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Bentley's facelifted Continental GT and new GT Speed

Bentley's facelifted Continental GT and new GT Speed

Ralph Hanson August 1st, 2007 Ralph Hanson By Ralph Hanson Author August 1st, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 Bentley has revealed its facelifted Continental GT as well as the new GT Speed, the fastest and most powerful production Bentley ever. Both cars feature a wider and lower air intake plus a more upright radiator grille to improve airflow to the 6.0L W12 powerplant. The GT Speed outputs 600bhp (441kW) and 750Nm (553ft-lb) of torque, 15% more twist and 9% more power than the standard Continental GT. Power is also improved right across the rev-range thanks to lower friction and lighter engine internals plus a new electronic management system. The end result is a 0-60mph time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and a top speed 202mph (326km/h). Specific changes to the engine include a new crankcase design, a lighter camshaft chain and a faster cam sensor, which see carbon-dioxide emissions drop 3.5% compared to the previous model. Small change when you consider that the new model still emits 396g of CO2 per km. The Conti GT, although grand, was universally derided as being a bland drive. All the right elements were there, a prestigious badge, a W12 engine and an AWD chassis, but somehow when put together the mega-coupe failed to ignite much passion. However, the return of the legendary ‘Speed’ title and performance numbers that put thoroughbred sports cars to shame will likely change all that. Full gallery after the jump.
Bentley's facelifted Continental GT and new GT Speed

Bentley's facelifted Continental GT and new GT Speed

Enlarge Photo

Bentley has revealed its facelifted Continental GT as well as the new GT Speed, the fastest and most powerful production Bentley ever. Both cars feature a wider and lower air intake plus a more upright radiator grille to improve airflow to the 6.0L W12 powerplant. The GT Speed outputs 600bhp (441kW) and 750Nm (553ft-lb) of torque, 15% more twist and 9% more power than the standard Continental GT. Power is also improved right across the rev-range thanks to lower friction and lighter engine internals plus a new electronic management system. The end result is a 0-60mph time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and a top speed 202mph (326km/h).

Specific changes to the engine include a new crankcase design, a lighter camshaft chain and a faster cam sensor, which see carbon-dioxide emissions drop 3.5% compared to the previous model. Small change when you consider that the new model still emits 396g of CO2 per km.

The Conti GT, although grand, was universally derided as being a bland drive. All the right elements were there, a prestigious badge, a W12 engine and an AWD chassis, but somehow when put together the mega-coupe failed to ignite much passion. However, the return of the legendary ‘Speed’ title and performance numbers that put thoroughbred sports cars to shame will likely change all that.

Full gallery after the jump.

ContinentalGT08MY_9_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_8_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_6_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_5_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_4_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_12_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_11_l2_w1715_h1139.jpgEnlarge Photo
ContinentalGT08MY_10_l2_w1139_h1715.jpgEnlarge Photo

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Posted in: 2008, Bentley, News, Coupes, Continental GT, Continental


Comments (9 total)

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  1. By MARIO #1, Posted: 8/1/2007

    One of the most beautiful cars ever made...

  2. By HECTOR #2, Posted: 8/1/2007

    Amen brother. Also one of the most elegant. It simply beats anything MB can throw at it and it's light years ahead in character and desirability to the RR Phantom.

  3. By Emir #3, Posted: 8/2/2007

    It will never beat Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

  4. By Emir #4, Posted: 8/2/2007

    Alfa Romeo 8C is the most beautiful car ever made....

  5. By biturbo #5, Posted: 8/2/2007

    It is loooking good.
    But it is so heavy that they should never mention passion or sportscar.
    2385 kg (5258 lbs) ???????????????, super-pig Bentley Continental GT!

  6. By niels2029 #6, Posted: 8/3/2007

    hmmm... its will empty your pockets for gasoline that's what it'll do

  7. By Spoofy #7, Posted: 9/19/2007

    hmmm… its will empty your pockets for gasoline that’s what it’ll do

    If you can afford this car, I'm sure getting gasoline isn't a problem...

  8. By coolchic13 #8, Posted: 6/12/2008

    Sooo cute i love this car,To bad its so darn pricey.
    realy nice on the in side too.

  9. ma_rawa avatar by rawa #9, Posted: 12/7/2008

    beaty innit

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