Bentley Continental GT

Featuring a 6-litre, 12 cylinder, twin-turbocharged, engine with more than 500bhp driving all four wheels through a paddle-operated, six speed automatic gearbox, the Continental GT offers true supercar performance combined with the interior space, versatility and ease of ownership to make it not merely viable as an everyday car, but a natural for the role. In this respect as well as many others, Bentley believes the Continental GT to be unique. The Continental GT is being designed and engineered by Bentley at Crewe and will be manufactured there in all-new facilities that combine state of the art technologies with the unique hand finishing and attention to detail that have been the hallmark of all cars to wear the winged 'B'. It goes on sale in the second half of 2003 and will bring the prospect of Bentley ownership to a wider audience of discerning enthusiasts than ever before. And while the Continental GT is a Bentley from bumper to bumper, the role of the company's Volkswagen parent can scarcely be ignored.

The dream of building a new Bentley coupé is not new - indeed it has been alive at Crewe for over 20 years. But it was only the £500 million vote of confidence placed in the marque by VW that brought the dream to reality. And VW has more than merely made funds available to design an all-new car. It has also enabled Bentley to transform the Crewe factory into a thoroughly modern centre of manufacturing excellence, ensuring not only that Bentley is in better shape today than ever, but also guaranteeing its design, engineering and manufacturing sovereignty as far into the future as it is possible to see.

Highlights

An all-new Bentley coupé, inspired by the finest Grand Touring traditions but designed, engineered and built using the most modern techniques blended with inimitable Bentley craftsmanship.

The fastest four-seat coupé in the world with a top speed in excess of 180mph (290km/h) and 0-62mph (100km/h) of under five seconds.

Powered by a Bentley-designed 6-litre, twin-turbocharged, W12 engine developing more than 500bhp. Tuned to provide not simply massive power, but also the unmistakeable Bentley delivery achieved only by the coincidence of high torque at low revs.

Drive is sent to all four wheels, a first for a Bentley - as is the paddle operated, six speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive and electronic stability programme were considered essential not only for the Continental GT's performance, but also to provide year-round versatility in all conditions.

Styled in house at Bentley's design studios in Crewe to incorporate all traditional Bentley design hallmarks into a totally contemporary shape. Packaged to seat a family of four in comfort and to provide enough luggage space for a fortnight's driving holiday.

Styling cues include pillarless cabin, minimal front overhang, pronounced haunches, distinctive 'face' featuring large inner headlamps, flush mounted rear spoiler that rises at speed.

Designed entirely in the virtual world, using the very latest digital processes. Chassis designed by Bentley engineers to provide responsive handling combined with an effortlessly absorbent ride quality consistent with Continental GT's Grand Touring role. (from Bentley Press Release)