Bentley hasn't yet announced anything too groundbreaking for the Geneva Motor Show, though an all-new sports coupe concept and the much-publicized Bentayaga SUV (yep, that's really the name) seem to be possibilities. Whether or not either of those new models make an appearance, we do know that the Continental GT line will get freshened up at the show. Revisions include more W12 power, modest restyling and new options.
The big news for those that like the Continental GT as a high-performance car first, luxury tourer second, is the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 performance increase from 567 bhp (423 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque to 582 bhp (434 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque. Aimed at maintaining the car's "reputation of effortless performance," the output increase comes with no loss of fuel efficiency, and in fact, the revised Continental GT gets an efficiency bump of up to 5 percent thanks to a variable displacement that enables it to run on six cylinders. Bentley equates it out to a not-so-mindblowing bump to 20 mpg (14.1 L/100 km), from 19.5 mpg (14.5 L/100 km).
Take a quick glance at the revised Continental GT and it looks about the same as the current model. A closer inspection reveals a few points of differentiation, assuming you really know the car or have a reference photo. Up front, the new GT features a new front bumper, a smaller radiator shell, and new fenders with a B-shaped vent just below the character line. The rear bumper and trunk lid have been reshaped to lend more of a sense of aerodynamics and power. The V8 S and GT Speed are distinguished as the performance Continentals with help from a new rear diffuser. New 20- and 21-in wheels finish off the revised exterior packaging.
Bentley fills its ever-so-slightly-reshaped body shell with a modestly reworked interior. The driver has larger, knurled paddle shifters at his or her disposal and can select a more ergonomic sports steering wheel as an option. Onboard Wi-Fi is available across the entire Continental range, and V8 and V8 S models include a new smart device charging console between the rear seats. Among the aesthetic changes, the instrument panel dials and graphics have been updated and LED lighting now illuminates the cabin. New leather and Alcantara options are available as well.
Hopefully, we'll have a headline debut to check out at Bentley's Geneva booth, but if not, we'll spend the time taking a closer look at the new Continental GT models. In the meantime, you can look it over in our full gallery of Bentley photography.
Source: Bentley