The Fast and the Furious: Menace on the Mediterranean
We want a Bentley to feel both weighted down with that famous wafting substance and yet always ready to spool up fast and hard like an express train when there’s an opportunity to overtake the poor. One could see that as a dilemma for the automaker, as the world jumps on the “lightweight and green” bandwagon. But this, in reality, is a form of special dispensation we allow both Bentley and Rolls-Royce year after year. If Bentleys started feeling light or harried, we’d be less impressed.
We could see closing the roof of the new Bentley Continental GTC when we might, say, want to explore high-speed runs, but even then it would feel improper; the GTC looks so damned good and inviting with that big roof down.We’ve driven the second-generation Continental GT with the massaged 6.0-liter W12 bi-turbo, now pumping out 567 horsepower peaking at 6,000 rpm, and cranking forth 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 6,000 rpm. That 5,115-pound bear of a GT roars to 60 mph in a reported 4.4 seconds. The soft-top version we’re driving now weighs 5,500 pounds, gets to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and is limited to “just” 195 mph. Yes, 385 pounds have been added to its curb weight, all in the name of making sure this wide-open scoundrel of substance doesn’t bend like a noodle versus the hardtop. Ever try to juke with 385 pounds attached to your lower extremities? It’s a lot, but the Continental is a lot of car.
Interior
• Multi-level heating passenger seat
• 14 -way power passenger seat
• 14 -way power driver seat
• Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Multi-level heating driver seat
• Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Height adjustable passenger seat
Power Features
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 2 one-touch power windows
Convenience
• Cruise control
• Front and rear console with storage
• Front cupholders
• Front door pockets
• 12V front, 12V rear and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
Comfort
• Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger
• Extended cabin heating
• Trunk light
• Alloy, leather and wood trim on center console
• Alloy, leather and wood trim on dash
• Leather trim on doors
• Front reading lights
• Alloy and leather trim on shift knob
• Leather steering wheel
• Front and rear floor mats
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Exterior
Body
• Chrome grille
Tires and Wheels
• Alloy wheels
• 20 x 9.5 in. wheels
• 275/40R Z tires
• Performance tires
Roof and Glass
• Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
• Rear defogger Mechanical
Engine & Performance
• Base engine size: 6.0 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: W12
• Valves: 48
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 516 ft-lbs. @ 1700 rpm
• Horsepower: 567 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.1 ft.
• Base engine type: flex-fuel (FFV)
Fuel
• Fuel type: flex-fuel (FFV)
• Fuel type: flex-fuel (premium unleaded/E85)
• Fuel tank capacity: 24.0 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 288.0/456.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 12/19 mpg
Mechanical Options
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes w/Black Calipers
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes w/Red Calipers
• Standard Brakes w/Red Calipers
Safety
Safety & Security
• 4-wheel ABS
• Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
• Daytime running lights
• Auto delay off headlamps
Read more about Bentley Continental GT
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