new auto cars 2012: 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

2013, Bentley, Bentley Continental GT V8, Cars 3:49 AM

The Bentley Continental GT is a two-door 'two plus two' grand touring coupe released in 2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and T. A re-bodied Volkswagen Phaeton, it is equipped with a 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 560 metric horsepower at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 newton metres at 1,600-6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is standard. It will accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour.

The convertible version of the Continental GT, the Continental GTC, was first presented in September 2005, and was introduced to several world markets in the autumn of 2006. With the second generation Azure, it is the second Bentley convertible released in 2005. The roof is produced by Karmann in Osnabruck, Germany. The GTC uses identical powertrain detail as the GT, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.1 seconds. With the roof up, it will reach a top speed of 314 kilometers per hour, and with the roof down 305 kilometres per hour.

On 1 August 2007, Bentley released details of a more powerful GT. Power is increased to 600 metric horsepower, with a top speed of 325 kilometres per hour and a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. The GT Speed can accelerate to 200 km/h from 0 in 12.8. The Continental's weight is also reduced by 35 kg. Minor exterior changes include a tinted front grille and larger exhaust tailpipes. The price for this model is £137,000. The Continental GT Speed is the first production Bentley officially capable of reaching 326 km/h, despite the fact the car weighs over 2,400 kilograms.