Astonishing Continental GT Packs Incredible Performance
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| Over 40 practicing and student designers gave the 2004 Bentley Continental GT top design marks. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Are you worried about the global economy in the face of political unrest? It seems that at least 3,200 wealthy consumers aren't.
That number reflects deposits recently taken for the all-new Bentley Continental GT a full six months prior to the date of first delivery. The British company announced the model's $215,250 (Euros 137,069 excluding tax) price on March 5th, the first day of the Geneva Motor Show, and the buying frenzy began.
It's no wonder the car is garnering that kind of attention. While $215,250 is a lot of money for a car, it's not even half the amount of the automaker's $459,995 asking price for the current Continental Final Series, by all accounts not to the 2004 model's capabilities.
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| The Bentley Continental GT is generously proportioned inside, while hand detailed craftsmanship is immediately apparent throughout. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the steel bodied car is most entirely Bentley, it seems the Volkswagen AG owned division is reaping the benefits of economies of scale by incorporating a variation of the German brand's race proven all-wheel drive technology and sensational powertrain. The 500+ horsepower, 6.0-L 12-cylinder engine, configured to form a 'W' instead of the traditional 'V', allows the coupe incredibly fast sprints to 100 km/h and a 190 mph top speed.
The new Bentley is not only one of the most beautifully sculpted interpretations of modern rolling art available, sweeping the production car design awards at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it's surprisingly practical. The Continental GT's meticulously detailed cabin is fairly large for a 2+2, with a sizable trunk perfectly suited for quick weekend getaways.
With new dealerships opening up across North America, Western Europe and even Russia, the hot selling coupé is breathing fresh new life into the legendary luxury brand.