvement of 3.5 percent. Fuel consumption is improved by a similar amount.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, says the two new models offer something for every Bentley enthusiast:

“The Continental GT will continue to be the benchmark for the luxury coupe class, offering an unrivalled blend of performance and refinement. The new Continental GT Speed is a true driver’s car with immense power and superb handling.”

The advanced ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic gearbox has the ability to lock up its torque converter during normal driving conditions replicating the immediacy of a manual transmission while maintaining the smoothness of an automatic. A manual override function allows clutchless manual changes via the gearlever or steering wheel paddles.

Providing huge levels of grip and stability in all weather conditions, the all-wheel drive system harnesses the prodigious power and torque of both the Continental GT and GT Speed coupes. The system uses a central Torsen differential and a differential on both the front and rear axles providing a standard 50:50 torque split. This front to rear ratio is variable depending on the available grip and the system can sense slip of less than one percent and react by apportioning the engine’s torque to either the front or rear axle.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP) has been uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models. The Continental GT has a new “Sport Traction” mode that moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, providing a greater degree of driver interaction and control. This is particularly beneficial from standing starts, for example when pulling away uphill on low traction surfaces.

The Continental GT Speed offers a new ’Dynamic Mode’ that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds than the ’Sport Traction’ mode on the standard chassis. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.

Highly tuned suspension for outstanding handling

Chassis, suspension and steering modifications for both the Continental GT and GT Speed models ensure they have the handling to match their formidable powertrains. Both are suspended on double wishbones at the front and a trapezoidal multi-link system at the rear. Much of the suspension is made from lightweight aluminium. The GT Speed model also benefits from a solid-mounted front subframe, while high-stiffness aluminium front uprights are common to both models. Together with stiffer rear suspension bushes these deliver even sharper handling characteristics. The GT Speed also features modified front and rear anti-roll bars to minimise understeer and optimise handling balance.

Self-levelling air suspension that constantly monitors and adjusts the ride height and damping according to road conditions is common to both models, although the GT Speed is engineered to sit 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear to improve handling dynamics. Uprated springs and dampers, together with revised software control, further improve the agility and body control of the GT Speed.

All-new 9.5Jx20-inch alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tyres have a major effect on the GT Speed’s steering and grip levels. The wider wheel and reduced tyre wall profile improve the tyre’s lateral stiffness giving noticeably sharper steering response and feel. The new Pirelli performance tyres are developed specifically for the GT Speed and benefit from a unique construction and rubber compound for enhanced levels of grip.

Both the Continental GT and GT Speed benefit from changes to the rack and pinion steering. Revisions to the system’s hydraulics reduce friction and improve steering feel, while a new version of the speed-sensitive Servotronic system also increases levels of feedback to the driver.

Secondary ride levels – the response of the car to poor road surfaces, pot holes or cats’ eyes, for example – have been improved on the 552bhp Continental GT model with the addition of low friction dampers. And even though the new GT Speed has stiffer, lowered suspension its ride quality is on a par with the 2007 Continental GT.

The Continental GT and GT Speed are both equipped with the largest brakes of any production passenger car on sale today. The ventilated front discs have a 405mm diameter and are 36mm thick. Ventilated discs are also used at the back, with a diameter of 335mm and a thickness of 22mm.

For both models, the performance boundaries are further extended by Bentley’s optional carbon/silicon carbide brake system. Boasting 420 x 40mm carbon-silicon carbide, cross-drilled front discs and 356 x 28mm rears, with eight-piston callipers, the new brakes are even larger than the standard system. The system provides a 20kg reduction in rotating and unsprung mass, benefiting steering response and handling.

The lightweight, fade-resistant braking system minimises disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal driving conditions the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car. Furthermore, brake pad life is doubled compared with the standard braking system.

Complementing the braking systems of both Continental GT models are sophisticated safety systems, including Hydraulic Braking Assistance (HBA), anti-lock braking (ABS), drag torque control (MSR) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The latter monitors the level of grip available to each tyre and apportions braking force accordingly. This not only helps reduce stopping distances but also greatly enhances the control enjoyed by the driver under heavy braking.

Subtle changes to acclaimed coupe design

The Continental GT has received many accolades for its distinctive, muscular and elegant style. It has redefined the concept of the contemporary Grand Touring coupe: forward looking yet faithful to Bentley’s design heritage. Classic sculpted coupe design cues such as curvaceous rear haunches, short front overhang, prominent front grille and longer rear overhang echo the look and feel of some of the great Bentleys of yesteryear. The style of the GT has stimulated customer interest like no other Bentley to create a modern-day design icon. For the latest iteration of the Continental GT success story, the enhancements of the car’s exterior are therefore intentionally subtle, as Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel explains:

“Our objective was to convey the performance potential of the new GT Speed model, while retaining all the design cues so valued by our customers.”

The principal changes to the frontal appearance are common to both the GT and the new GT Speed. The subtly revised front grille, now more vertical, has a more pronounced square edge accentuating the GT’s distinctive Bentley profile. Beneath the grille, the all-new lower bumper design features a wider central air intake that emphasises the sporting stance of the new models. Chromed bezels around the headlamps complement the new frontal design.

The Continental GT Speed is distinguished from the Continental GT by its dark-tinted chrome matrix grille to the main and lower air intakes. Bright chromed grilles may be specified at no extra cost. At the rear, a black lower bumper valance and wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes emphasise the GT Speed’s sporting character, reinforced by new multi-spoke 20-inch sports alloy wheels. As an option, these may be specified with a dark chromed finish.

The GT Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GT). It includes a choice of veneers (Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black), Diamond-quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblem, indented hide headlining, a sports alloy gearlever, three-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel, drilled alloy foot-pedals as well as ‘Speed’ logos to the treadplates.

A range of Mulliner options provide further opportunities for personalisation including fascia panels, header and centre console in bright aluminium or, unique to the GT Speed, dark tint aluminium (compatible only with Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer or Piano Black veneer and single tone interior colour scheme). The Continental GT also benefits from a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

Continental GT and GT Speed customers have a choice of 16 ‘standard’ paint colours and 17 premium grade leather hide colours, including two new exterior paint colours (Cumbrian Green and Granite) and two new interior leather hide colours (Newmarket Tan and Cumbrian Green). Customers also have the option to select from the Arnage colour palette or choose Bentley’s colour-matching programme to produce a bespoke colour of their choice.

One of the fastest luxury-coupe in the world, the Brooklands will be limited to only 500 units a year (thanks God! Imagine if you could see this car everywhere you go!) and will be priced to $330.000. And even if the first 500 units for the first year were sold out, I wonder who will pay that much for it. I mean, lets be serious, for this money you will have an Audi R8, a Porsche Turbo 997 and a BMW Z4 and you will still have money for the gas!

The car got its name after the famous British race track where Bentley was a victor in the 1920s (back then, Bentley was an icon f English motoring and had won four times the Le Mans).

The Brooklands is the coupe version of the Arnage sedan and the Azure convertible. Larger than a Continental GT, the Brooklands was designed to blend great performance and unbridled opulence and is created for an exclusive clientele. The Brooklands takes its design cues from the GT, one of the most successful cars for Bentley since its unveiling in 2004.

The Brooklands marks Bentley’s return to the luxury coupe market and reaffirms its reputation as creator of the world’s most exclusive coupe. . It is the ultimate Bentley: a stylish, four-seat, grand touring coupe with classic British proportions and muscular performance.

Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen describes the motivation behind the new coupé: “Bentley’s proud sporting pedigree, forged by the exploits of the immortal ‘Bentley Boys’ on the famous Brooklands racetrack in the 1920s, was the inspiration for our new coupé, capturing all the style, power and splendour of that era.”

The sporty design is matched with a powerful engine: the legendary Crewe-built V8 (the most powerful engine Bentley has ever done). The engine develops 530 hp and a peak torque of 774 lbs-ft.

The Bentley Brooklands is remarkably spacious cabin providing the ultimate in first-class travel for four adults at any speed. The low, fast roofline with dramatically raked front and rear screens and muscular lines give the Brooklands a distinctively sleek, sporting stance.

Each Brooklands will be hand-assembled, employing traditional coach-building techniques and the craftsmanship skills in wood veneer and leather hide for which Bentley is renowned. To ensure exclusivity, lifetime production will be strictly limited to just 550 cars, with deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2008.

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Exterior Design

Bentley has a long history in the two-door luxury coupes market. The ‘50s had been dominated by these British cars: the Park Ward Continental S1, and then the Continental R and T from the ‘90s became collectors’ classics. These three models had a major influence in the design and the character of the Brooklands.

When start working on this luxury-coupe, Dirk van Braeckel and his design team wanted to create “a powerful, muscular and rakish grand touring coupe with classic British proportions, in the finest Bentley tradition.”

But, even if the 2008 coupe is influenced by models from the 50s, its design and more than anything, it’s engineering are thoroughly contemporary. The proportions of long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang achieve the design objective perfectly, while the low roofline, steeply raked screens and pillarless side glass convey both power and movement.

As the Brooklands will be built in very limited volume, the designers were able to introduce unique features that necessitate specialist coach-building techniques, as Programme Director, Ashley Wickham, reveals: “The Brooklands’ beautiful flowing lines are testament to the traditional coach-building skills and craftsmanship of Crewe’s highly talented workforce.”

The Brooklands’ fast flowing roofline is a perfect example of those skills. To create the appearance of a ‘floating’ rear screen demanded by the design team, the rear quarter panel and roof can only be joined by hand – impossible in mainstream production. This can only be achieved by individually hand-welding the rear wings to the C-pillars.

To further distinguished the exclusive character of Brooklands, Bentley used “Le Mans” front wing vents, a jeweled fuel filler cap, brushed aluminum ‘Bentley Brooklands’ treadplates and a dark-tinted steel Bentley matrix grille with optional Flying ‘B’ retractable radiator mascot.

Brooklands was created as a sport coupe. And this intentions are reflected by larger diameter exhaust tailpipe finishers with rifled detailing to the inside surface. Brooklands also features unique underbonnet detailing with brushed aluminium ‘6 ¾ Liter Brooklands’ engine plaque. Embossed Bentley logos appear on the intercoolers. Each engine bears the signature of the team leader who oversaw its hand-built construction in the Crewe factory.

The fitment of 20-inch diameter wheels as standard, signaling the surefooted, robust and dynamic character of the new model, reaffirms the powerful stance of the new Bentley coupe.

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Interior Design

While entering the car, you will be amazed by the luxury inside. And you have to agree that Bentley really managed to accomplish their mission: they created a luxury coupe with a distinctly sporting character. The richness of the finest natural materials alongside with an extensive palette of hides, veneers, carpet tones and seat belt colors make from the Brooklands a leaving paradise.

With room for four persons, the Brooklands’ interior is a distinctly sporting atmosphere, complemented by design accents such as aluminium foot pedals and footrest. A new, single-piece, hide-trimmed roof lining flows uninterrupted from the front windscreen all the way to the rear of the car, mirroring the long, sleek profile of the elegant exterior.

The cabin headlining is made entirely from leather, making Bentley the only car manufacturer in the world to offer as standard a cabin entirely trimmed with leather hides. The entire headlining is tightened and finished by hand to achieve the desired quality of finish, a process that takes years of skilled practice to perfect.

The interior designers sought to offer the very highest levels of comfort and legroom, in true Bentley grand touring tradition, while the pillarless window design enhances the feeling of space.

