Description
Added on the 21/04/2020 08:13:47 - Copyright : Auto Moto EN
In its centenary year, Bentley is celebrating another record-breaking run at the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the release of two new films.Join driver Rhys Millen (NZ) on board the Bentley Continental GT as a new outright record for production cars is set by 8.4 seconds. A camera mounted to Rhys’ race helmet reveals footage from a driver’s point-of-view as he tackles the 156 corners, climbing almost 5,000ft in 10m18.488s.A second film released today covers Bentley’s event highlights from the race build-up, helicopter footage of the run and post-race reactions from the Bentley team and Rhys Millen.
The new Continental GT Speed Coupe and Convertible represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring, and defines the most dynamic road-going Bentley ever made, with no compromise to comfort or luxury. A combination of four chassis technologies give the Continental GT Speed a level of agility, performance and ride quality that has been stretched to new levels.Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon. The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further. Combining the new systems the Continental GT Speed still maintains Bentley’s philosophy that a vehicle should feel progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, while in SPORT this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque–split in all driving scenarios.
The world eagerly welcomed the extraordinary new Continental GT – and now ready for its second race season is the astonishing new Continental GT3 race car. The pedigree is world class, with the previous Continental GT3 being a proven championship-winning endurance racer, scoring over 120 podiums and 45 wins around the world to date.W.O. Bentley promised always to build a “good car, fast car, best in its class” and this is no different with the race car. Development of the new Continental GT3 has been led with passion and innovation by the engineers of Bentley Motorsport’s in-house team based in Crewe, and supported across the car by designers and technicians at Bentley’s technical partner, M-Sport.The new GT3 race car was developed in tandem with the recently launched Continental GT road car, and the performance learnings are many. It utilises a mostly aluminium structure to deliver a much lighter, race-ready weight of significantly less than 1300 kg together with more even weight distribution – ideal for racing. The engine is a new development of the race-proven 4.0-litre Bentley twin-turbo V8, with a redesigned dry sump system and all-new intake and exhaust systems. Unrestricted power is in excess of 550 bhp, fuel consumption is improved and despite reduced exhaust noise the sound is still unmistakably Bentley.
Bentley is completing its new driver-focused S range with the launch of the new Flying Spur S, bringing extra dimensions of increased dynamic ability, dramatic visual presence and heightened aural drama to further enhance Bentley’s pinnacle four-door sedan. This is the first time that Bentley’s historic ‘S’ badge has been applied to a Hybrid product and is another step towards Beyond100, Bentley’s vision of the future and sustainable pathway forwards.The Bentley Flying Spur has long been feted for its ability to engage the driver without compromising passenger comfort. As with the recently launched Continental GT S and GT S Convertible, the new Flying Spur S models focus on the pleasure of driving – but with the added choice between 4.0-litre V8 or V6 Hybrid powertrains.
A unique global relay, marking 20 years of the Continental GT, has reached its conclusion with the arrival in Crewe of the specially-made 20th anniversary baton. The baton’s lap of the world included stops in Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia Pacific, the US and UK, visiting 20 journalists and content creators in the process as part of 20 memorable drives – one for each year of Continental GT production.The launch of the first-generation Continental GT in 2003 marked a seismic change in the fortunes of Bentley Motors. The first all-new Bentley of the modern era, the first with all-wheel drive and the first to feature the innovative W12 engine, the Continental GT swiftly propelled Bentley to its current status as the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world.The design of the 20th anniversary baton was developed in the Crewe design studio and received the same level of meticulous refinement as any production model feature. Finished in Cypress Green (the exterior finish of the first-ever production Continental GT) the baton has an intriguing, asymmetrical twist, like the blade of an aircraft propellor. A knurled cap, modelled on the Continental GT’s drive mode selector, allows access to the baton’s interior where the scroll is carried. Head of Bentley Design Collaborations, Chris Cooke takes a deep dive into the details: “Every element of the baton sculpture was inspired by the Continental GT, and there is purpose in every form. For example, the end cap shows a simplified graphic of the Continental GT with its three feature lines; the Bentley powerline from the front wheel arch along the car’s flanks; the flyline of the roof; and the muscular ‘haunch’ over the rear wheel. Hold the baton horizontally, and as you turn it in your hands you will see each of those lines in the contours of the sculpture.” In the subtlest of touches, each profile also lines up perfectly with its corresponding line on the cap graphic.
To celebrate 20 years of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors is hosting a four-month programme of unique models, drives and events that kicks-off today at the Shanghai Auto Show with the debut of a one-of-one Continental GT S. This unique car showcases several bespoke Mulliner features, including commemorative badging, inlays and design motifs marking 20 years of the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors.The exterior of the special GT S for Shanghai is the strikingly sinister Magnetic dark grey metallic, complemented by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels but with a splash of colour provided by red brake calipers. The black-and-red theme is carried into the interior, with duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black. A bespoke interior features a unique Mulliner colour way, dual-finish fascias and waistrails and bespoke detailing to centre console and treadplates. The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, giving a unique tactile finish, while the lower veneer is in Grand Black and features a laser-etched overlay celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the Continental GT. A red pinstripe separates the two finishes, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents.The treadplates proudly display two silhouettes, one of the 1st generation Continental GT and second of the 3rd generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT. The same design can be found on the centre console, whilst the LED welcome lamp in the door has a unique design celebrating the anniversary of the iconic grand tourer.
Bentley Americas and The SagerStrong Foundation, founded by the late Craig Sager and his wife Stacy, recently debuted a collaborative passion project dedicated to bringing Craig’s iconic, overwhelmingly positive, and exuberant energy to life. All in an effort to benefit blood cancer research, the vibrant design by the Bentley Mulliner team, who drew direct inspiration from Craig’s famous on-screen wardrobe, creates a one-off vehicle worthy of collectability and auction bidding early next year.One of Craig’s last major appearances was his speech at the 2016 ESPYs – accepting the Jimmy V Foundation’s ‘Perseverance Award.’ His stand-out style was on full display, as were his moving words. Stemming from the unique fabric sported that evening, the Mulliner team was able to mimic the flower pattern to complement the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible’s iconic shape, including its Power and Haunch lines. A statement of true sporting purpose, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible effortlessly blends style with performance intent. The bold presence of the world’s finest open-top Grand Tourer has been enhanced even further with heart felt and unique detailing.
Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible @ Milano Monza Open-Air Motor Show 2022
|
Support : Technical 
- Content 
- Editors 
