Since the first Bentley Continental GT launched in 1952, three best described it: Fast, beautiful, and exclusive. Today, those three words still apply to the latest addition to the GT family: the 2016 Bentley GT.
At first glance, the main changes can be seen in the exterior. The new Bentley GT has a smaller grille that gives the car a slightly sharper look. The new model also sees a new bumper, with aprons that help emphasis the monster under the hood. The air intake has a massive centre vent that reaches all the way to the fenders, with side intakes also made larger and placed closer to the headlights.
The “Speed” emblem has been relocated to the side of the car between the front wheel and the door, with a line that runs from the front bumper all the way to the rear haunches. The fenders also feature a new vent, with a stylish metallic “B” adornment that helps emphasis the powerful design of the Bentley.
The body isn’t the only upgrade worthy of note. Popping open the hood will bring you face to face with an engine that has undergone minor changes to improve the impressive the 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 powertrain. The engine has received a power and torque increase from 575 PS (567 bhp / 423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) to 590 PS (582 bhp / 434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb.ft), keeping the new GT in line with true Bentley Speed tradition. The chassis has also been upgraded with up-rated springs, anti-roll bars and bushes. The car is has a lower ride height of 10mm front and rear with a re-tuned electronic controlled damping and steering system.
Not all the upgrades are aggressive and powerful, because if you continue to the inside of the new GT, the other aspect of Bentley has also been given an upgrade. The luxury cabin of the Continental range remains as comfortable and contemporary as ever. The instrument panel has new dials and graphics and the centre console has a black gear-lever surround instead of the previous grey one, with LED lights providing interior lighting. The new seats feature a pattern of “small-daimon” quilting that stays in line with the Mulliner Driving Specifications which remains a GT Speed standard. The steering wheel is also smaller with a more ergonomic and sports-oriented feel. All of this allows the new GT to be noticeable different while remaining the same.
With just enough new features inside and out, it’s safe to say the new revised Continental GT Speed comes to us with enough updates to make it one of the finest cars to hit the roads this year. 2016 looks like it’ll be a good year for the Bentley Continental GT as it continues to remind us of everything Bentley stands for.
Continental GT Speed (left), R Type Continental (right)