Brooklands use the Arnage rear cabin structure; this is why Bentley’s engineers have created a vast rear seat area that is larger than any other coupe in the world. The individual, electronically reclining rear seats are set 100mm (4 inches) further back than on Azure, benefiting leg room. They are also set 25mm lower than the Arnage, resulting in a headroom of 939mm – just 24mm less than in the large saloon.

The Brooklands’ cabin is wider both front and rear than the previous Bentley Continental R coupé – the rear by 10 percent – and it easily exceeds the interior leg, knee and headroom of any luxury coupe on sale today. This allows four adults to be accommodated in supreme comfort. Individual rear seats with electrically operated sliding cushions, set further back than on the Azure, are separated by a new centre console, incorporating both storage and cup holders.
Brooklands uses the new Azure’s front seats with their integrated seat belts and side airbags. Major features include bi-level electric lumbar adjustment, a massage function, as well as tilting and extending front cushions.

Brooklands’ customers will be able to specify their car in an extensive choice of ‘standard fit’ colors which includes 42 exterior paints (including new Venusian Grey and Titan Grey), 25 hides and three veneers.

In common with all Arnage family models, the wood veneers (including new Dark Stained Vavona) are premium quality and unbleached for a more natural appearance. Three new hide colors (Anthracite grey, Newmarket Tan and Cashew) are introduced with Brooklands. Customers may also tailor their cars to their individual specification through Bentley Mulliner’s bespoke color-matching service and selection of hide colors from previous model years.

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Most powerful Crewe-built V8 ever

But all this luxury design had no meaning if under the hood you wouldn’t see a powerful engine. And this is what makes the Brooklands so special (in my opinion). With 530 hp, the Brooklands is the most powerful luxury-coupe on the market.
If the GT was built on the Phaeton’s all-wheel-drive platform, the Brooklands is built on has rear-wheel drive. The luxury-coupe is powered by the most powerful Crewe-builtV8 engine ever produced. Maximum torque is an astonishing 774 lbs-ft, the highest ever developed by a production V8 engine. Although performance figures are subject to final confirmation as part of the on-going development programme, the new Bentley coupe will deliver supercar levels of in-gear acceleration combined with Arnage refinement.

The Crewe-built V8 engine was launched in 1959 in the Bentley S2 saloon and since then it has continually evolved. The first V8 was very advanced for its time with an all-aluminium construction, a five-bearing crankshaft and a well-supported camshaft, producing nearly 200bhp and 400Nm of torque. The result was a light and supple powertrain that produced maximum torque at low engine speeds, the hallmark of every Bentley ever produced.

In 1969 Bentley increased its capacity grow to 6.75 litres, where it remains to this day, but by far the most significant change came in 1982, with the introduction of a turbocharger to create the near-300bhp Mulsanne Turbo, a car that transformed the image of Bentley. In 1999, the single turbo engine, by now featuring port injection and charge cooling, was installed in Arnage, with twin turbos arriving in 2002, developing up to 450bhp.

For the 2007 model Arnage, the V8 engine saw a step-change in performance and refinement which became the starting point for the new Bentley Brooklands. A re-profiled camshaft and new, low-inertia turbochargers, which operate with greater efficiency at lower engine speeds have resulted in reduced turbo lag, enhancing that prodigious wave of torque at any revs, the hallmark of a true Bentley. These changes extend the power potential of the V8 in the Arnage to 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque. For the Bentley Brooklands, further component optimisation and engine calibration ensure record power and torque levels from this hand-assembled engine.

As with the latest Arnage, the V8 engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with strengthened casing that transforms the way in which both parts of the drive train communicate. A sophisticated, locking torque converter and ESP system ensure that the driver can readily access the prodigious power. A semi-automatic function allows manual gear selection for even greater driver control.
The Bentley Brooklands copes with the formidable power of its V8 engine thanks to a uniquely engineered chassis, developed from the Bentley Arnage, and an impressively stiff body structure. Strengthened steel in the A-pillars, door sills, rear-three quarter sections and cant-rails provide the Brooklands’ body with exceptional torsional stiffness. This contributes to the Brooklands’ sporting handling combined with superb levels of ride comfort that are in keeping with the large Bentley coupe tradition. Peter Guest, Head of Department, Body and Trim, elaborates.

“Brooklands’ stiff platform provides a stable foundation for the sophisticated double wishbone suspension developed from the dynamic Arnage T.”

The independent, front and rear, double-wishbone suspension employs coil springs, computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride height control with auto load compensation. Together, these deliver impressive body control during cornering, braking and acceleration. The fitment as standard of 8.5Jx20-inch wheels and 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres, specially developed for Brooklands, also aids handling and roadholding.

The very strong body also allows Brooklands to run with lower spring rates than the Arnage T, thereby achieving a level of ride comfort similar to that of the Arnage R. The body-hugging, lower-slung Azure-derived front seats provide a more sporting driving position, enhancing the sporting appeal of Brooklands, compared with its Arnage and Azure stablemates.

As an option, Brooklands may be specified with new carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake discs, further extending the new coupe’s performance boundaries. Introduced on the limited edition Continental GT Diamond Series in 2006, the system features the largest diameter brake discs of any production passenger car on sale today. Measuring 420 x 40mm at the front and 356 x 28mm at the rear, with eight-piston callipers, the new brakes give an 8 kg reduction in rotating unsprung mass benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.

The lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal driving conditions the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car. Furthermore, brake pad life is doubled compared with the standard braking system.

Performance figures capture supercar performance from a luxury four-seater coupé. The Bentley Brooklands is capable of reaching 60mph in just 5.0 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds), has a top speed of 184mph (296km/h) and with an enhanced chassis and optional carbon carbide brakes, provides the handling to match the awesome power.

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The Bentley Brooklands Specifications

• Supercar performance from luxury four-seater coupe:
  • 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3s).
  • Top speed of 184 mph (296km/h).
  • 50 to 70mph in just 2.4 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.1s).
• Record power output of 530bhp and 1050Nm of torque from handbuilt 6 ¾-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, including:
  • New free-flowing air induction system and sports exhaust.
  • Recalibrated valve timing and engine management systems
• Dynamic handling combined with superb ride comfort:
  • Very stiff platform and uniquely engineered chassis with specially developed 20-inch wheels and tyres as standard, that combine Arnage T handling with Arnage R comfort.
• • Optional carbon/silicon carbide brakes:
  • The largest diameter discs of any production passenger car on sale today.
  • Discs last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled, under normal driving conditions.
  • Virtually fade-free use time after time.
• Most spacious rear cabin of any coupe in the world.
• Bentley is the only manufacturer to offer as standard a cabin trimmed entirely with leather hides.
• Full order book for first year, with lifetime production limited to just 550 cars.

Bentley Motor Cars revealed a dramatic concept car the Hunaudieres at 1999 Geneva Motor Show, one year after Volkswagen became the owner of Bentley company. This supercar project provides the debut of a new 16 cylinder engine developed to a specific brief to provide a technologically advanced power plant with unique Bentley characteristics.

It is powered by a W-16 engine, developed by VW, who actually combined two V-8 engines together at an angle of 72 degrees, a displacement of 8 litres and a total of 64 valves produced 623 Bhp at 6000 Rpm on all four-wheels. Each V-8 engine held two banks of 4 cylinders at 15 degrees, this way the massive engine was still quite compact considering the power output and a torque of 561 Lbs.Ft at only 4000 Rpm.

Specifications

• Wheelbase : 2650 mm
• Length : 4430 mm
• Width : 1980 mm
• Height : 1190 mm
• Track front : 1738 mm
• Track rear : 1645 mm
• Tires front : 265/30 ZR 20
• Tires rear : 335/30 ZR 20
• Engine type : DOHC W-16 mid mounted, four wheel drive
• Displacement : 8004 cc
• Max. power : 630 Bhp at 6000 rpm
• Max. Torque : 561 Lbs Ft. at 4000 rpm
• Top speed : electronically limited at 350 Km/h.

Being designed and engineered by Bentley at Crewe, the vehicle was manufactured in all-new facilities that combine the art technologies with the unique hand finishing and a special attention to detail. The inimitable Bentley craftsmanship is hallmarked on all the cars that wear the winged “B”. The car went on sale in the 2nd half of 2003, even if the dream of building a new Bentley coupe is not new. It has been alive at Crewe for over 20 years and only the $500 million vote of confidence placed in the marque by Volkswagen brought the dream to reality. Volkswagen has enabled Bentley to turn the Crewe factory into a thoroughly modern centre of manufacturing, ensuring Bentley to be in a better shape than ever.

Styling

Let’s turn back to August 1999, if we want to talk about the styling of the Continental GT, when newly appointed head of design, Dirk van Braeckel was briefed to prepare a concept for an all new Bentley coupe: one that would use 80 years of Bentley design as its inspiration, yet look only to the future in its shape. It took just 4 months when van Braeckel submitted his preferred design to the board of Bentley Motors. It was approved on the spot. So they took the design philosophy that inspired cars like Bentley Speed Six of 1928 and the 1952 R-Type Continental used it in an entirely contemporary context. It was a magical process because they looked for those things that gave those cars much presence and a stance that “shouted” Bentley at anyone who looked at them.

Bentley’s design philosophy for the Continental GT referred to the fact that the car had to have a short front overhang and an overly dominant bonnet expressed by the unusually large distance between the front axle line and the A-pillar. The pillarless cabin itself had to be sleek and compact while the rear haunches should have been taut and pronounced to give the impression of a crouching animal ready to pounce. The styling team manted this car this car to be curvaceous and sinuous with a form that appears and disappears like muscle on a gymnast’s arm.

The shape of the car was essential because it had to suit its sporting intentions and that’s why it was decided that the brightwork should be minimized, limited to the door surrounds, a finish along the sill, the exhaust surrounds and radiator grille. But the headlamps themselves had a dominant role in styling being the larger of the 2 pairs, and also to draw attention to the most distinctive Bentley feature of all: the matrix radiator grille.

Having achieved such a distinct design they thought of the dynamic challenges of such a high performance vehicle. Formed in 1999, the aerodynamics department at Crewe had a rather more elegant solution in mind. The Continental GT is fitted with a rear spoiler skillfully integrated into the design of the car, where the rear screen meets the bootlid. It is for the most part invisible, deploying automatically when high speed merits additional downforce.

The Central High Mounted Stop Lamp is another unique feature of the car. Regulations require the CHMSL to be placed in a certain area, but do not dictate its shape. So Continental GT is featured with a CHMSL that is just 3 mm tall but fully one meter wide. The result is that it has no negative impact on the styling.

Interior Design and Style

The cabin is designed to make the driver feel comforted and reassured by the expanses of top quality hide and fine wood veneers. The cabin also ensures a new level of luxury, style and good taste. The symmetrical nature of the fascia with a centre console rising up and curving left and right in front of the passenger and driver in a shape of the famed Bentley wings. It also has the effect of creating the same atmosphere on either side of the car so that the passenger can feel almost as much part of the action as the driver.

Regarding seat design, Bentley is one of few car manufacturers that design seats as an in-house field and anyone who has traveled in a Bentley knows how important this area of design is to the marque. The particular feature with the Continental GT was to offer a comfortable seat complete with considerable front and rear travel, a multitude of electric adjustments and integral seat-belts. Bentley’s designers met all the safety targets of the integral seat and belt without compromising the interior style of the car. The front seats have been designed pillarlessly while the rear seats have been given the same attention as the back passenger sit well apart with deeply scalloped recesses for their elbows, allowing ample personal place.

