New Continental GT. Bentley has updated the Continental GT Speed ​​coupe Bentley Continental Gee

The Bentley Continental GT sports coupe was first unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show and positioned as the successor to the Continental R and T models.

For seven years of production, the car has acquired many modifications and special versions, and at the motor show in Paris in 2010, the premiere of the new 2nd generation Bentley Continental GT took place.

Options and prices Bentley Continental GT

At first glance, outwardly Bentley Continental GT 2 does not differ much from its predecessor, but meanwhile, all of its body panels are completely new. Visual differences include a redesigned grille, new headlights and front bumper, as well as redesigned taillights and a trunk lid reminiscent of a flagship sedan.

The overall dimensions of the model have not changed, the length of the new Bentley Continental GT is 4,806 mm, the wheelbase is 2,746, the width is 1,944, the height is 1,404, the weight of the coupe with a twelve-cylinder engine is 2,320 kg.

In the cabin, at first glance, everything remains as before. But now the Continental GT boasts a new multimedia system, even more luxurious trim materials and moved from the front seats to the place of the B-pillar seat belt anchors. This allowed the seats to be slightly thinner, freeing up an extra five centimeters of legroom for rear passengers.

Under the hood of the Bentley Continental GT (2016-2017) is the already well-known W12 twin-turbo with a displacement of 6.0 liters, but its output has increased by 15 hp. (from 560 to 575 forces), and the maximum torque increased by 50 Nm (up to 699 Nm).

The engine is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission (instead of the previous six-speed automatic), transmitting torque to all wheels in a ratio of 40:60.

Together with a weight reduction of 65 kilograms, the coupe starts from zero to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor), and its top speed remains the same at 319 km / h. The average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is stated at 14.5 liters per hundred.

In addition, for the first time in the lineup appeared with a 507-horsepower "eight" with a volume of 4.0 liters, developed jointly with Audi. This version costs in Russia from 10,049,000 rubles, and the price of a Bentley Continental GT 2014 with a W12 unit starts at 11,289,000 rubles.

Photos of the new Bentley Continental GT W12

The 2018-2019 Bentley Continental GT is a high-end Gran Turismo sports coupe for long-distance travel. In fact, this purpose lies in the body, the Briton himself is rarely used outside the city. The new generation was presented in 2017 at a closed presentation, and after that the world premiere took place in Frankfurt.

Bentley belongs to General Motors, which still owns many companies, they successfully combine them. For example, the third generation of the Bentley coupe is built on the new MSB modular platform. The model is assembled, as in the UK factory - Crewe.

New body design

The first and second generation did not differ much from each other, the novelty has changed dramatically. Each car can be customized, there are all sorts of small details and of course colors - 30 variations.

The front end of the coupe received 5 aggressive lines around the hood, extending from the headlights, one central line, passing to the vertical line of the radiator grille. The huge rectangular grille is all made up of small rhombuses, one vertical line. New round LED matrix optics, divided into two parts, edged with chrome. The bumper received a forward extrusion, massive air intakes and a division into a central grille.

The profile of the car received extended wheel arches, especially the rear ones. From the front capsule a line that makes the rear arch even more massive. The line from the headlight of the Continental GT runs under the window frame and extends to the rear spoiler. At the bottom of the sidewall of the body there is a massive recess with an integrated silver gill and a line extending from it, enveloping the body from behind.

The window frame trim is chrome-plated. Rear-view mirrors are installed on the leg, giving sportiness to the body. The basic equipment of the machine is equipped with 21-inch wheels, which can be expanded to 22-inch. Disc options are shown below.

The rear of the car is equipped with new oval optics with chrome trim. The adaptation of the exhaust system integrated into the lower plastic protection looks stylish. The shape of the exhaust and headlights repeats each other. The curved trunk lid is equipped with a retractable spoiler. The bumper is essentially simple, elongated from below, where a plastic insert with a decorative diffuser is located.

Body Bentley Continental GT new

The manufacturer shifted the front axle of the coupe forward, reduce the front overhang. Thus, the manufacturer has improved the weight distribution to almost perfect - 45% to 55% in favor of the rear axle. The improvement had a positive effect on handling.

