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600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon

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600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon Empty 600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon

Post by LhYnxz Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:46 pm

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon Gtspeed

• The most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph.
• Inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed’ models of the1920s.
• A harder-edged, more sporting Bentley driving experience.
• Builds on the success of Bentley’s iconic Continental GT coupe.
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The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever
and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the
company’s highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends
the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place
a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is
defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille
that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its
600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine
percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine
efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight
components and a new engine management system. The resultant
performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a
zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and
effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed’s high performance is its unique
chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with
new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as
standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as
an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille
and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the
Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models
that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already
established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding,
handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder,
recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the
enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the
3-litre ‘Speed Model’, complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher
compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all
Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from
internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption
and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its
top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time
of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon 007__scaled_600_047


The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe
market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also
represented the first step in Bentley's renaissance, positioning the
company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration.
Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT
was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving
Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to
celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the
Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley
Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the
expansion of the Continental GT model offering:

“The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon.
The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving
experience, builds on this success.”

New Continental GT Series – News in Brief

Continental GT Speed
• The
most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12
engine delivers 600bhp (610PS/449kW) and 553lb ft (750Nm):
• A nine percent increase in power and 15 percent increase in torque.
• Top speed of 202mph (326km/h).
• 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s).
• 0-100mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2s).
• Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.0s).
• CO2 emissions reduced by 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar
reduction in fuel consumption as a result of improved engine efficiency.
• Harder-edged, more sporting driving experience through enhanced chassis:
• Lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
• New levels of roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
• Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive
Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear
bushings.
• ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with
more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
• Subtle styling modifications distinguish the Continental GT Speed from the Continental GT:
• Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
• Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
• Mulliner Driving Specification (also available as an option on the Continental GT) includes:
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels.
Continental GT
• Power
output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS) but
benefits from internal efficiency improvements for a reduction in CO2
emissions of 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel
consumption.
• Top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).
• Improved ride comfort thanks to addition of new low-friction dampers.
• In combination with the all-wheel drive system, the uprated ESP 8.1
with new ‘Sport Traction’ mode ensures superb traction, without being
intrusive.
• Distinctive, classic Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.
Both models
• 35kg (77lb) reduction in kerb weight due primarily to optimisation of suspension and cooling system components.
• Increased use of aluminium parts in suspension benefits steering feel and rolling comfort.
• Revised Servotronic power steering gives improved feel and feedback.
• Optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes provide improved brake feel (only available on 20-inch wheels).
• Discs will last lifetime of car and pad life is doubled (in normal driving conditions).
• New, more upright front grille and larger lower air intakes give improved airflow, to aid engine cooling.
• Chromed headlamp bezels.
• Two new exterior paint colours (Cumbrian Green and Granite).
• Two new leather hide colours (Newmarket Tan and Cumbrian Green).
• The new Continental GT and GT Speed are available to order from August 2007.
• Engine enhancements for all Continental GT models

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon 004__scaled_600_061


At the heart of both Continental GT models is the Bentley 6-litre, twin
turbocharged W12 engine, the most compact 12-cylinder engine in
production. The 48-valve head employs four camshafts and continually
variable valve-timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed
automatic transmission.

A host of engine and transmission enhancements have been introduced on
the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT to enhance both the refinement and
efficiency of this high technology powertrain. These include:

• New crankcase design to reduce internal losses.
• More efficient catalyst and exhaust system for improved emissions.
• Lighter weight single chain drive for camshaft.
• New engine management system and faster response cam sensor.
• For the Continental GT, the engine continues to produce 552bhp (560PS
/ 412kW) at 6100 rev/min and a maximum torque of • 650Nm (479lb ft)
from1600 rev/min. The twin, low-inertia turbochargers are a key factor
in producing the flat torque curve, characteristic of every Bentley.