A task the designers of all luxury car face is to present the controls and information interfaces in a way that is both uncluttered yet easy to use. In Continental GT, most routine operations can be operated direct from the steering wheel. The air-conditioning, navigation, computer information are individually controlled and displayed on the same screen sited in the middle of the centre console.

The aluminum pedals, chrome instrument surrounds, knurled finishes of the ancillary controls give comfort and luxury inside the vehicle.

The way Bentley tailors the natural wood and leather to suit the Continental GT proves that these traditional materials can still create a contemporary feel. The 21st century technology enabled wood to be curved in a way that would simply not have been possible in the past. The leather is cut from the hide using a new digitized process that ensures minimal levels of wastage and maximum efficiency.

The secret of the Continental GT’s interior room is its engine. By choosing the basic architecture of the W12 powerplant used in the Volkswagen Group, Bentley’s engineers staggered the cylinders in each bank creating effectively 2 narrow angle (15 degree) V6 engines sharing a common crankshaft and giving rise to the “W” formation.

Thus providing a short engine with a considerable capacity and frees up space that can be reapportioned to the car’s interior. Indeed it is the shortest twelve cylinder engine on the market.

Regarding the fuel tank, that is usually between the boot and rear seat, the Continental GT’s fuel tank is under the floor of the car. This requires to straddle the transmission tunnel, but the result is effective.

Design Technology

The first Bentley designed entirely in the virtual world, the Continental GT’s every single component was not merely computer designed, but designed into the Continental concept alongside every other part.

Using the latest CATIA-based Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs, the Continental GT represents a huge step forward in Bentley design technology. With all components existing in the virtual world before a single one is created as a physical property, it is possible to see how each part interacts with all the others, illuminating problems and conflicts that, in the past, may never have come to light until the part had been machined.

Powertrain and Chassis

The W12 formation engine was a natural choice for Bentley. Not only did it have the potential to deliver these objectives, it also boasted the incredibility compact dimensions required to realize the Continental GT’s packaging requirements.

Using two turbochargers on an engine with two banks of cylinders has many advantages over the old, single turbo method. For a start, because there are two of them, each turbo is much smaller than would be a single unit designed for the same purpose. This means they have less inertia and therefore accelerate up to and back down from operating speed much more quickly, minimizing turbo-lag.

It is a fair observation that a 6-liter, twin-turbo engine with tremendous torque does not strictly need six gears to keep itself on the boil.

The basis of the Continental GT’s chassis strategy is an extremely stiff body, without which, even the most sophisticated of suspension system can be undetermined. To this was applied the very latest in suspension technology featuring an innovative double wishbone arrangement at the front and multi-link rear axle behind.

Safety

The Continental GT is equipped with the full suite of passive safety equipment. As well as possessing exceptional front, side and rear deformation characteristics on impact, there are two front airbags, four side airbags and two side curtain bags that, unusually for a coupe, each run along the full length of the cabin. Seat belt pretensioners are used for all four seats.

Key to this performance increase is the most powerful version of Bentley’s legendary V8 engine ever built at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England. In the performance-oriented Arnage T model, the revised twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces a staggering 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque – an 11percent increase in power and a 14 percent increase in torque over the outgoing model. Twinned with the latest six-speed ZF automatic transmission, which uses state-of-the-art computer management, performance and refinement are optimised at all speeds. In the Arnage R and RL models the new engine is boosted from 400 to 450bhp, while torque climbs from 835 to 875Nm.

“The 2007 Model Year Arnage range is clear evidence of our intent to ensure Bentley’s flagship model remains at the forefront of technology and delivers the performance, refinement and luxury that every Bentley customer demands,” explains Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.

The 500bhp Arnage T is a true driver’s car with much higher performance and delivers an even more rewarding driving experience. The improvements to the refinement and comfort of the 450bhp Arnage R are equally striking, while the long-wheelbase RL shares the same increased power output together with major improvements to the rear passenger cabin.

“Two years ago we introduced major upgrades to the Arnage’s chassis, steering and brakes,” says Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering. “Those improvements meant the car could easily handle a significant increase in power and torque, so work began on this important powertrain programme.”

The 2007 Model Year Arnage also benefits from safety, interior and design improvements. Every Arnage now has a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, rSAP Bluetooth integrated telephone system and improved driver ergonomics as standard. Additionally, new wheel, exterior paint colour and interior trim options are available, as well as an optional retractable ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot.

The new 2007 Model Year Bentley Arnage range will go on sale from September 2006.

Overview

• Uprated 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in Arnage T produces 500bhp and 1000Nm torque, thanks to new low inertia turbochargers and roller tappet system.
• Arnage R and RL models uprated to 450bhp and 875Nm of torque.
• Latest six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter provides fast yet ultra-smooth gearshifts.
• New Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system improves dynamic response and handling with less intrusive intervention when a reduction in grip is detected.
• New Tyre Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard to all Arnage models.
• Improved driver ergonomics thanks to 25mm increase in length of steering column and in vertical steering wheel adjustment.
• Exterior design styling changes includes new dark finish to Arnage T front radiator and bumper grilles, standardised bright chrome finish to R and RL grilles, and Bentley ‘B’ badges on the D-pillars.
• Underbonnet styling now features a black crackle finish to the Arnage T’s inlet manifold, embossed Bentley logo on plenum chambers and new ‘6¾ LITRE TWIN TURBO’ engine plaques.
• Interior design updates include new hide-trimmed gearlever and chrome gearlever bezel providing access to semi-automatic transmission function.
• New Thin Film Technology driver information panel displays more comprehensive and clearly accessible information.
• Arnage RL model receives additional standard specification including rear centre armrest bottle cooler, veneered rear centre cushion box, rear rSAP master telephone system, and reversing camera (US, EU, Australia and New Zealand markets only).

Engine

Bentley’s 6.75-litre V8 engine is the centrepiece of the 2007 Model Year Arnage development programme. This remarkable engine, the fundamental design of which has served Bentley models proudly for nearly five decades, has been extensively re-engineered to provide, in Arnage T specification, 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque – figures that ensure that the legendary Bentley wave of torque is even more astonishing than before. Top speed of the Arnage T has risen from 168mph/270km/h to 179mph/288km/h, while the 450bhp Arnage R and RL’s maximum speed increases by 13mph/21km/h to 168mph/270km/h.When the first V8 engine was built in the1950s, the design brief unwittingly benefited later generations of Bentley engineers. It was a very forward thinking design with an all-aluminium construction, a five main-bearing crankshaft, and a well-supported camshaft. The steps taken then laid the foundations for the longevity of the engine.

“People might raise an eyebrow when they are told that the V8 engine in their 2007 Model Year Arnage was first used by Bentley in 1959,” says Bentley Motors’ Director, Powertrain and Chassis, Brian Gush. “But the reality is the basic design was so good that we have been able to continually improve it for nearly 50 years.

“One of the reasons the engine has evolved so successfully is the position of the exhaust valves, high in the cylinder head, originally designed for rapid heat dissipation to help engine cooling. Decades later it meant that we could heat the catalytic converter due to the short path from valves to catalysts, which benefits exhaust emissions. This is just one of the reasons why this brilliant engine lives on today.”

That first 6.25-litre engine produced around 200 horsepower – the new 2007 Model Year 6.75-litre V8 has more than twice that output, with 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque for the Arnage T. It was the introduction of turbocharging and intercooling in the early 1980s that saw step-change increases in the V8’s performance, and the latest engine programme is no different. Two new low-inertia turbochargers operate with far greater efficiency at lower engine speeds – they reach maximum turbine speed in half the time of the previous unit – thereby ensuring significantly reduced turbo lag and that prodigious wave of torque at any revs.

Furthermore, a reprofiled camshaft with an all-new roller tappet system provides revised valve timing and substantially improved refinement. These changes also deliver for increased power, enhanced durability and ensure compliance with European EU IV and US LEV II standards. Although the 2007MY 6.75-litre engine produces around 300 horsepower more than its 1959 predecessor, its fuel consumption is only 60 percent of the original and thanks to its advanced fuel injection and exhaust controls, its emissions output is an incredible 99 percent lower than Bentley’s first V8.

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Drivetrain & Chassis

Such an impressive increase in power and torque is, however, of little benefit unless the powertrain is capable of delivering it to the driven wheels. For this reason Bentley’s engineering team opted to introduce the latest six-speed ZF automatic transmission to the Arnage range. This state-of-the-art system offers two further ratios than the previous gearbox and has several key advantages over its predecessor:

• The wider range of ratios is specifically tuned to each Arnage model, ensuring greater flexibility, response and refinement for every model.
• Performance feel is also improved by using a sophisticated locking torque converter system which provides a more rapid response to throttle inputs.
• Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Semi-Automatic) allow the driver to take full advantage of the new gearbox. Semi-Automatic mode is accessed by placing the gearlever into the sequential manual gear-selector gate, where a new ratio can be engaged simply by pushing the lever forwards or backwards.

A sophisticated electronic management system plays a major role in providing fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Previously the Arnage’s engine and transmission were governed by independent electronic systems; in the 2007 Model Year, an uprated Bosch computer-controlled management system ensures that both parts work as a single unit to produce a supremely refined yet highly responsive drivetrain.

“The new ZF gearbox gives us a different dimension in transmission control,” says Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering. “Our main objective was to get the engine and transmission working together enabling us to transmit every ounce of power. Using the lock-up in all gears eliminates what we call the ‘rubber-band’ effect – the surge of engine speed without a corresponding acceleration of the car – and gives much more immediate connection of throttle input to road speed.

“As the engine speed approaches the point at which a gearshift is due, it signals to the transmission that it is time to shift, so the ratio changes are much quicker – it feels significantly faster from the driver’s seat. Similarly, when the gearbox is ready to change up it asks the engine to reduce the torque just for the period of the shift, which adds to the refinement.”

Another important development for the 2007 Model Year Arnage range is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently – via a ‘Sport’ button on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission’s Sport mode.

A comprehensive chassis tuning programme was instigated alongside the powertrain updates to ensure the Arnage’s chassis comfortably handles the additional performance. Refinements to the ESP logic system allow more spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety.

The Traction Control system is extensively recalibrated with the aim of avoiding unnecessary reduction in engine torque. The ESP system now monitors the car’s overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the engine to be fully exploited.

“We don’t believe in creating power and then taking it away,” says Brian Gush, Director, Powertrain and Chassis. “This new system allows the driver a lot more freedom to feel where the traction limit is without ever getting into trouble. The traction control is much more progressive and proportional – you can drift the car with some wheelspin but it never lets you get in any trouble. It is a calibration which keeps the spirited driver in mind.”

Design

Following the detailed design updates made to the 2005 Model Year Arnage, the latest models receive further exterior styling changes.‘The revisions we made to the Arnage series two years ago gave the range exactly the sort of contemporary yet authentic Bentley feel that it needed,” says Head of Exterior Design, Raul Pires. “Now with big increases in power and performance we wanted to add some subtle design cues to reflect the differences between the Arnage models.”

The performance intent of the Arnage T is underlined by the addition of a new dark finish to its front radiator and bumper grilles. A standardised bright chrome finish is applied to the R and RL grilles while Bentley ‘B’ badges have been applied to the D-pillars on all models.

