Bentley, Continental, Generation 1 Overview

The first generation of the Bentley Continental, produced from 2003 to 2011, marked a significant departure from traditional luxury car design. Its sleek and sporty appearance was designed by Dirk van Braeckel and introduced as a grand tourer.

Design and Features:

• Sleek, aerodynamic body with a long hood, short rear overhang, and a sloping roofline
• Distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and a large air intake in the bumper
• A choice of 17, 18, or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Unique 'blistered' side panels and a curved roof line, inspired by classic Bentley designs

Interior:

• Luxurious, handcrafted interior with premium leather upholstery
• Wooden trim options, including Burr Walnut and Dark Stained Cherry
• Heated and ventilated seats for front occupants
• Rear passengers enjoyed similar comfort, with a separate audio system and climate control

Powertrain and Performance:

• The Continental was initially powered by the W12 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing 500 horsepower (373 kW)
• A more powerful GT model arrived in 2007, boasting 552 horsepower (413 kW) from its revised W12 powerplant
• Rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard

Suspension and Handling:

• Adaptive air suspension system for improved ride comfort and sporty handling
• Anti-roll bars to maintain stability during cornering maneuvers

Safety Features:

• Dual front, side, and curtain airbags
• Electronic traction control (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP)
• Rear park distance control with a rearview camera option

Dimensions and Capacity:

• Length: 5,144 mm (202.5 in), width: 1,984 mm (78.1 in), height: 1,439 mm (56.7 in)
• Wheelbase: 3,080 mm (121.2 in)
• Boot space: 275 liters (9.7 cu ft) with the rear seats upright

Production and Sales:

• Total production during this generation reached over 32,000 units worldwide
• The Continental was well-received by critics and customers alike, solidifying Bentley's reputation as a luxury performance brand