Last week, Bentley debuted the new Continental GT at the Bentley Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Highlight of the night was perhaps the new 4.0L twin-turbo V8. The new Bentley powerplant delivers a maximum power of 507PS at 6,000rpm and 660Nm between 1,700 – 5,000rpm; effortless performance in traditional Bentley style. All this power is delivered to all four corners (40:60 rear biased) via 8-speed automatic transmission with a zerotohundred sprint of just 4.8 seconds. Flat out, the V8 Continental GT is capable of 303km/h. This new engine fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that is capable of delivering 40% improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions. It features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system that works in tandem to ensure seamless transition between V8 and V4 modes under light throttle loads. Bentley boasts that the V8 Continental GT is capable of travelling over 800km on a single tank of fuel.
If you find the V8 lacking potency (frankly speaking, how many people would find 507PS to be ‘too little’?), good news because the flagship 6.0L W12 Continental GT is also available. Combining ultimate performance and silken delivery the W12 engine is also twin-turbocharged and will offer 575PS/700Nm (improvements of 15PS/50Nm over its predecessor) to satiate the horsepower-crazy folks. Whilst the W12 sports similar performance figures, top chat has been nudged up to 314km/h. Standard equipment includes of course a sumptuous interior, with a few extra options to help differentiate the models.
All-in, a total of three models were launched here in Malaysia – V8 and W12 Continental GT, and W12 Continental GTC (cabriolet for the uninitiated; V8 GTC to be launched later this year). The exterior features a black gloss matrix grille (V8) or chrome matrix (W12) with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes. On the rear are chromed ‘figure eight’ tailpipes as well as a red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge. 20-inch wheels are offered as standard, with optional 21-inch six-spoke designs and can be finished in a choice of Diamond Black (exclusive to the V8 Continental GT) or Diamond Silver. Inside the cabin, there is an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather split and short centre console that helps to give the new Continental GT a fresh, sporty look.
Prices for the V8 and W12 Continental GT are set at RM1,350,000 and RM1,738,000 respectively whilst the W12 Continental GTC will be sold for RM1,988,000. All prices include import duty and sales taxes. No price has yet been set for the V8 Continental GTC, but expect a similar RM200k or so premium over the coupe.
Bentley Continental V8 Launch Film - YouTube
The New Sound of Bentley - YouTube
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