To highlight the superb feat of engineering beneath the Arnage’s bonnet, a newly styled engine bay leaves no doubt as to the potency of the car. A black crackle finish has been applied to the Arnage T’s inlet manifold, while every model displays an embossed Bentley logo on the turbocharger plenum chambers and new ‘6¾ LITRE TWIN TURBO’ engine plaques.

Additional optional extras include a 19-inch six-spoke disc wheel for the R and RL models, and 19-inch five-spoke ‘Blade’ sports wheel for the Arnage T. Also available across the range is the famous winged ‘B’ mascot, which saw a welcome return this year on the Diamond Series Arnage. The iconic mascot – which can retract neatly into the grille surround – was originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby and first used on the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre.

Interior design updates include a new hide-trimmed gearlever, chrome gearlever bezel, and new Thin Film Technology driver information panel to display more comprehensive and clearly accessible information. The Arnage RL model receives additional standard specification including a rear centre armrest bottle cooler, veneered rear centre cushion box, rear rSAP Bluetooth master telephone system and reversing camera (US, EU, Australia and New Zealand markets only).

The significant upgrades to both engine and transmission mean every new Arnage will not just match customer expectations but surpass them on all fronts, as Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley Motors’ Chairman and Chief Executive explains:

“These important powertrain enhancements reaffirm the very essence of the Bentley Arnage, offering our customers an absolutely unique blend of seamless power and torque which produces storming performance when you demand it and blissfully relaxed cruising when you don’t.”

The new Continental Flying Spur is the fastest four-door in the company’s history, and the fastest in the world, with a top speed of 195mph. It marries the excitement, power, refinement and craftsmanship of the Continental GT with enhanced luxury and space to provide a supreme combination of performance, style and comfort.

The launch of the Continental Flying Spur was a further step forward in the revitalisation of Bentley, which began in 1998 with significant investment in Crewe, the company’s design, engineering and manufacturing headquarters.

The Continental Flying Spur was created at the state-of-the-art Crewe factory, where a 550-strong team of engineers has worked alongside Bentley’s renowned designers, craftsmen and craftswomen. Access to parent company Volkswagen’s worldwide engineering test facilities has also been of prime importance to the development of the car and the Continental Flying Spur has benefitted from the use of the group’s advanced windtunnels, proving grounds and prototyping facilities.

“The Continental Flying Spur is a brilliant example of how to match world-beating technologies with renowned craftsmanship,” says Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. “It is a performance car but not at the cost of comfort and as such represents a unique proposition – a sumptuous and spacious four-door Grand Tourer with the heart and soul of a high-performance coupé.”

The Flying Spur is an all-new four-door Grand Tourer born of the Continental GT coupé that blends peerless Bentley craftsmanship and design with modern technologies. It is inspired by the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental and 1957 four-door Continental Flying Spur, from which the new model takes its name. The exhilarating supercar performance thanks to a top speed of 195mph (312km/h) and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds).

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Design concept

If one phrase could sum up the brief for the Continental Flying Spur concept it would be: ’no compromise’. That clear but challenging ambition meant the Continental Flying Spur would need to offer the highest levels of elegance and comfort while still delivering performance and driving dynamics normally only found in sports cars.

In short it would be a sporting Grand Tourer with substantial rear legroom for passengers, a stunning interior and breathtaking cabin materials; a car capable of travelling great distances with ease while delivering immense driving pleasure – in other words, a consummate Bentley.

Design director Dirk van Braeckel created the car’s bold and contemporary look at exactly the same time as its sister car, the Continental GT, thereby ensuring a consistency of image and appearance between the coupé and the equally potent four-door version.

“By designing both cars together, we could ensure that the Continental Flying Spur is unmistakeably related to the Continental GT,” says van Braeckel. “They share presence and authority in equal measure. That means the Continental Flying Spur has a noticeably short front overhang like the GT and a broad, dominant bonnet and radiator grille. It is unmistakeably a Bentley.”

Where the Continental GT coupé drew inspiration from the iconic 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental, the roots of the new four-door can be seen in the equally desirable and admired 1957 four-door Continental Flying Spur; the car from which the new model takes its name.

Clean, contemporary lines stand out on every surface of the new Continental Flying Spur, an effect that was a primary aim of Dirk van Braeckel and his design team, who were keen to ensure that the car was evocative, timeless and unostentatious. This design theme is key to the future direction of all Bentleys, one in which the past will serve as inspiration but won’t dominate the end product. The Continental Flying Spur’s look is intended to offer owners both individuality and understatement.

“One of the virtues of the Bentley brand has always been understatement,” says van Braeckel. “Even in the early days, many people preferred Bentleys to other more ostentatious cars.”

Where design cues have been evolved from past Bentleys, they are interpreted in a manner that befits a modern four-door Grand Tourer. Central to the Continental Flying Spur’s appearance is the rounded C-pillar behind the rear doors – a motif found on many early Bentleys. This ’hockey stick’ curve adds tension and sportiness to the car’s profile.

The extra length of the Continental Flying Spur compared to the coupé emphasises the waistline of the car, creating the impression of a deep, solid body that offers seclusion and privacy to its occupants. The elongated profile also benefits the car’s aerodynamic properties, critical when a top speed of 195mph is attainable. The body of the new Continental Flying Spur is also immensely stiff (46Hz resonance frequency) for both strength and durability.

“We have paid very close attention to the air flow over the car,” says Bentley’s head of exterior design, Raul Pires. “The rear bumper is specifically shaped to funnel air out cleanly from the underbody diffuser and the small aerofoil lip on the trailing edge of the bootlid provides downforce and stability at high speed. The four-door has an even better drag coefficient than the Continental GT – 0.31Cd compared to the coupé’s 0.32Cd.”

Design process technology

Like the Continental GT coupé, the Continental Flying Spur was first designed in the computer virtual world. With all its components existing in the virtual world before a single one was created as a physical property, it was possible to see how each part interacts with all the others, highlighting problems and conflicts that might not otherwise have come to light. This process cut down development time and enabled Bentley’s engineers to design in quality and consistency at a component level.

Bentley also used advanced modelling techniques at the early pre-production stages to ensure that both the exterior and interior of the car were designed to astonishing levels of accuracy. Using a technique known as Data Control Modelling, precision-machined full-scale models of the inside and outside of the car were built using composite materials that are milled to within an accuracy of 0.1mm. The result is a perfect facsimile of the new car that can be used to construct extremely accurate tools for the production stage.

Interior design

The Continental Flying Spur’s interior proportions provide luxurious legroom for all passengers and an impressive canvas on which Bentley’s interior design team could set to work. Throughout the interior, leather hides or wood veneers on every surface combine to give a welcoming and contemporary environment for the driver and passengers alike.

Inspiration for key elements of the Continental Flying Spur’s interior came from earlier Bentleys. A deep, generous wooden waistrail runs the length of the cabin, producing a feeling of cossetting protection and opulence. Deep waistrails are very much part of Bentley tradition stemming back to the 8-litre Bentleys of the 1930s. “The use of so much prominent wood is a really distinguishing factor for any Bentley,” says Henrik Nordin, interior designer. “We have managed to build this into the Continental Flying Spur but without making it feel dated or retro. Instead it feels elegant, sumptuous and subtly sporting, which is exactly the sort of statement this car should make.”

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Interior features and technology

Continental Flying Spur owners will want for nothing inside their car, whether behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger. The car is equipped with the latest advanced cabin technology from its power-latching doors and 16-way electrically powered front seats (that are also air-cooled and heated) with new electro-mechanical lumbar control, to its four-zone climate control, LED mood lighting and advanced infotainment system.

Whether specified as a four-seat model with a centre console between two electrically powered rear seats or the five-seat cabin with full-width rear seat, passengers will experience an environment that simply cannot be found in any other car. The four-seat option cradles its rear occupants in large, sculpted seats that are electrically adjustable for optimum comfort. These seats are divided by a centre console which is trimmed in premium leather hide and wood veneer and contains the seat and climate control systems as well as a beautifully designed ashtray alongside a cupholder and storage space. Passengers in the rear can also operate the chair of the front-seat passenger, thereby ensuring maximum legroom and comfort should the front be unoccupied.

Interior key features:

• Five-seat configuration as standard with full-width rear seat.
• Optional four-seater configuration with two individual rear seats and centre console with stowage, rear climate control functions and seat switches.
• Innovative multi-function storage area in centre console of four-seater model, containing unique removable designer ashtray.
• 16-way electrically adjustable front seats incorporating climate control, three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with massage facility.
• Rear outer seat positions on five-seat model incorporate climate control, heating and electro-mechanical lumbar adjustment.
• Rear centre armrest with lockable ski hatch.
• Multi-zone electronic climate control system.
• Comprehensive infotainment system includes:Satellite navigation system with route guidance; Optional television tuner (except for US market); Premium 12-channel audio system; Climate control operation; Computerised suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings).
• 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment.
• Nokia ’docking station’ system for in-car phone (except for Japanese market).
• Bluetooth hands-free privacy handset in centre arm rest as a no-cost option (except for Japanese market).
• Keyless entry and keyless ignition system (US market – keyless entry only).
• Console-mounted starter button.
• Electronic park brake with move-off assist (except for US market).
• Column-mounted gearshift paddles.
• Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver’s foot rest.
• Optional glass electric tilt-slide sunroof (non-cost option for US market).
• Comprehensive anti-theft and immobiliser systems.

Exterior features and technology

The Continental Flying Spur combines the finest Bentley traditions and craftsmanship with highly advanced automotive technology. Wherever modern solutions have been introduced on the car, however, these are never to the detriment of driving enjoyment or passenger comfort. At Bentley we don’t believe in overloading our cars, or our customers, with technology that they don’t need or may never use. On the Continental Flying Spur every feature content or safety system must make a case for itself before being added. The result is a car that contains a host of practical and desirable features that complement rather than overshadow the unique character of the Continental Flying Spur. What’s more, the full features list is almost entirely standard, meaning customers won’t be forced to trawl through an exhausting options list at additional cost. Whether you opt for the four or five-seat version, the Continental Flying Spur’s full range of technology and feature content will be available to all.

In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality, which are on full display when you lower the elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof.

“The Continental GTC is the most distinctive new Bentley yet,” explains Bentley Motors’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. “It is very elegant and at the same time effortlessly modern. It will appeal to many different customers: people who are tired of driving sports cars that require too much effort; people who want to move up from more standard convertibles; and people who want to make a statement about what they drive, yet still own a car that they can use every day of the year.”

The Continental GTC becomes the second convertible to grace the current Bentley range. It follows the recently announced return of the evocative Azure name for Bentley’s Arnage-derived flagship four-seater convertible.

While the Azure offers the ultimate glamour, sophistication and accommodation for adults in supreme comfort, the 2+2 Continental GTC is designed for customers looking to enjoy the phenomenal performance, style and excitement of the Continental GT with the additional benefits of classic open-top Bentley motoring.

The Continental GTC is an open-top 2+2 in true Bentley tradition. Its convertible nature means that every sensation of driving is transmitted to the driver and passengers yet the Continental GTC succeeds in offering something more for the senses, as Bentley Motors’ Design Director Dirk van Braeckel reveals:

“The sporting stance of the Continental GTC is unique and quite different from the Continental GT coupé, with its compact soft top and longer rear deck. And with the roof down the exterior becomes a showcase for the hand-crafted interior.”

