Bentley is redefining itself as a brand for drivers, not merely the purveyor of sporty limousines to be driven in. Rather all Bentley's have been designed as refined performance machines that reward assertively applied skill behind the wheel, all the while pampering driver and passengers with what many deem to be the ultimate in luxury appointments. As Bentley Motors puts it, "it should have supercar pace, elegance, and exquisite levels of interior accommodation. As a Bentley, it must have all of these strengths and the capability to cover continents with power and comfort in reserve."
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| With its relatively approachable price, the Bentley Continental GT opens up the brand to a much wider prospective customer base. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
While such a statement could be made regarding the brand's current sedans, the Arnage R and T, as well as the outgoing Continental Coupe and Azure convertible, it's the new Continental GT that is said to deliver the promise most concisely. With a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h), few supercars can keep up let alone 4-passenger luxury coupes. Its all-wheel drive traction only adds to the car's reported confidence inspiring handling. Add to that unparalleled attention to detail inside and out, and the Bentley is truly a rare breed of motorcar.
It has taken many years for Bentley, previously owned by Rolls-Royce, to completely measure up to founder WO Bentley's legendary words, when 84 years ago he stated a car bearing his name should be "a good car, a fast car, the best in its class." As it seems, the new Continental GT does just that.
The new model is expected to be priced at USD$150,000, which directly translates to about CAD$198,000. This now puts Bentley into the sights of clientele that otherwise might be shopping for an Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz CL AMG or Porsche Turbo, opening up the brand to a much wider prospective customer base than ever before.