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There is something simple about the iconic Bentley Continental GT that it can seem to get lost in the deluge of available models and higher performance variants in the line-up. Sometimes all you need is the original to best enjoy the open road, especially when it happens to be one of the finest luxury coupes in the market. But then, what else would you expect from the good folks at Crewe in the U.K.
Power comes in the form of a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. This particular engine seems to have been around forever, but such is the staying power of a genuine colossus. In GT form it delivers 582 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 531 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds, with top speed calculated at 319 km/h.
2016 Bentley Continental GT
2016 Bentley Continental GT
2016 Bentley Continental GT
2016 Bentley Continental GT
2016 Bentley Continental GT
2016 Bentley Continental GT
1952 Bentley R-Type Continental
Designed as a four-seater, the 2016 Bentley Continental GT reflects the image of the original 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental. Back then, the R-Type ushered in a new era of high-speed luxury touring, with a top speed of 193 km/h. A total of 208 vehicles were built under the direction of coach builder Mulliner, a name still highly prized in the lexicon of Bentley nomenclature.
Inside, the 2016 Continental GT highlights handcrafted treatment with soft-touch leather and only the finest natural wood for the dash, center console, door panels and more. The flying wings Bentley motif is reflected perfectly in the design; chrome-bezelled dials are a Bentley staple, adding to the overall appeal.
Seats can be ordered with ventilation and state-of-the-art massage. Noise suppression glass, thick carpeting and extra sound insulation makes this one of the quietest automobiles on the road today. A large touchscreen provides easy access to the infotainment system, HVAC and ride control settings. Simply put, the Bentley Continental GT is the epitome of first-class touring. But don’t be fooled; when you want to rip up the pavement, it is happy to oblige.
The need to improve on this timeless classic may strike those with pockets deep enough to cover the additional price. But for the purist, the 2016 Bentley Continental GT is a shining example of what the builders from Crewe had in mind more than 60 years ago.
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