The new car blends clear Continental lineage with its own personality and character – a unique mix of sporting dynamism and the added elegance you expect from a convertible. That means the new car has simple, clean lines that are unimpeded by the shutlines and creases that so many convertibles and retractable hard-tops are forced to adopt in order to package the roof when it is folded. Head of Exterior Design, Raul Pires, explains the process:

“Our ambition was to produce a design that was simple and elegant – that was very important. We worked very closely with the engineers to get a very clean rear deck and bootlid. If you look at the front and the rear of the car you can see we achieved this by echoing the flow of the bonnet lines into the radiator at the front with the bootlid lines into the rear bumper. It gives the car real balance.”

To ensure that the design was not compromised in any way, the Continental GTC’s engineering team was charged with creating a completely new rear suspension package that allowed the rear design of the car to be kept as compact as possible while still giving enough space to stow the roof when folded. Similarly, a great deal of time was spent on ensuring that the soft fabric roof is perfectly taut and not ‘bowed’ or ‘pitched’ when raised.

“When you see the Continental GTC with the roof up, the weight bias is moved towards the back,” explains Raul Pires. “The glass area appears to be a little smaller than on the coupé version and the cabin looks so low that it has this great sportscar feel.”

As on the entire Continental range, the GTC’s design has also been influenced by the need to ensure perfect aerodynamic balance at speeds close to 200mph (320km/h). The convertible spent many hours in the wind tunnel to ensure a low drag coefficient and like the coupé and four-door versions it utilises an underbody diffuser and specially sculpted rear bumper and bootlid edge to provide downforce and stability at high speed.

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Interior design

By its very nature a convertible Bentley is the perfect car to demonstrate the unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury which abounds throughout its cabin. Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, explains the importance of ensuring that the exterior and interior designs work in harmony:

“With the roof stowed you immediately notice how the interior is beautifully framed by a continuous strip of stainless steel that runs around the waist line. Within this frame the interior is a combination of the finest handcrafted leather, wood and polished metals. It is the ultimate showcase for the skills of Bentley’s incredible craftsmen and craftswomen.”

The symmetrical theme of the fascia, which echoes the shape of the Bentley wings, is reflected through the cabin and onto the leather hide tonneau cover. As with a tailor-made suit, the tonneau cover has carefully positioned stitch lines, highlighting its form and craftsmanship.

The front seats have a new sculpted rear which produces an additional 30mm (1.2 inches) of knee-space in the rear.

In the rear of the Continental GTC the centre console finishes with a veneered panel just behind the front armrests, therefore leaving the rear seats as an uninterrupted surface of leather hide, optimising the maximum space for the proportion of the car.

As with all Bentley interior design, great attention to detail has been paid to the jewellery in the car, using a mix of polished and satin metals, such as you might find in modern watch design. Between the rear seats there is access to allow skis to be passed through from the boot area. The boot can also hold two golf bags, and of course plenty of luggage, making this a truly practical convertible.

The inner roof of the Continental GTC is trimmed with a very high quality fabric that looks like the slung headliner in the original coachbuilt Bentleys. Customers have a choice of eight headlining colours enabling them to create a luxuriously light feel or a darker, more sporting ambience.

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Craftsmanship

Naturally, wood veneers and leather hides remain an integral part of the Bentley furniture and, when on show in the convertible Continental GTC, prove that these most traditional materials can convey a truly contemporary feel. Though craftsmanship remains as important as ever, these enduring skills have been complemented by some 21st century technology allowing, for instance, wood veneer to be dramatically curved in a way that would simply not have been possible in the past.

Small but ingenious design touches highlight the difference between a Bentley and other cars. For example, a beautiful satin metal wind-stop can be attached across the rear seats. Made of chrome and aluminium, it folds and stores in the boot when not in use.

Sharing much of its specification with its Continental GT and Flying Spur stablemates, the key craftsmanship attributes of the Continental GTC convertible are:

- Burr walnut wood veneers applied to the fascia, upper door trim and front console.

- Choice of alternative veneers: Birds Eye Maple, Madrona, Piano Black, Dark-stained Burr walnut

- Wood veneers are cut using the latest laser technology. They are then lacquered by hand before being machined and polished.

- The finished wood veneer is applied to new aluminium substrates that are more thermally stable than before, enhancing durability and flexibility.

- The wood veneer is, as with all Bentleys, book-matched to create perfect symmetry, with one side exactly reflecting the other.

- Bentley is unique among car makers in using natural, unbleached wood veneers.

- Premium A-grade leather hides in one of 17 colours cover the seating, door panels, waistrails, dashboard and rear tonneau cover.

- Carpets and seatbelts to match all hides.

- The finest leather hides are imported from Northern Europe because insects that can damage the quality of the finished leather don’t like colder climates.

- Hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel and chrome-trimmed gear selector.

- It takes approximately eight hours to trim a steering wheel.

- The steering wheel is double-stitched by hand using two needles simultaneously.

- Classic Bentley brightwork decorates the Continental GTC. Iconic symbols such as the ‘Winged B’ badge and the matrix grille grace the exterior, while bulls-eye ventilation outlets with their organ stop controls sit alongside unique chrome knurled switchgear that was inspired by blending contemporary jewellery with switches from vintage Bentleys.

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Interior features and technology

Continental GTC owners will want for nothing inside their car, whether behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger. The car is equipped with the latest advanced cabin technology from its electro-hydraulically operated soft fabric roof, power-latching doors and fully adjustable electric front seats (that are also heated with an optional massage function), to its climate control and advanced infotainment system.

Interior key features:

- True 2+2 configuration with improved rear legroom over Continental GT coupé.

- Fully adjustable electric front seats incorporating three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with optional massage facility.

- Rear seat panel removable to reveal lockable ski hatch.

- Electronic climate control system.

- Comprehensive infotainment system includes:

• DVD satellite navigation system with route guidance and post-code entry
• Optional television tuner (except for US market)
• Premium audio system
• Climate control operation
• Computerised suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings).
• 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment.

- Bluetooth TM remote SIM access profile telephone system with wireless connectivity for rSAP-enabled telephones, most BluetoothTM-enabled telephones and onboard SIM-card reader.

- Telephone voice dialling (n/a Japan)

- Keyless entry and keyless ignition system.

- Power latching to both doors for easy exit and entry.

- Console-mounted start/stop button (in conjunction with keyless ignition).

- Electronic park brake with move-off assist (move-off assist n/a for USA).

- Column-mounted gearshift paddles.

- Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver’s footrest.

- Comprehensive anti-theft and immobiliser systems.

- A range of Mulliner options is available from launch, enabling each customer to personalise the specification of his or her new Continental GTC. These comprise:

• Aluminium fascia panels
• Contrast stitching to seats and door panels and embossed ‘BENTLEY’ to seat facings
• 4-spoke wood and hide steering wheel
• Lambswool rugs for front footwells
• Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming
• Choice of premium veneers
• Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap

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Exterior features and technology

The Continental GTC combines the finest Bentley traditions and craftsmanship with highly advanced automotive technology. Wherever modern solutions have been introduced on the car, however, these are never to the detriment of driving enjoyment or passenger comfort. At Bentley we don’t believe in overloading our cars, or our customers, with technology that they don’t need or may never use. On the Continental GTC every feature content or safety system must make a case for itself before being added. What’s more, the full features list is almost entirely standard, meaning customers won’t be forced to trawl through an exhaustive options list at additional cost.

Exterior key features:

- Traditional Bentley matrix grille integrated into bonnet and famed black winged ‘B’ badge to radiator shell, bootlid and wheel centres.

- Twin bi-xenon headlamps with integrated washer jets to front.

- High-intensity LED tail and stop lights and discrete high-level stop-lamp integrated into body at base of hood.

- Rear spoiler styled into bootlid operates in conjunction with underbody diffuser to provide enhanced high-speed stability, contributing to a low drag coefficient.

- 19-inch 5-spoke single piece sports alloy wheels in painted finish as standard. (Alternative 19- and 20-inch sports alloy wheels available as extra cost options.)

- Electronic Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

- Traditional Bentley twin oval stainless steel tail pipes.

- High-gloss front brake callipers (in black) with Bentley-branded aluminium plates.

- Infra-red laminated glazing to front screen and side windows (dependent on market).

- Rain-sensing windscreen wiper system.

- Choice of 15 exterior paint colours.

- Fabric hood with a choice of five colours.

- Colour-keyed electronically adjusted door mirrors with heating, power-folding and memory function. Electrochromatically linked to internal rear-view mirror (a light-sensitive device to prevent glare when driving).

The Blower Bentley gets its name from the supercharger mounted up front of the radiator to give this car an appearance that means business. It was developed for racing thanks to the persistent efforts of Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin who first mooted the idea of fitting a supercharger to enhance performance with the goal being to win Le Mans yet again. Just for the uninformed, Bentley is one of the winningest manufacturers at Le Mans with victories in 1924 and then made the Sarthe circuit its domain from 1927 to 1930, making this French classic its spiritual home.

The first Blower appeared at the Essex 6-Hour race at Brooklands on 29 June 1929 W.O. Bentley was not a believer in adding a supercharger to his cars claiming that, “there was no substitution for cubic inches” and that to supercharge a Bentley was “to pervert the design and corrupt the performance”. Birkin first raced and won at Le Mans in 1928 with the ‘Speed Six’ as co-driver to Woolf Barnato – one of the original Bentley Boys and who won Le Mans every time he entered in this race! Birkin was convinced that a supercharger was necessary for the car, which was huge: the wheelbase was 3.3 metres and the car weighed nearly 2 tonnes. The ordinary Bentley engine produced some 130 bhp. With help from supercharger specialist Armherst Villers and financial backing from Dorothy Paget, Birkin rebuilt the car, now sporting a huge Roots-type supercharger in front of the radiator, driven straight from the crankshaft and giving the car a unique appearance. Thus, was born the 242 bhp ‘Blower Bentley’.

The reason was, of course, to win Le Mans, but the rules stated that a minimum 50 cars of this type be produced to be eligible for the 1930 Le Mans 24-Hour race. Birkin somehow managed to persuade W.O. to build the requisite numbers and at the end a total of 54 Blower Bentleys were built. Whilst the Blower was very powerful, its Achilles heel was its fragile chassis and it was not expected to last the race. So, Birkin played the hare’s role to hary the works supercharged Mercedes SSK of Rudolf Caracciola. At one stage, he passed the SSK only to find his rear tyre shedding a tread but still managed to make the pass stick and pull away but a couple of laps later his tyre gave way completely, dropping him back to eventually finish fifth. But he succeeded in his quest and the Mercedes also retired, leaving the win to the Speed Six of Barnato and Kidston.

Sadly, the Blower never won at Le Mans – the very reason it was built – but it did win a GP race. This was truly ironic, as the Blower is perhaps the best-remembered example of its breed.

“Bentleys have been renowned for their sporting performance and craftsmanship since the very start of the company, way back in 1919,” says Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. “Since the move to Crewe in 1946, Bentley has created a long line of sporting models with an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship that reflects the unique skills of the Bentley workforce.”

The Continental GT Diamond Series, based on the 2007 model year Mulliner Driving Specification, features an exclusive package of enhancements that, in keeping with the Bentley tradition, combines sporting performance with cosseting luxury. Many of these features are unique to this very special model including carbon ceramic brakes, a production-first for Bentley, and new 20-inch, 14-spoke alloy wheels.

“The Continental GT coupé remains true to the Bentley traditions of performance, luxury and craftsmanship while showcasing the modernity of today’s Bentley model range. It has been a magnificent success since its launch in 2003,” says Dr Paefgen. “The GT Diamond Series is a fitting tribute to the skills of the Bentley workforce and reinforces Bentley’s growing reputation for advanced technology.”

