Forty Practicing and Student Designers Choose Bentley's New Coupe No. 1
 |
| Bentley's Continental GT had a steady stream of automotive press lingering around for the entire pre-show media event. This photo was taken after hours. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
If there was a Detroit auto show design award based on crowd approval Bentley would have easily walked away with even more honors but nonetheless it will simply have to make do with two. Still the Continental GT's two awards are one more than any other production car in the show.
Its Bentley's coupé received the Eyes on Design Awards 'most significant production car' honor, as well as a separate prize for 'most significant production car - exterior design'.
The NAIAS annual event, judged by a mix of 40 practicing automotive designers and top-level students, was led by honorary chairman Fabrizio Giugiaro, director the revered design house ItalDesign founded by his famed father Giorgetto Giugiaro.
 |
| Over 40 practicing and student designers gave the 2004 Bentley Continental GT top design marks. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
"We are delighted to win these awards," stated Bentley Motors' director of design Dirk van Braeckel. "They are judged by car designers, and it's always very satisfying to get praise from your peers. What is even more important is to gain recognition in the USA, Bentley's most important market for the Continental GT."
At over 290 km/h (180 mph) the twin-turbocharged, W12-cylinder equipped 2004 model is the world's fastest four-seat coupe, expected to be available later this year. It will be built at a new production facility in Crewe, England.