The body is made of high-strength steel and aluminum. The outer panels are made of winged metal, hardened at 500 degrees. Overall changes in curb weight decreased by 80 kg to 2244 kg.

The visual part is worked out for a reason, the car still belongs to the category of sports, so aerodynamics is important. The drag coefficient compared to its predecessor has decreased by 2 points to 0.29 Cx.

Dimensions changes:

• length - 4805 mm;
• width - 1954 mm;
• height - 1405 mm;
• wheelbase - 2851 mm.

Salon update

The interior design has radically changed, everything is sheathed in natural leather with inserts made of wood, aluminum and piano lacquer. The tree is located on the dash panel and the top of the door cards.

Approaching the car, keyless entry detects the owner, welcoming him with a programmed light greeting of optics, illuminated thresholds and interior contour lighting.

There are 4 seats, but the rear sofa can hardly be called complete. The seats are molded for sporty style, but there is not enough free space there, the legs rest against the front seats. The front seats are trimmed with leather, one chrome line, massive lateral support, electrically adjustable and heated. The ventilation and massage make them different from ordinary sports car seats.

The seats of the new Bentley Continental GT are upholstered in leather with diamond-in-diamond stitching. Let's analyze the colors of the upholstery:

• Magnolia
• camel;
• linen;
• Portland;
• saddle;
• Brunel;
• Cumbrian Green;
• Burnt Oak;
• Damson;
• cricket ball;
• hotspur;
• Newmarket Tan;
• Porpoise;
• imperial blue;
• Beluga.

The front passengers are separated by a wide tunnel, originating from the center console. A cool feature at the top of the console is three pointer indicators, the platform of which turns over, providing a multimedia display. The Rotating Display is a 12.3-inch touchscreen for multimedia and MMI navigation. The line of buttons with washers for setting the main functions of the audio system is placed under the display. The transition to the tunnel is equipped with two round deflectors with an analog clock in between.

The audio system consists of 16 Bang & Olufsen speakers or 18 Naim speakers. The power of the system is 1.5 and 2.2 kilowatts.

The wide tunnel Bentley Continental GT 2018-2019 has a lot of buttons. The main attribute is a massive gearshift selector on the display of which the selected mode is displayed. Left and right buttons with one washer for setting separate climate control. The selected temperature is displayed on the puck. Behind the selector is a massive washer for setting the operating mode of the car with an engine start button in the center.

The 3-spoke leather steering wheel is electrically adjustable and trimmed in two-tone leather. Each spoke has an aluminum insert. On the sides are the multimedia control buttons and the instrument panel. Behind the wheel is a silvery adaptive cruise control setting lever. The instrument cluster is a display that mimics analog gauges, showing navigation data and all vehicle information. The windshield is complemented by a projection.

The trunk for Gran Turismo is acceptable - 358 liters of volume with a stowaway and a set of tools under the floor.

Security systems

Bentley Motors equips the car with various passive and active safety systems. The City package adds a pedestrian warning system, a traffic sign recognition system for the navigation system and a surround view camera package.

Ordering the Touring package will install adaptive cruise control with various lane change assistants, lane control and dead zones. They will install a projection, a night vision system and a collision avoidance function.

Specifications

Engine

The British car is powered by a 6-liter W12 TSI gasoline engine. The twin-turbocharged TwinScroll engine produces 635 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 900 H*m of torque at 1350 rpm.

In a quiet driving mode, half of the 12 cylinders are turned off to save fuel, starting to drive aggressively, the dampers open and fuel is again supplied to all the “pots” of the Bentley Continental GT. It was not possible to achieve outstanding savings results - 17.7 liters in the city and 8.9 liters on the highway (tank volume 90 liters).

Transmission

The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The moment is transmitted through an all-wheel drive system, which, depending on the driving modes, distributes the moment differently through a multi-plate clutch (Comfort - at least 62% to the rear wheels, Sport - at least 83%).

The dynamic performance of the coupe has improved, it accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds, the maximum speed has increased to 333 km / h.

Suspension

The chassis of the car consists of an independent system with two levers in front and a multi-link rear. Both axles are supplemented with three-chamber pneumocylinders. The car behavior tuning washer affects the suspension by changing the stiffness of the adaptive dampers. The axle is complemented by active anti-roll bars.