Production of the Continental GT Diamond Series is restricted to 400 cars for worldwide distribution and shares the limelight with the Arnage Diamond Series to form a double celebration of the 60th anniversary of Bentley production at Crewe. (See separate press release for details of the Arnage Diamond Series.)

New carbon ceramic brakes further improve all-round performance

The braking system of the standard Continental GT already features the largest diameter brake discs of any production passenger car on sale today. The new Continental GT Diamond Series further extends the car’s performance boundaries by using new carbon ceramic brakes, a first for a production Bentley.

Boasting 420 x 40 mm carbon-silicon carbide, cross-drilled front discs and 356 x 28 mm rears, the new brakes are even larger than the standard GT. The new brakes offer significant performance benefits together with a 23 kg reduction in rotating unsprung mass benefiting steering response and handling.

“The standard Continental GT has the biggest brakes fitted to any production car, so braking performance is already superb,” says Member of the Board, Engineering, Dr Ulrich Eichhorn. “The carbon ceramic brakes deliver a major improvement in braking performance and pedal feel, while their lighter weight benefits both vehicle handling and steering response. Bentley believes in building the ultimate. Carbon ceramic brakes are another example of this philosophy.”

The Continental GT Diamond Series features new open-design 9J x 20-inch, 14-spoke forged alloy wheels giving a good view of the handsome new brakes and their impressive black, 8-piston front callipers. More importantly, these bigger wheels improve road holding as well as brake cooling.

Evolved from the Mulliner Driving Specification

The Continental GT Diamond Series is based on the Mulliner Driving Specification, designed by Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division in direct response to customers’ requests for a GT with a more overtly sporting, contemporary character.

The Diamond Series features derived from the Mulliner Driving Specification include quilted rather than straight-fluted leather seats, quilted door casings, solid drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals, leather and chrome sports gear lever – with knurled top – and dark stained walnut or piano black wood, for a sportier appearance.

Externally, the Diamond Series is distinguished by unique tread plates and badges and a Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap.

The magnificent W12 twin-turbo 6-litre, 552bhp engine is unchanged, as is the six-speed automatic transmission with manual change mode and paddle shift. The four-wheel drive system with Torsen differential, and air suspension with continual damping control benefit road holding and primary safety. As with the normal Continental GT, the Diamond Series model has an official top speed of 198mph – although some independent tests have suggested its true maximum is over 200mph.

The three additional Diamond Series colours are Moroccan Blue (bright blue), Anthracite (grey black) and Meteor (steel blue grey). It is expected that over 80 percent of customers will opt for one of the special colours, although the existing 15 Continental GT colours may also be specified.

Continental GT: an ongoing Bentley success story

“Our research shows buyers of the Continental GT value, above all, the Continental GT’s sporty and classical design, its awesome performance, the appeal of the Bentley marque as well as its sheer practicality,” says Dr Paefgen. “Eighty percent of all Continental GT customers are new to the Bentley marque, migrating not only from top-end luxury coupés but also supercars such as Ferrari – attracted by its mix of high performance and extraordinary refinement. More than two years after sales began, worldwide demand for the Continental GT remains strong.” ]]> http://www.240km.com/2006-bentley-continental-gt-diamond-series.html/feed 0 http://www.240km.com/2007-bentley-continental-flying-spur.html http://www.240km.com/2007-bentley-continental-flying-spur.html#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:50:49 +0000 simonie http://www.240km.com/?p=1698

The standard-fit satellite navigation system is now DVD-based and features post code-entry programming. It replaces the previous CD-based system. Advantages of the DVD-based system include faster input and response times and a greater disc capacity, allowing, for example, the whole of Europe to be mapped on a single disc. The Continental Flying Spur will also feature the latest in wireless telecommunications with an integrated Bluetooth TM remote SIM access profile (rSAP) telephone system as standard. A rear-seat telephone is now available as an optional feature.

A new 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheel design becomes standard fitment on Continental Flying Spur, enhancing its sporting credentials. The wheels are available with optional chromed finish at extra cost. A new 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheel with a bright-machined or chromed (at extra cost) finish is now available as an option.

In true Bentley tradition, the Continental Flying Spur customer will now be able to create a bespoke car with the introduction of Bentley’s exterior paint-matching service that allows the creation of a truly unique colour palette. The 2007 model year Continental Flying Spur may also be specified in any colour from the current Arnage range of paint colours. This brings the Continental Flying Spur into line with the Continental GT coupé.

Veneered picnic tables are introduced as an extra cost option to the rear of both front seats and are available in the full range of veneers, including the newly introduced Chestnut. This takes the number of available veneers on Continental Flying Spur to seven. Customers may also now specify optional contrast stitching to the leather hides and choose to match the boot carpet to the cabin interior carpets.

2007 model year Continental GT coupé

Many of the new features introduced with the latest Continental Flying Spur will also be available on the Continental GT coupé, including the DVD-based satellite navigation system and the BluetoothTM remote SIM access profile (rSAP) telephone system, both of which are standard fitment. The new 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheel introduced for the Continental Flying Spur also become standard fitment on Continental GT, while customers may now also specify the 20-inch seven-spoke alloy wheel, in bright machined or chromed finish, previously restricted to the four-door model. ]]> http://www.240km.com/2007-bentley-continental-flying-spur.html/feed 0 http://www.240km.com/2005-bentley-continental-gt.html http://www.240km.com/2005-bentley-continental-gt.html#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:47:32 +0000 simonie http://www.240km.com/?p=1695

Featuring a 6-litre, W12 cylinder, twin-turbocharged, engine with more than 500bhp driving all four wheels through a paddle-operated, six speed automatic gearbox, the Continental GT offers true supercar performance combined with the interior space, versatility and ease of ownership to make it not merely viable as an everyday car, but a natural for the role. In this respect as well as many others, Bentley believes the Continental GT to be unique.

The Continental GT is being designed and engineered by Bentley at Crewe and will be manufactured there in all-new facilities that combine state of the art technologies with the unique hand finishing and attention to detail that have been the hallmark of all cars to wear the winged ’B’. It goes on sale in the second half of 2003 and will bring the prospect of Bentley ownership to a wider audience of discerning enthusiasts than ever before. And while the Continental GT is a Bentley from bumper to bumper, the role of the company’s Volkswagen parent can scarcely be ignored.

The dream of building a new Bentley coupe is not new – indeed it has been alive at Crewe for over 20 years. But it was only the £500 million vote of confidence placed in the marque by VW that brought the dream to reality. And VW has more than merely made funds available to design an all-new car. It has also enabled Bentley to transform the Crewe factory into a thoroughly modern centre of manufacturing excellence, ensuring not only that Bentley is in better shape today than ever, but also guaranteeing its design, engineering and manufacturing sovereignty as far into the future as it is possible to see.

Highlights

An all-new Bentley coupé, inspired by the finest Grand Touring traditions but designed, engineered and built using the most modern techniques blended with inimitable Bentley craftsmanship.

The fastest four-seat coupé in the world with a top speed in excess of 180mph (290km/h) and 0-62mph (100km/h) of under five seconds.

Powered by a Bentley-designed 6-litre, twin-turbocharged, W12 engine developing more than 500bhp. Tuned to provide not simply massive power, but also the unmistakeable Bentley delivery achieved only by the coincidence of high torque at low revs.

Drive is sent to all four wheels, a first for a Bentley – as is the paddle operated, six speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive and electronic stability programme were considered essential not only for the Continental GT’s performance, but also to provide year-round versatility in all conditions.

Styled in house at Bentley’s design studios in Crewe to incorporate all traditional Bentley design hallmarks into a totally contemporary shape. Packaged to seat a family of four in comfort and to provide enough luggage space for a fortnight’s driving holiday.

Styling cues include pillarless cabin, minimal front overhang, pronounced haunches, distinctive ’face’ featuring large inner headlamps, flush mounted rear spoiler that rises at speed.

Designed entirely in the virtual world, using the very latest digital processes.

Chassis designed by Bentley engineers to provide responsive handling combined with an effortlessly absorbent ride quality consistent with Continental GT’s Grand Touring role.

Styling

The styling story of the Continental GT dates back to August 1999 when newly appointed head of design, Dirk van Braeckel was briefed to prepare a concept for an all new Bentley coupé: one that would use 80 years of Bentley design as its inspiration, yet look only to the future in its shape. It took just four months – until just before Christmas – when van Braeckel submitted his preferred design to the board of Bentley Motors. It was approved on the spot. ’I’m still staggered it took four months,’ says van Braeckel. ’When you design a car there’s always a story to tell and this one involved gathering the right team of designers, all of whom understood what we were trying to create. It’s a very emotional product and that’s the way we approached it. It was a magical process.’

The key to honouring Bentley’s design past without simultaneously creating an inappropriately ’retro’ car, was to take the design philosophy that inspired cars such as the Bentley Speed Six of 1928 and the 1952 R-type Continental and use it in an entirely contemporary context. ’What you are looking for,’ says van Braeckel, ’are the things that gave those cars such presence and a stance that shouted ’Bentley’ at anyone who looked at them. It translated perfectly from the pre to the post-war era and so it does from there to the present day. Understand that and you can forget about the past.’

Bentley’s design philosophy for the Continental GT can be quantified as follows: the car must have a short front overhang and an overtly dominant bonnet expressed by the unusually large distance between the front axle line and the A-pillar.

The pillarless cabin itself needs to be sleek and compact while the rear haunches should be taut and pronounced, giving the impression of a crouching animal ready to pounce.

Overlaying these individual highlights is a design language evolved straight from the hearts of the styling team. It dictated that the Continental GT be styled to be curvaceous and sinuous with a form that appears and disappears like muscle on a gymnast’s arm, sculptural yet lean.

Finally there was what van Braeckel refers to as the car’s ’jewellery’. Because the shape of the car is essentially complex and to suit its sporting intentions, it was decided that brightwork should be minimised, limited to the door surrounds, a finish along the sill, the exhaust surrounds and radiator grille. But the headlamps themselves assume a dominant role in the styling signature with the inner units being the larger of the two pairs both in tacit acknowledgment of past Bentleys, but also to draw attention to the most distinctive Bentley feature of all: the matrix radiator grille.

Having achieved such a clean design, it would have been easy to compromise given the dynamic challenges of such a high performance car. For instance, any car capable of being three miles away in just 60 seconds clearly needs carefully optimised aerodynamics to keep it safe at such speeds, and clamping a vast rear spoiler to the bootlid would have been one way of ensuring this.

In fact the aerodynamics department at Crewe, formed in 1999, had a rather more elegant solution in mind. The Continental GT is indeed fitted with a rear spoiler, but one so skilfully integrated into the design of the car, where the rear screen meets the bootlid; it is for the most part invisible, deploying automatically when high speed merits additional downforce.

Another unique feature of the styling of the car is the Central High Mounted Stop Lamp, known somewhat awkwardly in the industry as the CHMSL. Regulations require the CHMSL to occupy a certain area, but do not dictate its shape. So, some free thinking later and the Continental GT is fitted with a CHMSL that is just 3mm tall but fully one metre wide.

The effect of this is that it has no negative impact whatsoever on the styling, while at the same time ensuring that the driver of the car behind is left in no doubt at all when the brakes are being applied.

