New Bentley Continental GT blends luxury, technology

Bentley has announced new model year details and the introduction of new features for its Continental GT and the GT V8.

A panoramic glass roof is now available on the Continental GT W12, while high-gloss carbon fiber technical finish for fascia and doors is now offered on all models.

Courtesy of its powerful V8 petrol engine, the Continental GT V8 blends a lively and engaging drive with luxury and cutting-edge technology.

The V8 model has recently launched on Bentley’s car configurator, where customers can explore the vast array of options available to build a car matching individual tastes, needs and lifestyles. Often regarded as one of the most configurable cars available, the Continental GT has 7 billion different configurations possible.

The panoramic glass roof is offered as a cost option — starting at £3,150 ($3,870) — on the Continental GT Coupe W12.

The sunroof is equipped with polarized glass that reduces glare allowing the passenger a clearer view of their surroundings, and an interior blind that is electronically operated from the console for when they wish to feel cocooned by the cabin of their Continental GT. The blind is clad in Alcantara that matches one of the 15 headliner colors available from the Bentley palette.

A further stylish option available on all Continental GT models is a high-gloss carbon fiber technical finish.  The Continental GT V8 is equipped with a new-generation 4-liter, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, Great Britain, the third generation Continental GT V8 and GT V8 Convertible combine driver-focussed performance with exquisite refinement and cutting-edge technology.

“The third-generation Continental GT represents the pinnacle of Bentley’s design and engineering achievements and sits in the modern luxury Grand Tourer segment that the British brand created in 2003 with the launch of the first-generation model.

Excellent weight distribution makes the dynamic GT V8 feel even more agile and responsive,” a press release said.

The new-generation 4-liter, 32-valve V8 petrol engine delivers a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds) for the Coupe; and 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) for the Convertible.

The new V8 features 20-inch, 10-spoke painted alloy wheels and the option to choose from nine other designs measuring up to 22-inches. Both Coupe and Convertible models are distinguished by quad exhaust pipes and subtle V8 badging to the front wings.

The GT V8 comes with an advanced, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and the optional Bentley Rotating Display. The latter features a 12.3-inch touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves from the veneer to reveal the touchscreen, as well as three analogue dials.