The Two-Decade Journey of the Bentley Continental GT

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The Bentley Continental GT, a vehicle emblematic of Bentley’s resurgence in the 21st century, celebrates its 20-year anniversary.

Initially introduced in 2003, the Continental GT marked the first Bentley model to emerge under Volkswagen Group’s direction. Prior to the acquisition by the VW Group, Bentley was largely stagnant under Rolls-Royce’s ownership, often selling modified versions of Rolls’ models, which were beginning to look increasingly outdated as the 20th century drew to a close.

Bentley Continental GT: An Overview

With Rolls-Royce being transferred to BMW following an agreement between two German manufacturers, VW was tasked with developing a fresh platform for Bentley’s future vehicles. The inaugural vehicle under VW’s leadership was an all-wheel-drive coupe, driven by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine, sporting a name and aesthetics that paid homage to the classic 1952 Bentley R Type Continental.

Bentley Continental GT’s 20th Anniversary

The first-generation Continental GT was in production for a span of seven years, giving birth to convertible and Flying Spur sedan configurations, in addition to the sportier GT Speed and Supersports versions. A significant update, regarded as the second generation by Bentley, was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The most conspicuous alteration was the introduction of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 model, laying the groundwork for a Continental GT3 racing car.

The third generation, launched in 2018, represented a bona fide overhaul, featuring a wholly reimagined exterior design, enhanced infotainment systems, and an innovative dual-clutch transmission, among other key highlights. This iteration of the Continental GT, which continues to be produced, introduced the 48-volt active roll control system initially observed in the Bentayga SUV. Both coupe and convertible models persist, with the Flying Spur maintaining its foundation in the Continental GT but having further evolved as a distinct model.

The Continental GT framework has additionally been employed for custom-built specials such as the Bacalar convertible and Batur coupe, the latter being officially announced by Bentley as the final model to accommodate the W-12 engine.

Bentley Continental GT: Marking 20 Years

To honor twenty years of the Continental GT’s existence, Bentley presented a unique construction during the 2023 Monterey Car Week. This coupe, modeled after the inaugural Continental GT production vehicle—VIN 2001—bears that car’s Cypress Green color, Saddle leather furnishing, and Burr Walnut wood inlay. Exterior updates, including carbon-fiber elements for the front splitter, side skirts, and spoiler, were also added, along with green accents and contrast stitching on the interior. The car is scheduled to embark on a 20-location worldwide tour to celebrate the Continental GT’s two-decade milestone.

Looking towards the future of the Continental GT, an enhanced version of the current generation is anticipated to be revealed in 2024 as a 2025 model. It is expected to incorporate the plug-in hybrid system previously found in the Bentayga Hybrid and Flying Spur Hybrid. An all-electric Continental GT may also be on the horizon, aligning with Bentley’s goal to transition to an entirely electric lineup by the year 2030.

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More about fokus keyword Bentley Continental GT

• Bentley Motors Official Website
• Volkswagen Group
• Monterey Car Week Official Website
• Bentley Continental GT Review and Overview
• Bentley’s Future Electric Lineup