Bentley Continental GT

 

Bentley Continental GT

 

 

 

 

 

 

After essentially reinventing Bentley after its introduction in 2002, the automaker's Continental GT has become something of an icon among high-end super luxury coupes. 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.

 

Slotting beneath Bentley's W12-powered Continental range, a new 4.0-liter V8 model promises much improved fuel economy while retaining most of the 12-cylinder's power. Bentley says the 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.

 

Paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the V8 is capable of propelling the heavy coupe to a 4.6-second zero-to-60 sprint and a top speed in excess of 180 mph. Fuel economy comes in at 15 city, 24 highway miles per gallon.

Although the V8-equipped Continental GT is technically the range's entry-level vehicle, Bentley isn't treating it as such. V8 models come fitted with a unique black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B' badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-color strakes. Out back, the car gets unique chromed ‘figure eight' exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and a red enamel ‘B' trunklid badge.

Base Price of Continental GT is $212,600