It may not look like much, but this prototype of the 2012 Bentley Continental GT is actually a significantly upgraded vehicle. According to sources at the company, a revised Continental GT should arrive next summer.
Given the Continental unique shape, Bentley's designers didn't bother trying to reinvent the GT all over again. Instead, subtle changes that only a true Bentley enthusiast will notice are evident. Details after the jump.
Up front, it looks as though the new GT will get a refreshed front fascia that includes a new air dam design, lower cutlines in the bodywork and new Gatling gun headlights similar to those on the new Mulsanne sedan. Along the side, you'll notice that the rear edge of the door has a pronounced point while the side mirrors get new integrated signals. This set of wheels also appears to be a new design.
Under the skin, the Continental GT is expected to adopt some elements of the Audi A8's aluminum spaceframe in a bid to reduce weight. This should result in improved performance and efficiency even though Bentley probably won't get much more power out of the 6.0-liter W12 engine.
Inside, the Continental GT will get an upgraded driver interface with modern conveniences like real time traffic and iPod integration. Expect to see more details when the 2012 Bentley Continental GT makes its public debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show this fall.
jederino says:
04:44 PM, 03/24/10
The grill intake reminds me of the G37 coupe. This is a ridiculous and gorgeous car. I'll take mine in primer.
mrryte says:
06:46 AM, 03/25/10
I dunno-I'm just not feeling the Bentley GT ever since the Aston Martin DBS came out.
On a side note; The rims-they look like 21" or 22".
rick8365 says:
08:25 AM, 03/25/10
Beautiful, updated.
cr_driver says:
09:58 AM, 03/25/10
Yeah, those wheels look big..
jjatkins84 says:
04:21 PM, 03/25/10
This car has always been extremely good looking. It was so distinctive when it first came out and it still is. Here in NYC it's very ubiquitous though, definitely does not really turn that many heads here. But, that's just a reflection of the fact that alot of wealthy people reside here in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester and Connecticut suburbs.
There have been reports that it will get a new 8 speed transmission as well as increased power 580 horsepower and 515lb ft of torque for the "base" models. Hopefully the nav system and other electronics are updated because many reviews have said that they drastically outdated. Love the wheels and the LED headlight elements.
jb68902 says:
11:08 AM, 04/ 7/10
When comparing it to the current GT you can see a definite difference in the styling. The lines have been refined even more. The grill is more upright (thanks to European pedestrian standards). The air dam is also redesigned. The mirrors are brand new and look to come straight off of the new Mulsanne. The lights as well are very new and the LEDs look cool.
I also suspect the wheelbase to be an inch or two longer.
This car will probably be loads quicker. 400 pounds is a lot of weight and that's the number I've been hearing.
Overall, the car is even more of a looker. I wasn't sure how they'd redesign such a good looking car, but they've done so and it looks excellent.
I bet the interior will stay nearly identical, but I bet there will be a new steering wheel design. Also, I think the new Bentley will get the vast array of tech from the new A8. I'm sure it'll get everything from night vision to all sorts of lane monitoring, blind spot monitoring, etc. Another thing to change will be the sat nav. I'm sure the Bentley will get the new Google maps sat nav and new graphics like in the new A8.
nurredin says:
08:52 AM, 08/19/10
I'll take mine as a GTC in Beluga with Magnolia interior,thank you.