A new higher output of the W12 engine is specified for the GT Speed,
sharing engine efficiency improvements with the GT model. New lighter
weight con rods enhance engine response, while new pistons, with
anodised compression ring grooves, are designed to withstand increased
cylinder pressures. Together with a recalibrated version of the new
engine management system, the GT Speed develops nine percent more power
than the GT - 600bhp (610PS) at 6000 rev/min. The maximum torque of
750Nm (553lb ft) at 1750 rev/min represents an increase of over 15
percent versus the standard engine. As a result, the GT Speed becomes
the first production Bentley to top 200mph (322km/h), with a V-max of
202mph (326km/h).

Both the Continental GT Speed and GT models now produce lower CO2
emissions of 396g/km, down from 410g/km, an improvement of 3.5 percent.
Fuel consumption is improved by a similar amount.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, says the two new models offer something for every Bentley enthusiast:

“The Continental GT will continue to be the benchmark for the luxury
coupe class, offering an unrivalled blend of performance and
refinement. The new Continental GT Speed is a true driver’s car with
immense power and superb handling.”

The advanced ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic gearbox has the ability to
lock up its torque converter during normal driving conditions
replicating the immediacy of a manual transmission while maintaining
the smoothness of an automatic. A manual override function allows
clutchless manual changes via the gearlever or steering wheel paddles.

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon 005__scaled_600_060
LhYnxz
LhYnxz
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Number of posts : 485
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Location : Bayamon, PR
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600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon Empty Re: 600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon

Post by LhYnxz Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:46 pm

Providing huge levels of grip and stability in all weather conditions,
the all-wheel drive system harnesses the prodigious power and torque of
both the Continental GT and GT Speed coupes. The system uses a central
Torsen differential and a differential on both the front and rear axles
providing a standard 50:50 torque split. This front to rear ratio is
variable depending on the available grip and the system can sense slip
of less than one percent and react by apportioning the engine's torque
to either the front or rear axle.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP) has been uprated to
ESP 8.1 for both models. The Continental GT has a new “Sport Traction”
mode that moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, providing a greater
degree of driver interaction and control. This is particularly
beneficial from standing starts, for example when pulling away uphill
on low traction surfaces.

The Continental GT Speed offers a new 'Dynamic Mode' that allows
increased wheel slip at higher speeds than the 'Sport Traction' mode on
the standard chassis. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the
traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a
greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential
of the new engine.

Highly tuned suspension for outstanding handling
Chassis, suspension and steering modifications for both the Continental
GT and GT Speed models ensure they have the handling to match their
formidable powertrains. Both are suspended on double wishbones at the
front and a trapezoidal multi-link system at the rear. Much of the
suspension is made from lightweight aluminium. The GT Speed model also
benefits from a solid-mounted front subframe, while high-stiffness
aluminium front uprights are common to both models. Together with
stiffer rear suspension bushes these deliver even sharper handling
characteristics. The GT Speed also features modified front and rear
anti-roll bars to minimise understeer and optimise handling balance.

Self-levelling air suspension that constantly monitors and adjusts the
ride height and damping according to road conditions is common to both
models, although the GT Speed is engineered to sit 10mm lower at the
front and 15mm lower at the rear to improve handling dynamics. Uprated
springs and dampers, together with revised software control, further
improve the agility and body control of the GT Speed.

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon 006__scaled_600_047


All-new 9.5Jx20-inch alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tyres
have a major effect on the GT Speed’s steering and grip levels. The
wider wheel and reduced tyre wall profile improve the tyre’s lateral
stiffness giving noticeably sharper steering response and feel. The new
Pirelli performance tyres are developed specifically for the GT Speed
and benefit from a unique construction and rubber compound for enhanced
levels of grip.

Both the Continental GT and GT Speed benefit from changes to the rack
and pinion steering. Revisions to the system’s hydraulics reduce
friction and improve steering feel, while a new version of the
speed-sensitive Servotronic system also increases levels of feedback to
the driver.

Secondary ride levels – the response of the car to poor road surfaces,
pot holes or cats’ eyes, for example – have been improved on the 552bhp
Continental GT model with the addition of low friction dampers. And
even though the new GT Speed has stiffer, lowered suspension its ride
quality is on a par with the 2007 Continental GT.

