Bentley Continental GT (Topic Ufficiale)

[Touareg 2.0]

Messaggio Aggiornato al 19/03/2012

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carscoop

Having been introduced in 2003, Bentley's[COLOR=rgb(0, 0, 0)] Continental GT[/COLOR] is officially the oldest model in the British automaker's lineup. About time for a facelift? Bentley thought so, too. The 2011 Conti has been brought up to date with an evolved interior and exterior that put it more in-line with the brand's Mulsanne flagship, while a new 4.0-liter V8 engine will join the tweaked W12 in 2011.
Most noticeable in front are the gemstone headlights peeking out from behind newly-extended wings, moving the front fender / front bumper panel gap downward. Also, the grille surround has officially become part of the hood's lines and now houses the front license plate as well.

One can see a similar design in back, where Bentley utilized the Mulsanne's "double horse-shoe" theme. On either side of the boot, the rear fenders have gained some more definition and the car's taillights are slightly more squared-off. The overall package increases track width by 41-mm in front and 48-mm at the rear.

Now, onto the good part: engines (now plural!). Offered under the hood are now two forms of propulsion: 1) as usual, a big 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 which creates 575 hp and 700 Nm / 516 lb-ft of torque and is FlexFuel-compatible (up to E85), and 2) for the first time in the model's run, a 4.0 V8 coming later in 2011 with emissions that Bentley claims are 40% lower than the W12.

With the extra 15 horsepower (and the car's weight reduced by 65 kg), the W12 is good for a 0-60mph (96km/h) burst in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph / 318 km/h. Bentley is keeping its lips sealed about the 8-cylinder's output for now, but they say "high-output", so expect a screamer.

In the field of putting power to pavement, the revised 6-speed automatic transmission allows "double downshifts" while still running all four wheels; the 20- or 21-inch rollers now get 40/60 front-to-rear power distribution (versus the outgoing model, which was 50/50).

The interior, while clearly still Continental, gets updated as well: there's a spruced-up dash, a new touchscreen infotainment unit with a 30GB hard drive (15 GB specifically for music), and redesigned front seats that offer rear cargo an extra 46-mm of legroom. Sounds are brought to you by 11-speakers from Naim, and there is TV/DVD/Phone/iPod/etc. connectivity; pretty much everything one you'd expect in a Bentley.

Overall, Bentley has succeeded in updating its breadwinner while keeping it very identifiable and distinct. Expect to see it next to the Mulsanne in Paris, and as soon as there are some official numbers on the V8, we'll let you know. Now back to your regularly-scheduled daydreaming.

Continental GT V8

autoweek.nl - carscoop

Press Release V8 :

THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL V8 RANGE

- New Continental GT and GTC V8 models will debut at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (January 2012)
- Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio combined with classic Bentley power and torque from new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine

- Fulfils Bentley's environmental commitment to a new powertrain delivering a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions

- Advanced technologies include direct injection, variable displacement, new close-ratio 8-speed transmission and all wheel-drive

- New Continental V8 model range complements the flagship 6.0 litre W12 GT and GTC

(Crewe 12th December, 2011) Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012.

The new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

This remarkable, 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).

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance.
The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley's environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The instantly recognisable growl of the new 4.0 litre V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stablemates.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley 'B' badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed 'figure eight' exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel 'B' bootlid badge emphasise the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

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).

Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley's factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley's engineering strength.

Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said:

"With the new 4.0 litre V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic 'wave of torque'. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions."

THE NEW CONTINENTAL V8 MODELS

Distinctive sporting style

Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider

Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-coloured dividers

Dark rear lower valance

Distinctive twin 'figure eight' exhaust tailpipes

Red enamel Bentley winged 'B' badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres

7 exterior colours offered in standard range

Sporty, contemporary interior

New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models

Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim

Short centre console in place of W12 through-console

4 hide colours offered in standard range

Unique two-tone leather colour split

3 hood colours (Continental GTC)

Exhilarating, efficient new 4.0 litre V8 engine

Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio reflecting engine efficiency

Variable displacement (a technology first proven on the Mulsanne) imperceptibly cuts 4 cylinders on cruise and light throttle

Switchable engine mounts ensure refinement

Engine optimisation technologies boost efficiency

New, close-ratio, 8-speed transmission offers 6 per cent efficiency gain with ultra-fast shifts

Turbochargers mounted within 'V' for efficiency and fast response

Over 500 miles (800km) range on one tank of fuel
Distinctive V8 growl

All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split

To see the latest Continental V8 film please go to www.youtube.com/bentleymotors.

Bentley

Prezzi :

Benzina :

4.0 V8 Bi-Turbo (507Cv) :

Continental GT : 176.000€

6.0 4x4 Aut. (575Cv) :

Continental GT : 199.000€

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Vecchio Thread : Bentley Continental GT I Facelift (Topic Ufficiale - 2009)

Topic Spies : Bentley Continental GT II (Spy)

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Topic GTC : Bentley Continental GTC (Topic Ufficiale)

La trovo bellissima, un'evoluzione positiva dello stile della vecchia Conti.

[Jack.Torrance]

Avevo parecchio timore per la proboscide.
Invece è uscita bene, anche perchè sopra ci si piazza la targa...

Bella, mi garba più della vecchia.

P.s.
La radica nun se pò vede!

[oxyde]

le prime foto non si vedono, ad ogni modo esternamente hanno fatto bene a essere conservatori, gli interni invece spettacolari a dir poco

[J-Gian]

Bella, ma in tutta onestà faccio un po' a fatica a trovarle le differenze con l'antenata...

[Tommitel]

La vista frontale non si può proprio vedere, ma basta andare sul 3/4 che già la situazione migliora tantissimo.
In generale la trovo migliorata rispetto a quella che sostituisce. Quindi non mi resta dire che è davvero bellissima.

Domanda: ma è tutta nuova??

[superkappa125]

Direi senza dubbio migliorata, soprattutto dietro, dove pare sia sparito il culone dell'attuale. Ottimo lavoro.

[VuOtto]

Bellissima!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Uomo dell'Ovest]

Domanda: ma è tutta nuova??

Di nuovo c'è il W12 e il cambio zf a 8 rapporti... per quanto riguarda il telaio non saprei.

[PaoloGTC]

Non mi piaceva del tutto prima e non mi piace ora.
Sarò stilisticamente ignorante ma in quel frontale, cofano-mascherina e fari tondi (per come sono e come son messi) paiono venire da due auto diverse. Nun me piasce.

Al posteriore trovo che il vano targa sia giusto quel pelo troppo basso da far apparire pesante il pannello sopra di lui, con la B alata.

Forse la preferivo prima.

[Quo.Lore]

Bella, ma in tutta onestà faccio un po' a fatica a trovarle le differenze con l'antenata...

Anch'io. Al primo colpo d'occhio, ho pensato ad un facelifting. Poi, guardando con attenzione... si nota che è davvero poco più di un facefiliting