A roll suppression system is installed, powered by a 48-volt battery. It optimizes handling and improves ride comfort.

Brake system Bentley Continental GT 3

The brakes are serious - ventilated discs, 420 mm discs with 10 pistons in front, 380 mm 8 pistons in the rear. All 4 discs are completed with a fixed bracket.

Brake performance has improved.

Price

The starting price tag of the British coupe is 14,290,000 rubles. It is higher than its predecessor, but competitive. The equipment of the machine in the base is as follows:

• 21-inch alloy wheels;
• power seats with memory;
• heated and ventilated seats;
• separate climate control;
• regular unpretentious audio system for 10 speakers;
• conventional cruise control;
• electric trunk lid;
• many electronic assistants.

The new Bentley Continental GT 2018-2019 has become much better, the car has changed outwardly for the better, the same applies to the technical plan. Previously, Gran Turismo sports car fans were skeptical of the Bentley, but now it has every chance to fully gain respect.

Video

The new 2018-2019 Bentley Continental GT is unveiled to the public on August 30, 2017 ahead of its world premiere on the catwalk in early autumn. The new two-door Bentley Continental has been announced by the British company as the best car in the world in the Grand Tourer class. In our review of the new Bentley Continental GT 3rd generation 2018-2019 model year - photos and videos, price and equipment, specifications of a luxurious two-door premium coupe. The new generation Bentley Continental GT, having become related to (the models are based on the modern MSB platform) will go on sale in Europe and Russia in the spring of 2018 at price approximately 200,000 euros for a Bentley Continental GT with a 635-horsepower W12 petrol. The price of new items in the British market will be from 155 thousand pounds.

The third generation of the luxurious British coupe, having tried on the new “bogie” from the Porsche Panamera (the 2nd generation was based on the D1 platform inherited from the sedan), received a double-lever front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, three-chamber pneumatic mounts, an all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch controlled by electronics, smart shock absorbers with adaptive control, as well as active anti-roll bars that resist body roll in corners using electromechanical actuators powered by a 48-volt on-board network.

In the design of the new body of the Bentley Continental GT 3 generation, high-strength steel and aluminum are widely used (external body panels are made using winged metal molding technology at a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius), which made it possible to reduce the curb weight of the novelty by as much as 80 kg to 2244 kg compared to previous generation model. At the same time, the engineers managed to provide the coupe with excellent weight distribution along the axes: 45% of the mass falls on the front axle, and 55% on the rear.

The British coupe with a new modern platform will please potential owners with a classic exterior design. It seems that the design team that created the new image of the luxury coupe did their best to preserve the familiar image and proportions of the body of the 2nd generation of the model, giving it a more aesthetic and attractive look. British designers based on the body of their predecessor with light movements removed everything that seemed superfluous to them, adding to the body of the new generation Continental GT a larger and more solid false radiator grille, more expressive headlights and incomparable oval position lamps with exhaust tips echoing them. It is also worth noting that the lush vyshtampovki, expanding the front and rear wheel arches, and they have become larger.

There is 100% continuity of generations, but, of course, the new Bentley Continental looks cooler and more solid than its predecessor.

• The external dimensions of the body of the 2018-2019 Bentley Continental GT are 4805 mm long, 1954 mm wide, 1392 mm high, with a 2851 mm wheelbase.
• The wheelbase dimensions of the new generation of the British Grand Tourer coupe have grown by as much as 105 mm compared to the previous generation model. Interestingly, the front axle has been moved forward by 135 mm, thus providing a minimum front overhang with better handling, while the rear, on the contrary, has become larger, giving the car a lighter and faster image.
• The drag coefficient of the body of the "third" Bentley Continental GT is 0.29 Cx.
• For the coupe, luxurious 21-inch wheels with tires 265/40 R21 for the front axle and 305/35 R21 for the rear axle are offered as standard. As an option, larger 22-inch wheels with tires 275/35 R22 in front and 315/30 R22 in the rear.

If the exterior of the new British luxury coupe demonstrates evolutionary processes based on its predecessors, then the interior is a real revolution. Just think, there is a virtual instrument panel, a fantastically original three-sided section on the center console (when the car is parked, the center console is deaf and continues the stylish finish of the front panel, turn on the ignition and you have a huge 12.3-inch color screen of the multimedia complex, and on the third side analog dials with temperature, compass and chronometer readings).

