The all-new Bentley Continental GT has been unveiled online ahead of its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new gen model is a huge leap forward compared to its predecessor in pretty much every respect.
The new GT looks slimmer and significantly more athletic despite being longer than the outgoing car. The front axle is moved forward by 135 mm while the wheelbase has been extended by 110 mm. The width has been increased by 25 mm, rendering the new Conti a low-slung stance.
The front fascia is clearly inspired by the Bentley EXP-10 Speed 6 concept. The quintessential 4-piece headlamps are still there but the auxiliary units have become smaller. Handcrafted chrome grille, wide bumper airdams, and a long and low bonnet rounds off the front end design. A fastback style silhouette is enhanced by muscular rear haunches and the chrome applique which emerges from the fender vents and runs all the way to the rear.
The biggest styling difference between the new and old car comes from the rear fascia whose simple layout is characterized by elliptical headlamps which complement the similarly shaped dual exhaust tips.
The interior too has been vastly improved. As expected, Bentley employs best of the materials one could see in an automobile cabin. The grand tourer’s opulence is courtesy of topnotch natural leather, handcrafted veneer, and hand-polished chrome. The 12.3-inch retina-quality touchscreen infotainment system offers a long list of functions.
Though the 2018 Bentley Continental GT is based on VW’s MSB platform which also underpins the new Porsche Panamera, the British luxury marque claims that 82% parts and components are bespoke to its tourer. At 2,250 kg, the W12 variant is 87 kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to fully aluminium bodywork and several other weight-saving measures.
Initially, the 2018 Continental GT will be only offered with an improved twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine which will be paired with a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power and torque outputs are rated at 635 PS and 900 Nm of torque. The new 48V electronic architecture enables more advanced dynamic control systems.
The 2018 Bentley Continental GT is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kmph in 3.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 333 kmph. Production is slated to commence towards the end of this year with deliveries scheduled to commence in Spring of 2018.
