TO RE-WRITE THE LEGEND... What makes a champion return to the scene of last year's triumph and start again in the first round, putting a hard-won reputation to the test? Because it is the contest that makes the champion. And it is the acceptance of new challenges that makes a legend greater still.
WHETHER THE CONTINENTAL T is, as Autocar magazine declared, the "greatest Bentley in half a century" depends upon your tastes and driving style. But it is unquestionably the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever built and the most powerful, with an intensity of character that recalls the marque's racing bloodline. For those in search of mighty performance, the Continental T stands alone.
Remarkably, Bentley engineers have further developed the Continental T since Autocar's words were written. Since then, the power output has risen to 420 bhp (313 Kw), delivering a top speed of 170 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds.
It is the manner of the power delivery that provides the key to the character of the Continental T. Its tuned turbocharged and intercooled 6.75 litre V8 provides a peak torque of 650 lb.ft (875 Nm) at 2200 rpm - a figure unmatched by any other motor car - and yet the output is still as high as 557 lb.ft (750 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The engine is uncompromising, eager, absolute; under full throttle acceleration the performance of the Continental T has a hard-edged urgency that is incomparable.
Such a drivetrain deserves an equally remarkable chassis.and the Bentley engineers have provided it with one. The new asymmetric three-part tread design tyres are manufactured specifically for the Continental T. Combined with the new steering rack ratio of 2.7 turns lock to lock and refined suspension tune, both the ride quality and handling ability have been improved in line with the performance. The exceptional braking performance of the Continental T is confirmed by a 100-0 mph time of 4.96 seconds.
Inside, the bold simplicity of the engine-turned aluminium fascia and single colour hide interior revives memories of the racing Bentleys. The starter button is now located on the fascia while new features such as the chrome ball gearlever and drilled pedals emphasise the special character of the Continental T.
Of all Bentleys, the black-badged Continental T is the most intense and absolute in its responses. But despite its focus upon performance, it still has the rounded abilities that make a Bentley; the Continental T is uncompromised, but never uncivilized.
The 170 mph Continental T is a single-minded performance machine. Its turbocharged and intercooled 6.75 litre V8 engine is tuned to develop 313 kW (420 bhp) and 875 Nm of torque (650 lb.ft), confirming its place as the most powerful production Bentley ever made. Its shortened wheelbase, 285/45 uni-directional tyres on18-inch diameter wheels, wider track and stiffer suspension provide outstanding roadholding and driver feedback, while electronic traction assistance allows the driver to exploit the engine's power with confidence. The latest chassis specification includes a steering rack ratio reduced to 2.7 turns lock to lock. New interior features include a darker shade for the engine-turned aluminium dash,drilled brake and accelerator pedals, hide trimmed waistrails, chrome gear lever gate, chrome-topped gear lever and a fascia-mounted starter button.
BODY STYLE
*Two-door fixed head close-coupled high performance coupe.
*Stainless steel laser-cut matrix grille; reshaped radiator surround.
*Extended front and rear wheel arches.
*Cut through front and rear bumpers with rear under tray.
TECHNOLOGY
*Electronic Traction Assistance System (ETAS) : EMS microprocessor monitors traction with wheel speed data and reacts via fuel metering to individual cylinders, significantly faster and more precisely than conventional throttle or brake intervention systems. Viscous limited slip differential eliminates need for individual wheel control.
*Micro-alloy ventilated front brake discs provide excellent braking capability.
*Automatic Ride Control provides computer control of the suspension dampers to optimise ride comfort and handling.
*Transmission shift energy management provides computer control of the gearbox to produce smooth gear changes under all conditions.
*Adaptive Shift Control modifies the gear change points in 'normal' mode according to driving style.
*Zytek EMS3 engine management system provides high density 32x32 site bit-maps for fueling and ignition, enabling more accurate engine mapping and providing greater efficiency, power and almost instant throttle response.
*Both alarm and headlamp operations are programmable to the owner's individual preferences.
*CFC - free air conditioning system.
*GSM digital telephone system (UK)
*Analog telephone system (North America)
PERFORMANCE
*6.75 litre V8 engine with exhaust driven turbocharger and liquid-cooled charge cooler.
*Digital boost control system.
*Steering rack ratio reduced from 3.1 to 2.7 turns lock to lock.
*Aluminium alloy wheels fitted with directional 285/45 R18 tyres.
*Viscous control differential for optimum traction and control.
*Centre console-mounted gearshift with sport/standard gear change pattern selector.
*Four speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox with torque converter lock-up.
Maximum speed 170mph 270km/h
Acceleration 0-60mph 5.7 seconds
0-100km/h 5.9 seconds
standing steady state
30-50mph 2.16 seconds 2.48 seconds
50-70mph 3.37 seconds 3.69 seconds
0-400 metres 14.1 seconds
Max power 313kw @ 4000 min-1 (420 bhp)
Max torque 875Nm (650 lb. ft) @ 2200 rpm
Braking 100-0 mph 4.96 seconds
0-100-0 mph 19.75 seconds
Fuel Consumption EU drive cycle US EPA
Urban 28.1 1/100km 11.0 mpg
Extra-urban 13.2 1/100km 16.0 mpg
Combined 18.7 1/100km 13.0 mpg
DURABILITY
*Underside of the bodyshell is zinc-coated and undergoes a ten-stage metal pre-treatment process prior to cathodic electro-priming.
*Multi stage painting process with 'clear over base' paint technology.
*Flexibilised polymer clearcoat lacquer applied to the front surfaces of the motor car provides increased stone chip protection.
*Elastomeric stone-chip protective coating is applied to the sill and wheel arch areas prior to painting.
SAFETY
*Fully powered braking system with four channel electronic anti-lock system and anti-dive geometry.
*Driver and front seat passenger airbags.
*Anti-side intrusion beams to doors.
APPOINTMENTS
*Push button starter mounted on fascia.
*New gear lever with semi-circular chrome ball top, leather lower and chrome collar.
*Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals.
*New sports style steering wheel.
*Dark finish engine-turned dash finish with chrome instrument bezels, hide and aluminium waistrails;alternatively other materials, including a wide choice of fine wood veneers, may be specified from the palette of choice.
*New bolstered seats for increased lateral support with perforated centre panels and niche panels.
*Seat belt integrated into seat frame, with automatic headrest adjustment.
*Turbo boost gauge.
*Stacked centre console instrument layout.
*Electric tilt-adjustable steering column with 'easy entry-exit' feature.
*Memory facility allows the positions of the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel of four different drivers to be recalled.
*Dual level air conditioning.
*4x30 Watt tuner-cassette audio system, with 6 CD autochanger mounted in centre console armrest.
*Two stage front seat heating.
*Bi-level lumbar support system to front seats.
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 2961 mm (116.6 in.)
Overall length 5222 mm (17ft. 1.6 in.)
Overall width - across mirrors 2058 mm (6ft. 9 in.)
Overall height 1462 mm (4ft. 9.6 in.)
Track front 1549 mm (60.98 in.)
Track rear 1581 mm (62.24 in.)
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.03 m (36 ft. 2 in.)
Luggage compartment volume 0.347 m (12.2 ft)
Unladen weight - kerbside 2450 kg (5401 lb.)
Laden weight - GVW 2850 kg (6283 lb.)
Fuel tank capacity 108 litres (23.75 gallons)
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
Continental T $299,900.00
Continental T Mulliner $319,900.00