Bentley, Continental

The Bentley Continental is a range of luxury cars produced by British manufacturer Bentley Motors. It was first introduced in 2003 and has since become one of the company's flagship models.

Design and Features

The Continental is characterized by its sleek and curvaceous design, which features a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive rear end with a "sweeping line" that runs from the front to the back of the car. The interior is equally impressive, with premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and metallic accents.

The Continental comes in three main body styles: the Flying Spur (a four-door sedan), the Continental GT (a two-door coupe), and the GTC (a two-door convertible). Each variant has its own unique features, but all share a focus on luxury, comfort, and performance.

Powertrains and Performance

The Continental is powered by a range of V8 engines, which produce between 552 and 626 horsepower. The most powerful model, the Continental GT Speed, accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 208 mph. Other variants offer slightly more modest performance figures, but still deliver exceptional acceleration and handling.

Technology and Safety

The Continental features advanced technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display, and a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The car also boasts a state-of-the-art audio system, which includes 12 speakers and produces up to 1,600 watts of power.

Trim Levels and Options

The Continental is available in several trim levels, including the base model (containing various standard features), the GT V8 S (which adds sportier styling and improved handling), and the GT Convertible (which offers a soft-top roof). Other options include a range of wheel designs, exterior colors, and interior finishes.

Competitors and Market Position

The Bentley Continental competes with other luxury grand tourers, such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, and the Aston Martin Rapide. While these rivals offer impressive performance and features, the Continental is renowned for its unique blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity.

Production and Sales

The Bentley Continental has been produced in limited numbers since its introduction in 2003. Production figures have varied over the years, but the car has consistently sold well among enthusiasts of luxury motoring. In recent years, Bentley has expanded production to meet growing demand, but each model is still hand-assembled at the company's factory in Crewe, England.

Notable Variants and Limited Editions

Over the years, Bentley has created several notable variants and limited editions of the Continental, including the Continental GT Speed (which features a performance-oriented V8 engine), the Continental Flying Spur Mulliner (a luxurious sedan with exclusive interior trim), and the Continental GT Convertible Edition (a special edition model featuring a unique exterior color scheme).