May 2007

Luxury vehicles routinely promise premium features traditionally unavailable in nonluxury cars. But these features are no longer so exclusive: Heated leather seats, for example, can be had on an $18,000 Chevy Cobalt. With premium content moving across the market, luxury automakers must differentiate themselves by piling on even more equipment, said Mike Marshall, director of emerging automotive technology at J.D. Power and Associates. The result: Technologically advanced items such as intelligent remote entry and adaptive cruise control join leather and wood to create the modern luxury vehicle. Erich Merkle, an automotive analyst at research firm IRN Inc., joined Marshall and resident expert Joe Wiesenfelder in contributing to this list of features you can expect to find in different luxury segments.

By Jim Flammang
Cars.com
October 3, 2005

Vehicle Overview

According to Bentley, the Continental GT was "conceived to be a sporting coupe without rival." Striking in design, it's a full four-seater with all-wheel drive. Breathing with the assistance of twin turbochargers, its compact 552-horsepower W-12 engine drives a six-speed-automatic gearbox. Bentley claims the Continental GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Little has changed for the 2006 model year. For 2005, a Mulliner Driving Specification edition of the Continental GT joined the lineup, promising "further sporting feel." Advan tires ride on two-piece, seven-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels. Drilled alloy sport pedals and a knurled chrome and leather gearshift lever are installed.

New options for 2005 included a two-tone hide-trimmed steering wheel, cross-stitching on the seats and door panels, and Vavona and Olive Ash wood veneers. Voice activation for the in-car phone works in six languages. Carpets and seat belts can be matched to the main or secondary interior hue. A four-door Continental Flying Spur joins the Continental GT coupe for 2006 and is listed separately in the cars.com Research section.

Exterior

Continental GT appearance is far removed from the subtly sporty designs of Bentley's past models, which were comparatively sedate. Designers sought to blend traditional Bentley hallmarks and hand craftsmanship with a contemporary profile and advanced technology. Featuring pillarless hardtop styling, the Continental GT coupe has a minimal front overhang and pronounced rear fenders.

Flanking large inner headlights, the simple yet assertive mesh-type grille resembles that of no other modern Bentley. A flush-mounted rear spoiler rises automatically at high speeds. Air springs contain electronic dampers. The car's body is made in Germany, but it is assembled in Crewe, England.

Interior

Four people can enjoy the Continental GT coupe. According to Bentley, 6-foot-tall occupants fit easily in the front and rear seats. Interior designers worked with basketball players to ensure that people of all sizes and shapes could be accommodated. Leather upholstery comes in a choice of colors. Various types of wood interior trim can be specified.

A symmetrical fascia mates with a center console that rises and curves to the sides in a shape resembling the design of the Bentley wing insignia. Most routine controls can be operated from the steering wheel.

Under the Hood

Operating with twin turbochargers, the four-overhead-cam 6.0-liter W-12 generates 552 hp at 6,100 rpm and 479 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission has a manual-shift provision. All-wheel drive is standard. SafetyVentilated disc brakes have Bosch antilock technology with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are installed.

More Bentley Cars:
Bentley Brooklands
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley Azure