The Continental GT and GT Speed are both equipped with the largest
brakes of any production passenger car on sale today. The ventilated
front discs have a 405mm diameter and are 36mm thick. Ventilated discs
are also used at the back, with a diameter of 335mm and a thickness of
22mm.

For both models, the performance boundaries are further extended by
Bentley’s optional carbon/silicon carbide brake system. Boasting 420 x
40mm carbon-silicon carbide, cross-drilled front discs and 356 x 28mm
rears, with eight-piston callipers, the new brakes are even larger than
the standard system. The system provides a 20kg reduction in rotating
and unsprung mass, benefiting steering response and handling.

The lightweight, fade-resistant braking system minimises disc
distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal driving
conditions the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car.
Furthermore, brake pad life is doubled compared with the standard
braking system.

Complementing the braking systems of both Continental GT models are
sophisticated safety systems, including Hydraulic Braking Assistance
(HBA), anti-lock braking (ABS), drag torque control (MSR) and
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The latter monitors the level
of grip available to each tyre and apportions braking force
accordingly. This not only helps reduce stopping distances but also
greatly enhances the control enjoyed by the driver under heavy braking.

600bhp Continental GT Speed Extends Appeal of Bentley’s Icon 001__scaled_600_116


Subtle changes to acclaimed coupe design
The Continental GT has received many accolades for its distinctive,
muscular and elegant style. It has redefined the concept of the
contemporary Grand Touring coupe: forward looking yet faithful to
Bentley’s design heritage. Classic sculpted coupe design cues such as
curvaceous rear haunches, short front overhang, prominent front grille
and longer rear overhang echo the look and feel of some of the great
Bentleys of yesteryear. The style of the GT has stimulated customer
interest like no other Bentley to create a modern-day design icon. For
the latest iteration of the Continental GT success story, the
enhancements of the car’s exterior are therefore intentionally subtle,
as Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel explains:

“Our objective was to convey the performance potential of the new GT
Speed model, while retaining all the design cues so valued by our
customers.”

The principal changes to the frontal appearance are common to both the
GT and the new GT Speed. The subtly revised front grille, now more
vertical, has a more pronounced square edge accentuating the GT’s
distinctive Bentley profile. Beneath the grille, the all-new lower
bumper design features a wider central air intake that emphasises the
sporting stance of the new models. Chromed bezels around the headlamps
complement the new frontal design.

The Continental GT Speed is distinguished from the Continental GT by
its dark-tinted chrome matrix grille to the main and lower air intakes.
Bright chromed grilles may be specified at no extra cost. At the rear,
a black lower bumper valance and wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes
emphasise the GT Speed’s sporting character, reinforced by new
multi-spoke 20-inch sports alloy wheels. As an option, these may be
specified with a dark chromed finish.

The GT Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving
Specification (a cost option on the standard GT). It includes a choice
of veneers (Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black),
Diamond-quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblem, indented
hide headlining, a sports alloy gearlever, three-spoke multi-function
sports steering wheel, drilled alloy foot-pedals as well as ‘Speed’
logos to the treadplates.

A range of Mulliner options provide further opportunities for
personalisation including fascia panels, header and centre console in
bright aluminium or, unique to the GT Speed, dark tint aluminium
(compatible only with Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer or Piano Black
veneer and single tone interior colour scheme). The Continental GT also
benefits from a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

Continental GT and GT Speed customers have a choice of 16 ‘standard’
paint colours and 17 premium grade leather hide colours, including two
new exterior paint colours (Cumbrian Green and Granite) and two new
interior leather hide colours (Newmarket Tan and Cumbrian Green).
Customers also have the option to select from the Arnage colour palette
or choose Bentley’s colour-matching programme to produce a bespoke
colour of their choice.
LhYnxz
LhYnxz
Site Administrator
Site Administrator

Number of posts : 485
Age : 44
Location : Bayamon, PR
Reputation : 0
Points : 30
Registration date : 2007-12-01

http://www.vwfusioncrew.net

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