The next generation of the Bentley Continental GT has been spied for the first time.
The spy shots reveal a modified version of the second-generation Panamera. This is because Bentley’s engineers are using the second generation Panamera’s body to test the powertrain of the next generation Continental. In the test car, we can see that the rear doors have been shortened and the rear track widened. A bulge on the hood shows that the test mule is being powered by Bentley’s W12 engine. The license plate of the test vehicle has been registered with Bentley in the United Kingdom.
The Continental will be based on Volkswagen’s MSB platform. The platform will also underpin the next generation Panamera. That is why Bentley’s engineers are using the body of the Porsche to test their car. The MSB platform for large cars with engines at the front. The platform allows for rear wheel drive and all wheel drive cars. The platform will also underpin the next generation Flying Spur. Porsche is overseeing the development of the platform which uses lightweight materials like high-strength steel and aluminum in its construction.
The next generation of the Bentley Continental GT will be powered by a W12 engine and a V8 engine just like the current car. The W12 engine will be the new 6.0-litre twin turbo unit that made its debut in Bentayga SUV. At launch, only the W12 engine will be available. Power output could be increased to around 600 bhp. Later, we could also see a plug-in hybrid to be offered. A diesel engine is unlikely.
Design wise, the Continental GT could take inspiration from the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept that was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The car should be launched sometime in 2017 and should reach showrooms by 2018.
The Continental GT is one of the oldest coupes on sale. It was launched during the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. The car has received updates since then but the styling and the platform are still the same. It is available as a coupe and a convertible and is powered by a 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine or a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine. Both the engines are available in two states of tune. It is mated to an 8-speed ZF Tiptronic automatic transmission and power is sent to all four wheels. In India, the Continental range starts at INR 3.28 crores (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and goes up to INR 4.03 crores (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Source – Motor Authority