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Bentley Continental
GT
Bentley Continental
GT is a grand tourer coupe with two doors
and a 2+2 seating arrangement released in
2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based
Continental R and T. Bentley
Continental GTThe Continental GT has a 6 litre
W12 engine with twin turbochargers that produce
552 bhp (412 kW). Acceleration from 0-60 mph
takes 4.7 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 s),
the top speed is 198 mph (318 km/h). It has
four wheel drive, the first Bentley to do
so, and a six speed automatic transmission
with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles
for instant override. The engine and air suspension
are loosely based on owner Volkswagen's flagship
car the Phaeton.
The
Continental GT features the largest brake
disc on any production car at 405 mm (16
in) in front. The rear disc measures 335
mm (13 in). With a waiting list of 1 1/2
years it has proven to be a huge success
for Bentley and Volkswagen. Depending on
options it is priced around £120,000.
The four-door Continental
Flying Spur saloon was shown at the 2005 Geneva
Motor Show in March. The Flying Spur utilizes
the Volkswagen Phaeton platform, and will
be available in the United States in the summer
of 2005 for around US$175,000. Together they
will take Bentley production from around 1000
units in 2003 to nearly 9000 units in 2006.
One
notable aspect of the Continental Flying
Spur is its grille. Although it looks like
a traditional chromed brass mesh, it is
actually made of plastic. This was done
to add pedestrian safety to the car - it
is designed to break apart on impact to
soften the blow. However, it will not meet
the forthcoming European Union pedestrian
safety regulations.
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