The name, Continental, has been displayed on several Bentley’s, since the early 1950’s. In 2003, the introduction of first Continental GT became Bentley’s game changer, eventually leading on to other variants, such as the Continental Flying Spur, Continental Supersports, etc. Now eight years on, the beauteous Bentley has acquired a new look—one that will probably stay around for a few more years.
· Design & Engineering:
From the front, side and rear, one word definitely comes into play—leviathan. Indeed, from the front, the day time running lights, designed in circles, seems to pull back the face of the vehicle, pointing down towards the large twin grill. Everything on the bonnet curves and flows so evenly, yet being as balanced as yin and yang. The face of the Bentley has increased in size, and sports dark grills on the bottom that serve their purpose in breathing air, in order to feed the signature W12 engine. From the side, a fluid line births from above the front wheel arch, and ends at the door handle, and followed by another, even larger bulge from the rear wheel arch. The arches serve their purpose of imitating waves, as if the Continental were a luxury cruise on the open seas. Optional 21-inch rims, available at a cost, still manage to feel a tad small on the Bentley. Perhaps some may agree that the rear of the vehicle is the most obvious change in the Bentley. Compared to the previous generation Continental, which sported a rounded and somewhat protruded bum, the 2011 model features a slightly flat, and indented bum, with even crisper lines, and LED brake/signals, all above the two chrome exhausts. What I love about Bentleys is that no matter how gorgeous they look, they never have the desire to scream out for attention, along with the fact that there always seems to be a sort of surreal calmness surrounding the cruiser.
· Interior
In a world filled with technology, it has now become the standards that even vehicles require certain amounts of user-interface. Inside the Bentley, its level of craftsmanship is meticulous, with the beauty of it being how the artisans conceal all the oodles of technology with loving care. For instance, the Continental GT features leather just like every other premium brand out in the market, however the amount of time, placed into finding the perfect shade of natural leather to match the desired interior is incredible. Take the leather (again), each stitch one sees, has been hand stiched, and treated by hand. The natural wood has been searched all over the world, so as to find the perfect piece with the desired number of grains. The front console echoes the flying wings of the emblem, and is spotted once again on the steering wheel. The ‘cobra shaped’ front seats are ergonomically designed and provide more rear legroom. Everything feels good to the touch, and looks great to the eye. The engineers of the Continental were so successful, that much of their previous generation Continental is visible in the 2011 model—a good thing, considering the amount of customers who purchased Bentleys for their dream-like interior. Being a 2+2 seater, at the rear, space would usually be relatively tight. But being a leviathan, space at the rear is almost like sitting in an extended wheelbase E-Class. When the luxury seating, quietness, superb Naim audio system, adaptive suspension, touch screen satellite navigation come into play, and old-world charm arises, and fuses with the modern architecture. Probably the best reason to buy a Bentley, especially when the doorsill has these words etched clearly: Handcrafted by Bentley Motors LTD, Crewe, England.
· Ride & Handling
The heart of all Continentals is a W12, Phaeton derived engine, and shared with the A8 W12. The difference between the Continental’s heart and the rest? Bentley plucks the engine from Volkswagen, but nurtures it to a higher level, therefore setting the benchmarks of enjoyment, at a higher level. In a straight line, the Continental is the ultimate game changer, especially when it comes with a ‘Sport’ mode. With the 100km/h mark coming under 5 seconds, it’s easy to reach speeds of 180km/h quite eagerly, more so as the speedometer ends at a ‘mere’ 340km/h. Braking is charming in the Bentley, with an eye-opening stopping distance for a 2.3-tonne car. In the corners, due to the adaptive suspension and active cornering aids, anything becomes possible in the vehicle, without intruding into the space of comfort.
· Verdict
Would I buy one? Of course—if they took off a few zeroes. Indeed, the revised Continental GT is a charmer, reserved purely for those in the know.
o Pictures from: http://www.seriouswheels.com/2011/bc/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-Interior-1920x1440.htm
o http://znautocars.com/pictures/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-Pictures-3.jpg
o http://www.inautonews.com/gallery/d/40420-2/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-05.jpg
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