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Interior design and style

The cabin of the Continental GT is designed to make Bentley devotees and marque newcomers feel equally at home. Those familiar with the Bentley way of doing things will be reassured, comforted and cosseted by the expanses of top quality hide and fine wood veneers; those for whom Bentley ownership is a new experience will discover a new level of luxury, style and effortless good taste. Most notable perhaps is the symmetrical nature of the facia with a centre console rising up and curving left and right in front of the passenger and driver in a shape that intentionally reflects the design of the famed Bentley wings. It also has the effect of creating the same atmosphere on either side of the car so that the passenger feels almost as much part of the action as the driver.

For the man or woman behind the wheel, however, a unique driving environment awaits. It goes without saying that an ideal driving position is easily achieved – Bentley’s interior designers have been as far as to measure New York basketball players to make sure all shapes and sizes can be accommodated.

Bentley is one of few car manufacturers to retain seat design as an in-house field of excellence, and anyone who has travelled any distance at all in a Bentley knows how important this area of design is to the marque. The particular challenge with the Continental GT was to offer a sublimely comfortable seat complete with considerable front and rear travel, a multitude of electric adjustments and integral seat-belts. Seat-belt performance is naturally one of the most important safety aspects of any car, and those in the front usually have their upper anchorages in the B-pillar. With a pillarless design like that of the Continental GT, however, this has not been possible and Bentley’s designers are pleased not only to have met all the safety targets of the integral seat and belt, but to reach them without compromising the interior style of the car.

Those used to sitting in the back of most high-performance coupés will scarcely believe the amount of thought that has gone into creating the rear cabin. Far from appearing as afterthoughts, the rear seats have been designed with the same care and attention as those in the front. Back seat passengers sit well apart with deeply scalloped recesses for their elbows, allowing adults ample personal space.

The toughest task facing designers of all luxury car cabins these days is to present the controls and information interfaces in a way that is both uncluttered yet easy to use. At one theoretical extreme is the car where every function or display has a control of its own, at the other is the car with one control and a single display for all the car’s operations. Bentley’s solution is to use intelligence, common sense and ergonomic know-how to cherry-pick the best elements from both extremes, and combine them in a cabin that is both effective and attractive.

Most routine operations used frequently when the car is in motion – such as the cruise and basic music controls – can be operated direct from the steering wheel. Other functions such as the air-conditioning, navigation, computer information and more advanced entertainment features are individually controlled, but displayed on the same screen sited in the middle of the centre console.

Instrumentation is provided by classically styled dials that live in deep recesses ahead of the steering wheel, while a small screen directly in the driver’s sight-line monitors all relevant in-car systems.

All around the cabin, unmistakeable Bentley touches abound. Perhaps most easily spotted are the classic bullseye ventilation outlets with their organ stop controls – a feature no Bentley has been without for a generation. Then there are the aluminium pedals, chrome instrument surrounds, knurled finishes to many of the ancillary controls, and the centrally mounted analogue clock.

Naturally wood and leather remain as integral and essential a part of the Bentley furniture as ever, but they have been tailored to suit the Continental GT’s role as the most sporting Bentley produced since the R-Type Continental, proving that these most traditional materials can still create a contemporary feel if understood and used properly.

Though craftsmanship remains as important as ever, these enduring skills have been supplemented by some 21st century technology allowing, for instance, wood to be dramatically curved in a way that would simply not have been possible in the past. And while the leather is still applied to the car with as much loving care as ever, it is cut from the hide using a new digitised process that ensures minimal levels of wastage and maximum efficiency.

Design

The design brief for the Continental GT was as simple to state as it was difficult to realise: create a car with as much room as the most spacious coupés on the market, equip it with the performance and responses of the world’s most dynamic supercars and retain the whole within compact dimensions.

There are many questions raised by such a demanding specification and it took sizeable measures of blue sky thinking and detailed innovation before it could be realised.

But go looking for the real key to providing sufficient interior room and you’ll need to start your search under the bonnet. There you will discover that the secret of the Continental GT’s interior room is, in fact, its engine. By choosing the basic architecture of the W12 powerplant used elsewhere in the VW Group, Bentley’s engineers were provided not simply with the opportunity to develop it into a unique Bentley engine, but also to exploit its phenomenal packaging attributes.

Instead of using two long banks of six cylinders, as featured on all conventional V12 motors, the W12 staggers the cylinders in each bank creating effectively two extraordinarily narrow angle (15deg) V6 engines sharing a common crankshaft and giving rise to the ’W’ formation.

This naturally provides a phenomenally short engine for its considerable capacity, and frees up space that can be reapportioned to the car’s interior. Indeed it is the shortest twelve cylinder engine on the market.

Even so and allowing for extra room provided by the super-short engine, there was still some hard thinking to be done if the interior space targets were going to be met within the swooping roof line of the Continental GT. Happily, help was again at hand and this time it was provided by history.

One key to maximising interior space is raising the so-called ’H’ point – the position in which the driver and front passenger hips naturally sit, and which in all Bentleys is elevated above where it would be in a conventional supercar. The benefits are many: first it means the commanding driving position – another Bentley hallmark – is retained; secondly it means the driver and passenger’s hip to heel angle is as close to anatomical perfection as is possible. Finally, and critically, a high and upright driving position liberates vital room in the back for rear seat passengers.

The result is a true two plus two, a phrase rather devalued today by being applied to cars with little more than a ledge behind the front seats. In the Continental GT it means a car capable of carrying two adults and two children in comfort for unlimited distances.

Another less obvious but no less important benefit of the Continental GT’s design is the omission of a B-pillar. There are many aesthetic reasons for adopting the pillarless look, but for those inside looking out and particularly those in the back, the unbroken expanse of glass from the front to the rear of the cabin provides a feeling of great space and airiness. In the GT coupé, the pillarless feature and other design touches such as slimmed down front headrests mean an unparalleled view from the rear seat for a car in this class.

Even the 355 litre luggage capacity has only been achieved through fresh thinking and innovation. In cars of this size, it is accepted practice to site the fuel tank between the boot and rear seat, adding to the overall length of the car, removing interior and boot capacity and, crucially, removing the possibility of loading long items through the boot into the rear cabin. The Continental GT’s fuel tank, however, is under the floor of the car. It’s a tricky piece of design for to house a 90litre tank there requires it to straddle the transmission tunnel but there’s no doubting the effectiveness of the result. Not only is there enough boot space to swallow enough luggage for a family fortnight away, if that holiday happens to be to the ski slopes, it will take all four sets of skis inside the car or two pairs of skis and a couple of snow boards. All of this mind, without having to resort to an unsightly and insecure roof rack.

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Design Technology

The Continental GT is the first Bentley to have been designed entirely in the virtual world. That is to say every single component, down to the smallest washer or bolt was not merely computer designed, but designed into the Continental GT concept alongside every other part.

Using the very latest CATIA-based Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes, the Continental GT represents a huge step forward in Bentley design technology. With all components existing in the virtual world before a single one is created as a physical property, it is possible to see how each part interacts with all the others, illuminating problems and conflicts that, in the past, may never have come to light until the part had been machined.

This process cuts down development time and costs and, rather more importantly, it enables Bentley’s engineers to design in reliability and consistency in each component and assembly, to deliver unprecedented levels of quality in the finished car.

Indeed, one critical aspect of the design work that is now done in the virtual world enables Bentley to produce theoretically perfect component designs before the Data Control Model (DCM) is made.

The DCM is as close to a mathematically faultless physical model of the interior and exterior of the car as it is possible to have.

And it is from this that are taken all the measurements used to specify the tools that will make it when production starts, so the importance of getting it right can scarcely be overstated.

Designing the car this way results not simply in a better built and more reliable product, it is also likely to be safer too. Bentley’s advanced Dynamic Crash Analysis (DCA) capability means much of the trial and error traditionally associated with providing a car with good impact resistance has been bypassed. Indeed so highly developed are the procedures that Bentley’s engineers can put a Continental GT through a real world crash test with great confidence that the result will vary in no major way from those suggested in virtual world.

Nevertheless it should be understood that DCA, as with all virtual design work will never replace real world test procedure, nor was it ever designed to. Its role is simply to ensure that by the time these tests are conducted, the product is in as good shape as possible to meet each new challenge.

Powertrain

Even before it had been determined how the Continental GT would be powered, two crucial decisions were made and set in stone. First, the Continental GT would possess a new level of performance – one that placed it among the very fastest cars on earth; secondly the provision of that performance would remain inimitably Bentley. Reconciling these issues would require a great deal of power, but more importantly, huge torque delivered evenly across the rev-range.

The W12 formation engine was a natural choice for Bentley. Not only did it have the potential to deliver these objectives, it also boasted the incredibly compact dimensions required to realise the Continental GT’s packaging requirements.

Importantly the basis of such an engine already existed within the VW Group. While Bentley would still need to design its own application of it (not to mention the facility in which it would be assembled), the advantages of taking a known quantity, if only as a starting point, are clear to see.

Once this decision had been made, it was necessary to change entirely the specification of the engine to adapt it for the very particular purpose needed by the Continental GT. First of all it was clear that the power output of the standard engine – while impressive for a normally aspirated engine – was not going to generate the kind of power and torque figures required to make it not only a great engine but, more importantly, a great Bentley engine.

It was both impractical and undesirable to increase the engine’s capacity beyond its existing 6-litre displacement so Bentley’s engineers decided that it should be turbocharged. Forced induction was first used on standard Bentley road cars as long ago as 1928 with the introduction of the famed ’Blower’ Bentleys, while turbocharging has been a hallmark of Bentley engine design for 20 years. So, in line with modern practice and consistent with the Bentley Arnage Series Two introduced earlier this year, the use of twin turbochargers was selected as the preferred means of delivering a dramatic hike in both power and torque.

Using two turbochargers on an engine with two banks of cylinders has many advantages over the old, single turbo method. For a start, because there are two of them, each turbo is much smaller than would be a single unit designed for the same purpose. This means they have less inertia and therefore accelerate up to and back down from operating speed much more quickly, minimising turbo-lag. Two turbochargers also means the car’s catalytic converters can be sited next to the exhaust manifold where they heat up extremely quickly, offering greatly reduced exhaust emissions, particularly when the engine is cold.

For this application KKK turbochargers were chosen and carefully integrated into the under-bonnet package.

At the same time, Bentley’s engineering team modified the internal componentry of the powerplant until all its power, torque, emissions, consumption and durability targets had been met or exceeded. Further details of these changes will be released nearer the time when the car goes on sale in the second half of next year.

For now, however, it can be confirmed that Bentley will make good its promise to power the Continental GT with an engine of ’more than 500bhp’. But power is nothing without the torque to back it up. The idea that a Bentley should be fabulously responsive from very little more than idling revs is not new – indeed it was a precedent set by WO Bentley’s first six cylinder cars over 75 years ago – but the Continental GT will take the execution of the concept to new heights, providing relentless acceleration from 2000rpm to its red-line.

Having created one of the world’s most powerful and responsive engines, it was clear that an equally extraordinary transmission would be needed to transmit its power and torque to the driven wheels.

The use of four-wheel drive was decided in the earliest stages of the project and if this sounds like something of a departure for Bentley – which has only ever made rear-wheel drive cars in its past – it was felt that this new level of power demanded a commensurate level of control. Besides, if the Continental GT was to be exploited by its owners to its maximum potential, it would need to be not just useable, but utterly at home in all environments from the Santa Monica Boulevard to the compacted snow surfaces of Alpine resorts.

