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2018 Bentley Continental GT Is Sleeker, Slimmer, Boasts 48V Mild-Hybrid System https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2018-bentley-continental-gt-is-sleeker-slimmer-boasts-48v-mild-hybrid-system-120061.html For the third-generation Continental GT, the British automaker decided to make the four-seat longer and wider. The front axle sits 135 millimeters further forward, thus creating the impression the hood is longer and the car is more hunkered down to the ground. All in all, these visual changes are made possibly by MSB, the platform Porsche developed with the Panamera in mind. With Porsche know-how, Bentley decided to mild hybridization in the form of a 48-volt electrical system. The reason? Dynamic Ride System, which uses electronic actuators on the anti-roll bar of each axle. Not only does themild-hybrid system improve handling, but the new Continental GT promises superior ride comfort. The interior is, make no mistake about it, just as impressive as the exterior. For starters, you’re asked to choose between 15 carpet options, 8 handcrafted veneer plus 4 dual-veneer options, as well as 15 upholstery options. 21-inch wheels come standard, with 22ers also available. Despite the fact Bentley offers a mind-boggling 17 exterior paint colors and 70 finishes in the extended range, customization is infinite provided the buyer’s pockets are deep enough. Compared to the 2017 model, the 2018 Bentley Continental GT relies on a dual-clutch transmission with eight forward gears. The fast-shifting tranny makes a great team with the revised W12 engine, a twin-turbo behemoth with 635 PS (626 horsepower) and 900 Nm (664 pound-feet) on tap. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)? 3.7 seconds, thank you, on to a mind-bending 333 km/h (207 mph)! Bentley refused to confirm if the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Panamera Turbo S will be added to the range at some point in the future, but chances are the synergy will happen in order to make the Continental GT attractive to a wider audience. Slightly lighter than before (2,250 kilograms or 4,960 pounds), the Continental GT further brags with body panels that are made out of aluminum crafted using Super Formed technology. “We are the world leader in luxury mobility and our products and services define new luxury in the automotive world. The new Continental GT encapsulates our desire to innovate as well as celebrate our heritage and take the Bentley ownership experience to the next, unparalleled level,”declared Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley.

[extract] Graduates from Bentley Motors are staging an auction of unique collector

Bentley have revealed the latest generation of their best seller, the Continental GT recently. This new for 2011 model looks similar to the outgoing model. By looking similar, this means thaBentley has done a BMW Mini or a Suzuki Swift in terms of a redesign. Everything still looks like the outgoing model and it is only when you squint and look closely, you can see the differences. And you really need to squint. The Continental GT now has a smaller glasshouse compared to the outgoing model. The scuplting around the edges are bolder, the car looks more squat due to a higher beltline and that lower glass area, the rear three quarter windows slightly longer, new larger rear lights, a front lights that takes more from its more expensive sibling; the Mulsanne and a more prominent upright grill. This new Bentley now rides on 20inch wheels with two 21inch wheel options for those that want bigger sized rollers. On the mechanical upgrades, the Conti GT has new aluminium suspension components coupled with a wider front and rear track as well as a new steering system that would benefit ride and handling. The Conti GT also makes 567bhp and 699Nm over 552bhp and 659Nm running a revised 6.0 W12 engine. All that power now runs through a new automatic gearbox that has 50% speedier shifts (down to 200 milliseconds and does throttle blips for precise rev matching) with an all-wheel drive system that channels 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels instead of a standard 50:50 split as before. The car is also 65kg lighter than the outgoing model, making it hit 100km/h from nought in about 4.4seconds and a top speed of 318km/h. Fuel consumption is also slightly improved owing to a 15 percent improvement in powertrain efficiency. Bentley has also stated that there will be a newer more eco friendly, but not necessarily cheaper Continental GT which will use a high output 4.0liter V8. Details have not been stated as yet, as the car is due for launch at the end of 2011. There are not many changes to the interior though. It has 2 inches more legroom for the rear passengers due to the redesigned and slimmer front seats. The materials are better, the multi media interface (hey, it's basically a VW Group car, so the infotainment system could be called an MMI) is new and improved and the center console is a floating type