Automotive

Bentley refreshes the Continental GT with more power and features

Bentley refreshes the Continental GT with more power and features
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed
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The center console gets updated with a black gear lever surround
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The center console gets updated with a black gear lever surround
We're not sure about the neon-green paint job, but the rest of the Continental GT Speed looks A-okay
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We're not sure about the neon-green paint job, but the rest of the Continental GT Speed looks A-okay
The new Continental GT Convertible
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The new Continental GT Convertible
The new Continental line gets larger gear shift paddles
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The new Continental line gets larger gear shift paddles
Inside the Continental GT W12 Convertible
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Inside the Continental GT W12 Convertible
Inside the Continental GT W12 Convertible
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Inside the Continental GT W12 Convertible
The new fenders include a "B" vent
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The new fenders include a "B" vent
The Continental includes a new sport steering wheel option
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The Continental includes a new sport steering wheel option
The Continental's W12 gets an extra 15 hp
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The Continental's W12 gets an extra 15 hp
Continental GT Convertible
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Continental GT Convertible
Continental GT Convertible
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Continental GT Convertible
The new Continental GT Speed
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The new Continental GT Speed
The Mulliner Driving Specification, standard on the GT Speed, includes a new "small-diamond" quilting pattern
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The Mulliner Driving Specification, standard on the GT Speed, includes a new "small-diamond" quilting pattern
The GT family gets a modestly restyled body with reshaped rear-end
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The GT family gets a modestly restyled body with reshaped rear-end
Customers can now specify the GT Speed with new softer semi-aniline leather for the seat cushions and backrests
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Customers can now specify the GT Speed with new softer semi-aniline leather for the seat cushions and backrests
The new Continental GT Convertible
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The new Continental GT Convertible
The Continental GT Speed gets a new 21" five-spoke directional sports wheel option
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The Continental GT Speed gets a new 21" five-spoke directional sports wheel option
The new Continental GT Speed
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The new Continental GT Speed
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed
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The new Bentley Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT V8 S gets the same new wheel option and rear diffuser as the GT Speed
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The Continental GT V8 S gets the same new wheel option and rear diffuser as the GT Speed
The new Continental family is available with onboard Wi-Fi
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The new Continental family is available with onboard Wi-Fi
Bentley doesn't mention any changes for the V8 S' 521-bhp 4.0-liter V8 engine
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Bentley doesn't mention any changes for the V8 S' 521-bhp 4.0-liter V8 engine
Inside the Continental GT V8 S
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Inside the Continental GT V8 S
The Continental GT V8 S features a new rear diffuser that distinguishes it as a performance model
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The Continental GT V8 S features a new rear diffuser that distinguishes it as a performance model
The new Continental GT V8 S
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The new Continental GT V8 S
New V8 S bright chrome fender badges match the look of the GT Speed
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New V8 S bright chrome fender badges match the look of the GT Speed
The new Continental GT V8 S
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The new Continental GT V8 S
View gallery - 27 images

Bentley hasn't yet announced anything too groundbreaking for the Geneva Motor Show, though an all-new sports coupe concept and the much-publicized Bentayaga SUV (yep, that's really the name) seem to be possibilities. Whether or not either of those new models make an appearance, we do know that the Continental GT line will get freshened up at the show. Revisions include more W12 power, modest restyling and new options.

The big news for those that like the Continental GT as a high-performance car first, luxury tourer second, is the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 performance increase from 567 bhp (423 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque to 582 bhp (434 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque. Aimed at maintaining the car's "reputation of effortless performance," the output increase comes with no loss of fuel efficiency, and in fact, the revised Continental GT gets an efficiency bump of up to 5 percent thanks to a variable displacement that enables it to run on six cylinders. Bentley equates it out to a not-so-mindblowing bump to 20 mpg (14.1 L/100 km), from 19.5 mpg (14.5 L/100 km).

Take a quick glance at the revised Continental GT and it looks about the same as the current model. A closer inspection reveals a few points of differentiation, assuming you really know the car or have a reference photo. Up front, the new GT features a new front bumper, a smaller radiator shell, and new fenders with a B-shaped vent just below the character line. The rear bumper and trunk lid have been reshaped to lend more of a sense of aerodynamics and power. The V8 S and GT Speed are distinguished as the performance Continentals with help from a new rear diffuser. New 20- and 21-in wheels finish off the revised exterior packaging.

Customers can now specify the GT Speed with new softer semi-aniline leather for the seat cushions and backrests
Customers can now specify the GT Speed with new softer semi-aniline leather for the seat cushions and backrests

Bentley fills its ever-so-slightly-reshaped body shell with a modestly reworked interior. The driver has larger, knurled paddle shifters at his or her disposal and can select a more ergonomic sports steering wheel as an option. Onboard Wi-Fi is available across the entire Continental range, and V8 and V8 S models include a new smart device charging console between the rear seats. Among the aesthetic changes, the instrument panel dials and graphics have been updated and LED lighting now illuminates the cabin. New leather and Alcantara options are available as well.

Hopefully, we'll have a headline debut to check out at Bentley's Geneva booth, but if not, we'll spend the time taking a closer look at the new Continental GT models. In the meantime, you can look it over in our full gallery of Bentley photography.

Source: Bentley

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