Nevertheless, in order to ensure that the right Bentley feel is communicated to the driver, Bentley’s powertrain and chassis engineers have experimented extensively with the distribution of torque to the front and rear axles. This has been done to provide the Continental GT with all the security of a four-wheel drive system but when appropriate, the added fun factor inherent within a rear-wheel drive layout.

Providing the link between the driven wheels and the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission built for Bentley by ZF and the first of its type in the world to be used in an ultra-high performance coupe. Firstly, the new transmission was modified by moving the differential forward, which allowed the drive shafts to be as far forward as possible, thus enabling the wheels to be close to the front of the car. But the defining characteristic of this transmission, apart from the use of six ratios, is its ability to lock its torque converter in normal driving, providing the same immediacy of response expected of manual transmissions. Despite this, shift quality is so good that often the most obvious evidence of a gearchange having taken place is the repositioning of the rev-counter needle.

Tiptronic actuation means that the car can be used either as a conventional automatic or as a clutch less manual where gear changes take place only on command from the driver, via either the gear lever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Naturally fail-safe mechanisms are incorporated to ensure it is not possible to over-rev the engine when changing down in tiptronic mode or stall the car by slowing too much in a high gear.

It is a fair observation that a 6-litre, twin-turbo engine with tremendous torque does not strictly need six gears to keep itself on the boil. Then again, to look at any element of Bentley performance in terms of need is perhaps to miss some of the point of the marque. It’s true that many Continental GT drivers will spend much of their time allowing the transmission to shift itself or even using the tiptronic function to lock the gearbox in a certain ratio and allow the engine’s massive torque to carry the car along. However, Bentley also knows that most of its customers for the Continental GT will be enthusiasts who will relish the prospect of flicking up and down the gearbox at the pull of a paddle or the push of a lever. Under the circumstances, six speeds seem entirely appropriate.

Chassis

Perfecting ride and handling is one of the most complex and difficult areas of car design. For the Continental GT designers this job has been doubly tough for few cars, if any, have been brought to market with a greater expectation of excellence in both areas.

Even so, by starting with well defined and extremely ambitious targets and then applying clear thinking and the skills of a 25-strong chassis engineering team to realise them, the Continental GT has been equipped with a chassis that should appeal to sybarites and thrill-seekers equally. The result is a car with firm rather than harsh suspension, impressive resistance to roll, pitch and heave yet compliant enough to ride poorly surfaced roads with absolute equanimity.

The basis of the Continental GT’s chassis strategy is an extremely stiff body, without which, even the most sophisticated of suspension systems can be undermined. To this was applied the very latest in suspension technology featuring an innovative double wishbone arrangement at the front – designed to minimise torque reactions through the steered wheels – and multi-link rear axle behind. Extensive use of aluminium has been made, notably in the control arms, to lower unsprung mass while the entire front subframe of the car is fashioned from stainless steel.

Air springs are used at each corner in place of conventional coils, each one containing its own infinitely adjustable electronic damper. The application of pressure to an air spring (best thought of as bellows contained within a metal tube) is uniform while coil springs are subject to side forces that, in turn, lead to damper friction, the bane of any chassis engineer’s life. Also the bellows can move through different shapes as they expand and compress, effectively allowing variable spring rates to be used.

Two more advantages of air springs are that they can be smaller and therefore easier to package than conventional coil systems and secondly, they allow a car to maintain its static ride height, regardless of load, so the car does not suddenly become spongy to drive when fully laden.

The electronic dampers fitted to the Continental GT do more than offer a few different settings for the driver to play with. Within their set parameters they are, in fact, capable of adjusting themselves infinitely and continuously without the driver ever being aware of it.

A central computer processes information fed to it from sensors around the car and instructs the dampers accordingly, each damper is capable of adjusting its damping control many times during a single event, such as a wheel moving up and down over a bump. The key is for the computer to analyse both the car’s body and wheel movements to ensure both remain in harmony with each other.

Naturally both traction control and the latest Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are fitted though they can be disabled at the discretion of the driver. The secret to understanding their function is to see them as additional to the Continental GT’s exceptionally well-mannered dynamic behaviour, rather than as an essential ingredient in keeping a car of these capabilities safe. Bentley knows that many of its customers will want to turn the electronics off from time to time and they need to be certain that even without these aids, the Continental GT’s handling remains supremely secure and capable.

Most of the time, however, the ESP will be enabled, but inactive; should it be required by the driving conditions though, it will be deployed automatically but unobtrusively, so as not to intrude on the Bentley driving experience.

The Continental GT is capable of monitoring a whole range of dynamic attitudes such as lateral acceleration, individual wheel speeds, throttle position and brake pressure. No car can defy the laws of physics and there are certain extreme conditions that even ESP will be unable to guard against, but as an extra line of defence for the unfortunate driver caught out by unexpected circumstances, its safety value is real and evident.

That said, as the most sporting road-going Bentley since the R-Type Continental, the Continental GT is a driver’s car through and through and Bentley’s chassis engineers – enthusiasts all – have been acutely aware that not only must the chassis have the raw ability to match perfectly the engine’s phenomenal output, it must provide it in a way that indulges and engrosses its driver.

To this end, a huge amount of work has been done analysing spring, damper and anti-roll bar rates to ensure the car has the right sporting stance on the road. Exhaustive testing of different steering geometries has then been undertaken to eliminate unwanted torque reactions, and also to provide the appropriate amount of ’feel’ in the chassis. In particular, the Servotronic rack and pinion steering has been evaluated to ensure it delivers the right response in terms of steering, but also feedback to the driver.

Wheel and tyre choice is, of course, crucial to the development of any chassis, and while work continues apace in this area, the Continental GT will come with 19in wheels as standard.

Braking will be provided by all new, ventilated disc brakes at each corner featuring the latest Bosch anti-lock system with Brake Assist and Emergency Brake Force Distribution.

Once all the specification of the chassis had been determined, the Continental GT was put through the most rigorous real world evaluation programme of any Bentley in history, a process that continues to this day. From race tracks such as the famed original Nurburgring to mountain passes and sinuous switchbacks all over the world, the Continental GT is being tested and re-tested to fine tune its exceptionally promising chassis specification to provide ride and handling standards that don’t merely rise above the class standard but define it.

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Safety

The Continental GT is equipped with the full suite of passive safety equipment. As well as possessing exceptional front, side and rear deformation characteristics on impact, there are two front airbags, four side airbags and two side curtain bags that, unusually for a coupé, each run along the full length of the cabin. Seat belt pretensioners are used for all four seats.

Of course prevention is better than cure and avoiding the accident in the first place has to be preferable. To this end the Continental GT is specified like few others in the market. All-wheel drive, when correctly exploited, has colossal safety advantages in adverse conditions, while the latest traction, stability and brake control systems offer further opportunities for drivers to extricate themselves from danger. And of course there is the not small issue of the powerful engine and its ability to keep time spent on the wrong side of the road during overtaking to an absolute minimum; and should you ever have to accelerate away from trouble, few will do so more quickly than this.

Marketing

At its core, the Continental GT is the result of just three things: first a deep seated emotional desire within Bentley for over 20 years to create an all new compact coupe. Secondly there is VW’s provision of the financial wherewithal not simply to create the car, but to do so in a way that gave Bentley a design, engineering and manufacturing lead over all potential rivals. But the Continental GT still would not have been possible without a concrete business case for producing such a car and introducing the prospect of Bentley ownership to a greater number of discerning enthusiasts than ever before.

The business case is satisfyingly straightforward and hinges on what Bentley believes to be a clear gap in the upper luxury coupé market. Currently those looking to buy in this sector have a straight choice between two dramatically differing breeds of car. The first is an uncompromising sportscar with minimal or no rear seat space and miserly luggage provision. Alternatively they can choose a rather more accommodating coupé, but suffer a commensurate reduction in driving enjoyment. Those who crave true supercar performance, response and style but need the flexibility of a car that seats four, carries their luggage and can be used everyday for all purposes have not been provided for. The Continental GT Coupé is designed for these people.

Indeed although it is envisaged that most Continental GT buyers will possess a number of cars in their stable, it is also hoped that many will find it satisfies all their motoring requirements and wishes. Nevertheless even the best product needs a voice if it is to be heard particularly if, as will be the case with the Continental GT, 75 per cent of those who buy one will not be existing customers.

These new customers will largely be people who already admire Bentley and would like one of its current products, but who either cannot quite afford one or baulk at the prospect of spending over £150,000 on a car, even if they believe it to be worth the money. Current Bentley customers tend to be among the most wealthy in the world and there is a big step between them and another group of still extremely well off individuals who are not comfortable with buying cars at Bentley’s existing price points. These are the people at whom the Continental GT is squarely aimed.

The profile of the typical Continental GT buyer will also be subtly different from that of the existing Bentley customer. They will tend to be younger, with an average age of just under as opposed to just over 50 years. Men will still buy many more than women, but their majority will decrease from the overwhelming 96-99 per cent of current customers, to a slightly more balanced 85-90 per cent. They will be high achieving, hard working and more typically owners of their own business rather than directors of public companies.

And while they will share a love of high performance, quality and craftsmanship with all Bentley customers, Continental GT buyers will likely be interested also in technology and contemporary design.

The approach that will be used to inform these prospects about and attract them to the Continental GT will be highly specialised and targeted. Its expanding role in motorsport, for instance, is seen not only as exactly right for the marque, but also a key way of communicating with those people for whom the Continental GT was born. Through those who actually go to races like Le Mans and the media coverage it attracts, Bentley gains access to the mindset of an already extremely car oriented group of people.

More broadly, such activities also help people understand how Bentley is changing, but also how it is more aware of the importance of its heritage than at any time since Bentley Motors was bought by Rolls-Royce in 1931.

Bentley also aims to reach its new customers through strategic alliances with other luxury non-automotive companies, organising joint activities and promotions, highly targeted direct marketing and Internet activity.

’To achieve our aims, we need routinely to be in touch with roughly ten times more people around the world than at present,’ says Adrian Hallmark, member of the board for sales and marketing. ’These will be existing, lapsed and prospective customers. We will involve them in driving events, keep them informed of the company’s activities and give them an entirely different and much more personal treatment than they are accustomed to receiving for mass production luxury car manufacturers. We will be charging more for our coupé and, for us, justifying this with the provision of what we believe will be a demonstrably better car is not enough. Our customers need to see not just a better car but a better company too.’

So Bentley, despite the Continental GT heralding a considerable increase in production at Crewe, will remain small. The global dealership network that stands currently at 121 will not be expanded beyond 150 in the foreseeable future, each selling no more than a few dozen cars every year, so customers know they are part of a very small and ultra-exclusive family of Bentley cognoscenti. And it is creating a business that runs successfully at such a personal level right from the factory gates at Crewe, where customers can come and watch their car being built, all the way to their own front door that completes the environment that any Bentley driver can expect to enjoy.

It was joined in 1999 by the Arnage Red Label, which boasted torque of 835 N·m-the greatest amount for a four-door car at the time. The Red Label saw the return of the Rolls-Royce 6.75 L V8 engine, but mated to a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger. Customers associated the traditional engine with Bentleys, rather than the smaller BMW unit. Engineering for the insertion of this unit was done at Crewe, after Volkswagen, which had become Bentley’s parent company, had threatened to do it in Germany when Bentley’s UK engineers initially claimed the task was impossible. At the time, there were reports that Volkswagen wanted Bentley to be independent of BMW engineering.A long-wheelbase version of the Red Label was launched at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001. The Red Label models were replaced in 2002.