Automotive Einstein

With twin-turbocharged W12 power, the finest materials furnishing the cabin and a powerful, bulldog-like presence, the Bentley Continental GT and the higher-performance GT Speed have few peers. Combining effortless performance with an interior that is the epitome of the coachbuilder’s art, the Continental GT is a prime example of a grand touring-oriented exotic luxury coupe.

The Continental’s standard engine is a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 that pumps out 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and sends its power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. With a 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds, a quarter-mile performance of 12.8 seconds and a top speed approaching 200 mph, the Continental GT is a supercar in every sense. And that supercar became even more super for 2008. The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful automobile Bentley has ever produced, with horsepower on the twin-turbo W12 boosted up to 600 and torque a whopping 553 lb-ft.

As one might expect, the Bentley Continental GT comes loaded with practically anything you could want in a luxury touring coupe. Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, xenon headlights, adjustable suspension damping, 14-way power front seats, a navigation system and a 300-watt, 12-speaker audio system. In addition to its more powerful engine, the GT Speed gains 20-inch wheels with 13 dual spokes, darkened chrome mesh grilles (upper and lower), diamond-stitch leather upholstery, three-spoke steering wheel and other upgraded interior trim.

Options include the Mulliner Driving Specification Package (20-inch wheels, unique leather upholstery and upgraded wood trim), carbon-ceramic brakes and lumbar massage for the front seats.

Should a potential buyer wish to further set his Continental GT apart from all the others littering Rodeo Drive, he may choose custom colors and interior trim not offered in the Bentley catalog.