The Bentley Continental GT Series 51 is a high-performance grand tourer produced by British luxury car manufacturer Bentley from 2009 to 2011. It is the first generation of the Continental GT and replaced the original model launched in 2003.
Design and Features:
The Series 51 features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser.
A new set of alloy wheels, designed by Mulliner, is available in three different finishes: Dark Tint, Polished, or Gloss Black.
The exterior paint palette has been updated to include new colors such as Beluga Metallic and Onyx Black Pearl.
Inside, the Series 51 features a revised interior with new trim options, including Piano Black and Gloss Engine-turned facia.
A 30 GB hard drive is standard on all models, providing enough storage for up to 4,000 music tracks or 250 hours of video.
Powertrain:
The Continental GT Series 51 is powered by a W12 twin-turbo engine producing 552 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-6,000 rpm.
This engine is mated to a close-ratio, six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
Performance:
The Series 51 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 195 mph (314 km/h).
A "Sport T" mode is available on the gear selector stalk, allowing drivers to experience the full potential of the W12 engine.
Interior and Comfort:
The Series 51 features a revised interior with improved materials and craftsmanship.
A new, hand-stitched leather steering wheel is standard, adding a touch of elegance to the driving experience.
A Burr Walnut veneered wood trim is available as an option for those who want to add a more luxurious feel to their car.
Safety Features:
The Series 51 features a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic headlights.
Production Numbers and Discontinuation:
Only 300 units of the Continental GT Series 51 were produced worldwide in 2009.
This limited-production run marked the end of the first-generation Continental GT, which was replaced by the second-generation model in 2011.