The Bentley Continental GT was the first vehicle to be produced through Volkswagen, which ended the 70 year run Bentley had with Rolls Royce. The change created a new history to be formed.

The GT changed in style, construction, and handling, making it a new era for Bentley, especially because the old line like the Continental R and T was remarkably different. The Continental GT was produced to be extraordinary, even with the increase in weight. The Continental GT weighed over 2.3 tons. The performance is rated to be like supercars of today.

Zero to 60 was reached in just 4.7 seconds and it could go on to a top speed a shade under 200 mph. Even when it reached the corners the Bentley’s advanced suspension system coped remarkably well at concealing the GT’s huge bulk.

The Bentley GT’s suspension utilises computer controlled air springs, which automatically firm up in the corners to reduce body roll, whilst inside the cockpit the driver could choose from a range of sport or comfort settings to tailor the handling to the road conditions or their driving style.

A four seater vehicle, the Continental GT was unlike any 2 by 2 design other cars had. It was meant to seat four adults comfortably. The interior of the automobile was leather with walnut wood to match. Modern technology offered cruise control, satellite navigation, audio system, and fully electric seats. The seats had heat and massage capabilities in the front.

Under the bonnet was the extremely powerful six litre W12 engine that could deliver 550 bhp and 650 Nm of torque from very low down in the rev range. Power was delivered to a sophisticated four wheel drive system via a six speed automatic gearbox, which incorporated finger tip mounted controls on the steering wheel.

Volkswagen has endeavoured to keep the same Bentley style that drivers are used to with the remarkable body, elliptical xenon headlamps, and mesh grille. It is impossible to get the grille confused with any other car. As a 21st century creature it has presence and power.

There is no doubt that the Continental GT marks a new direction for Bentley, and one in which it can make full use of large resources of its Volkswagen parent company. In actual fact the GT shares many of its components and platform with the VW Phaeton, although unsurprisingly Bentley likes to keep that secret quiet.

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