Bentley probably could add at least $50,000 to the price of the $155,990 Bentley Continental GT coupe and easily get it.
I found the Continental GT to be a much better car than the Continental R, which was a low volume auto. In contrast, Bentley plans to annually sell considerably more Continental GTs in America.
Decent Volume Expected
The Continental GT will finally give Bentley decent volume in America, at least for a small, exclusive European outfit. I couldn’t find a seam out of place in my test Continental GT, which felt like a pure Bentley despite the Bentley-modified Volkswagen and Audi parts.
Racing Champ
Bentleys used Rolls-Royce parts after Rolls bought it. Most were essentially sportier Rolls models with a Bentley grille. Bentley founder W.O. Bentley stayed to advise Rolls after the company was bought and to infuse new management with his sporting credentials. Cars such as turbocharged Bentley sedans have kept the Bentley sporting image alive in recent years.
A Driver’s Car
While the Bentley used a Rolls chassis, the Bentley emphasis was on power, performance and handling. The Continental GT certainly is meant to be driven. The aerodynamic 2-door body helps this car hit nearly 200 mph—or a dizzying 198 mph, to be exact, without a tailwind. The Continental GT provides seemingly endless power and effortless performance.
First All-Wheel-Drive Bentley
The Continental GT is the first all-wheel-drive Bentley and has an electronic stability control system. Huge disc brakes that fit into big 19-inch wheels provide impressive stopping power—especially for such a heavy car.
Low Fuel Economy
Nearly all Bentleys have been large, heavy cars. Even the 1920s’ Le Mans winners were big, robust models with large engines favored by W.O. Bentley.
Other than fuel economy, weight is no problem with the Continental GT. It accelerates like a high-powered sports car and is so refined that it’s a problem keeping the car within speed limits.
Dreamy Interior
It takes about 20 hours to produce the wood for a Continental GT interior. Safety features include front side-impact airbags and head-protecting front and rear side- curtain airbags.
It’s opened by a remote control or by pressing on the trunk lid’s small Bentley emblem.
