2016
Bentley Continental GT V8 S
The Bentley Continental
GT is refreshed with a complement of new exterior design features, aimed at
sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand Tourer. A new front bumper
combines with a smaller radiator shell and new, more pronounced fenders to lend
a more assertive and confident stance to the front of the car. The fenders now
feature a new vent, complete with a graceful metallic "B" adornment,
which serve to emphasise and enhance the renowned Bentley "power
line" that flows rearwards from the front arches. New bright chrome fender
badges for the V8 S and W12 models now match those applied to the GT Speed.
The revisions to the
exterior aesthetic are completed with the addition of new wheels to the range
of 20" and 21" designs available. The standard wheel for the GT V8
and GT W12 becomes a new 20", six-tri-spoke wheel, in painted finish for
the V8 and bright machined for the W12. The Mulliner Driving Specification
wheel changes to a new 21" seven-twin-spoke design, finished in Graphite
grey with bright machined spokes. Finally, a new 21" five-spoke
directional sports wheel joins the existing 21" design available for the
V8 S and GT Speed. Enhancing the GT's iconic silhouette further, three new
paint colours are available: Marlin (a rich metallic blue), Camel (a soft
golden tone) and Jetstream (a light, bright metallic blue).
The visual upgrades
continue inside the luxury cabin of the Continental range. A new and
contemporary straight-fluting pattern adorns the four generous seats, while the
Mulliner Driving Specification (standard on GT Speed) gains a tightened,
"small-diamond" quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British
jacket. Driver controls are all-new, with an optional, more ergonomic and
sports-orientated steering wheel and larger gear-shift paddles incorporating
tactile knurled metal embellishers.
Brightware elements
across the console are updated, the driver's instrument panel receives new
dials and graphics for a refreshed, more contemporary look, and the beauty of
the new interior is now illuminated by LEDs. The centre console also features a
new black gear lever surround, unifying the style of all driver controls. For
V8 and V8 S coupe models, a new hidden storage compartment is fitted between
the rear seats, capable of accommodating and charging electronic devices including
iPads.
GT W12 and GT Speed
models can now be specified with new, softer semi-aniline hide for the seat
cushions and backrests, represent the highest quality of leather available in
the automotive market and giving an even more comfortable, luxurious and
natural feel. Two new leather colours join the Continental range for 2015 -
Shortbread and Camel. Furthermore, the headlining of GT V8 S, GT W12 and Speed
coupe models is now available in Alcantara®, colour matched to all 17 of the
available interior hide colours. Onboard WiFi, providing connectivity to all
handheld devices in the car is also now available across the Continental
family.
Under the revised skin
of the Continental GT W12 lie three changes to the mighty 6.0-litre twin turbo
W12 powertrain. Firstly, the engine receives a power and torque increase, from
575 PS and 700 Nm to 590 PS and 720 Nm, to maintain the model's reputation of effortless
performance.
The power upgrade is
accompanied by improvements to fuel economy of up to 5%. The GT W12 now
includes a variable displacement system and the new evolution is able to run at
part throttle on six of its 12 cylinders to reduce fuel consumption without
sacrificing refinement and offers lower CO2 emissions of 329 g/km and combined
fuel economy of 20 mpg (14.1 litres/100 km).