Bentley Continental
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Missing image Bentley_Continental_GT_(front).jpg Bentley Continental GT |
Missing image Bentley_Continental_GT_dashboard.jpg The interior of a Continental GT |
Missing image Bentley.continental.gt.unloading.arp.977pix.jpg Bentley Continental GT |
The Bentley Continental is an luxury automobile made by Bentley.
Continental GT
The grand tourer coupe with two doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement, the Continental GT, was released in 2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and T.
The Continental GT has a 6 litre W12 engine with two turbochargers that produces 552 bhp. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.7 seconds and it has a top speed of about 200 mph. It has four wheel drive, the first Bentley to do so, and a six speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles for instant over-ride. The engine and air suspension are loosely based on owner Volkswagen's flagship car the Phaeton.
The Continental GT features the largest brake disc on any production car at 16 in.
With a waiting list of 3 years it has proven to be a huge success for Bentley and Volkswagen. Depending on options it is priced around £120,000.
Continental Flying Spur
See also: Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The four-door Continental Flying Spur saloon was shown at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Flying Spur utilizes the Volkswagen Phaeton platform, and will be available in the United States in the summer of 2005 for around US$175,000. Together they will take Bentley production from around 1000 units in 2003 to nearly 9000 units in 2006.
One notable aspect of the Continental Flying Spur is its grille. Although it looks like a traditional chromed brass mesh, it is actually made of plastic. This was done to add pedestrian safety to the car — it is designed to break apart on impact to soften the blow. However, it will not meet the forthcoming European Union pedestrian safety regulations.