2012 Bentley Continental GT

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 5115
City (MPG) 12
Hwy (MPG) 19
Horsepower 575@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 516@1700
Wheelbase 108.1
Length (in.) 189.2
Width (in.) 76.5
Height (in.) 55.3

After essentially reinventing Bentley after its 2003 model year introduction, the automaker’s Continental GT has become something of an icon among high-end super luxury coupes. As such, Bentley chose the ever-popular “evolution over revolution” mantra for the redesigned Continental GT and GTC Convertible– with one twist: A nod to ever-stricter emissions standards.

Set to slot beneath Bentley ’s W12-powered Continental range, the new 4.0-liter V8 promises much improved fuel economy while retaining most of the 12-cylinder’s power. Bentley says the new eight-cylinder is good for 500 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, falling just short of the W12′s 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Continental models equipped with the new V8 are capable of 4.6-second zero-to-60 runs and a top speed in excess of 180mph. Fuel economy comes in at 15 city, 24 highway miles per gallon.

For Bentley traditionalists, however, the W12 returns, boasting 6.0 liters, twin turbochargers and a boost to 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. Lighter than the outgoing model thanks to some material changes throughout, the revised W12 sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

It sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission capable of delivering gear-skipping double downshifts for improved response.

The Continental GT’s all-wheel-drive system has also been revised. Sending power to an increased width track, the system now splits 40 percent of the power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear to reduce understeer. New 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels are available.

Outside, the Continental GT gains new jeweled headlamps with LED running lights, a revised front grille and some tweaking to the outgoing car’s bodylines. The body is heavily revised from before despite a similar appearance.

Inside, the interior was treated to a thorough refresh centered around a sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium, soft-touch leather hides. New front and rear seats improve comfort, Bentley says, while new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility for certain North American, Asian and European markets.

The audio systems feature the latest wide frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard, as well as Dirac Dimensions DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

Key competitors
In terms of price, image and sheer luxuriousness, the Continental GT is a bit unique - but don't be surprised to see the big Bentley compared with the Audi R8 , BMW 6-Series or one of many Porsche 911 Carrera models.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Luxury
    • Weight: 5115 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 189.2 in.
    • Width: 76.5 in.
    • Height: 55.3 in.
    • Wheelbase: 108.1 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: TBD
    • Rear Track: TBD
    • Weight Distribution: 40/60
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 4
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: 12.6 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: TBD
    • Shoulder Room: TBD
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: TBD
    • Shoulder Room: TBD
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 6.0L W12
    • Power: 575 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 12 mpg
    • Forced Induction: Turbocharger
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: All Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 20" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 275/40ZR 20
    • Rear: 20" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 275/40ZR 20
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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