When it comes to luxury automobiles, few can emulate what manufacturers like Bentley create. Power, prestige and ultimate driver comfort are the Flying B’s bread and butter, cementing it as a respected powerhouse within the industry. With a string of successful models and makes over decades of production, Bentley has continuously pushed the limits of just what a luxury car can do, and what a luxury car should be. It’s not often in this day and age that luxury meets practicality, but when it does, it can be a beautiful thing. And with its latest model, Bentley have created a beautiful thing indeed.
Revealed at the recent Frankfurt Motorshow, the new Continental GT looks to set the benchmark for luxury cars, and a high one at that. With a range of improvements both inside and out, the GT would fit in on the school run or on the windy roads of Switzerland, making it even more desirable for those that can afford the Bentley pricetag.
With a twin-turbo 6L W12 engine, the GT doesn’t lack power, and has the times to prove it. A 3.7sec 0-100km time and a top speed of 333km/h will no doubt cause a few nervous glances from competitors, as well as make consumers weep in anticipation of unleashing it on an unsuspecting road. With both direct and port fuel injections for power delivery, the GT can shut down one side of the engine during low rev range for efficiency on those drives around town. The engine has also been lowered within the car, altering the centre of gravity and giving the GT extra manoeuvrability and control. A new 48-volt roll control system also assists with the car’s overall control, as the anti-roll bars are adjusted to improve handling and driver comfort.
Sitting on 21inch standard alloys, the GT looks all business, with Bentley employing a space-style “superforming” technique to mould the aluminium sheets to create its sleekest model yet. Combined with upgraded brakes, a revised exhaust system and a 80kg weight loss, the GT is much more nimble than its predecessor. The triple chambered air suspension beautifully balances out the 25% torque increase, ensuring that drivers can well and truly reign in the 626bhp under the hood.
The new GT also comes with Sport and Comfort modes, giving you options to suit whichever mood you’re in when you get behind the wheel. Bentley also provides optional City or Touring packages, giving you more fun and comfort to suit your style of driving. Inside, you’ll find 5-star luxury, with extravagant wood panelling, a state of the art 12.3inch touch infotainment system, rotating sat-nav screens and an upholstery pattern that took 18 months to develop.
At the end of the day, you can see, feel and even sense the quality of the machine that is the next-gen Continental GT, with the Bentley reeking of perfect planning and execution. Besides a smaller pricetag, what more could you want in a car?
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