Further, more traditional and familiar attributes of a luxury coupe, but still they do not cease to impress with their unique look and high functionality. In the presence of an exorbitant amount of leather, veneer and aluminum, door cards, front seats and rear seats trimmed with a combination of genuine leather, driver and passenger seats with electric adjustments, heating, ventilation and massage. There are physically controlled buttons and switches on the central tunnel (most likely to spite the creators of the new generations of Porsche Panamera and flaunting full touch controls), a 650 W audio system with 9 speakers, for an extra charge a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 16 speakers with a return of 1500 W or 2200 watt Naim with 18!!! speakers and a huge selection of colors and textures of the skin, as well as a lot of options for veneer from precious woods.

Don't forget about passive and active safety at Bentley Motors. There are matrix LED headlights and LED taillights with original three-dimensional graphics, a pedestrian warning system, a traffic sign recognition system, cameras providing all-round visibility (City package) and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant are offered for a fee, head-up display on the windshield, lane keeping system, night vision system and preventive braking system (Touring package).

The luggage compartment of the new generation Bentley Continental GT two-door coupe is 358 liters.

Specifications Bentley Continental GT 2018-2019. As we said above, the new British coupe is based on the platform of the new generation Porsche Panamera with front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, three chamber air springs, all-wheel drive with an emphasis on the rear wheels, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars and a robotic preselective 8-speed gearbox with two clutch discs.

• Well, at least the engine went to a new Bentley native - a 6.0-liter W12 TSI (635 hp 900 Nm). The same motor is installed on a large crossover, but slightly less powerful.

The engine is installed under the hood of a new generation Continental GT coupe with a pair of twin scroll turbochargers, a combined fuel injection system, with the function of deactivating half of the cylinders. A powerful engine, a modern gearbox and all-wheel drive give the coupe excellent dynamic and high-speed characteristics: acceleration from 0 to 100 mph takes only 3.7 seconds, top speed is 333 mph. Fuel consumption ranges from 12.2 liters in combined driving mode to 17.7 liters in pure city mode.

The Bentley Continental GT with a petrol V8 and even a petrol-electric version of the coupe are expected to premiere soon, and an open version will appear in the model line - the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

Bentley Continental GT 2018-2019 video test

August 2017 was marked for the British car industry by the presentation of the prestigious third-generation coupe Bentley Continental GT 2018, previously known only from the photo. The new proprietary development is positioned by Bentley Motors as the world's best Grand Tourer car.

The new premium model is based on the MSB platform, which has proven itself on the prestigious Porsche Panamera. In the design of the two-door coupe, traditional Bentley luxury elements are organically combined with new technologies and technical solutions.

Thanks to the use of modern technologies and materials, the designers managed to reduce the weight of the body by 80 kg, to realize the optimal weight distribution over the bridges, in the proportion of 45/55%.

Carefully thought-out restyling made it possible to maintain continuity with the style of previous developments, on the other hand, the new body has become more rigorous and elegant. The characteristic proportions of the prestigious hull of the second generation have been significantly improved.

• The front end of the 2018 Bentley Continental GT is inspired by the Bentley EXP 10 Speed ​​6 concept car. The signature classic design is paired with an oversized grille, classic lower air intakes and LED headlights.
• From the side view, one can note the aerodynamic line of the body, the bulge of the sidewalls emphasized by the chrome trim, the depth of the wheel arches successfully inscribed in the contour of the body.
• The aft part of the new Bentley coupe differs from similar counterparts in the exclusive shape of the oval position lamps with three-dimensional graphics and exhaust tips.

Salon interior

The new 2018 Bentley Continental has all the trappings of a prestige car, with multiple luxury interior options and a full suite of automotive electronics.

Control of the operation of the engine and all vehicle systems is implemented through a virtual dashboard displaying traditionally round dials and indicators. Operational information is also reflected on the inner surface of the windshield.

The comfort of long trips is provided by:

• wide range of adjustments;
• heating and ventilation of seats;
• excellent sounding 650-watt audio system;
• an increase to 12.3 inches in the size of the multimedia display.

The equipment includes a complete set of active and passive safety devices. Different versions of the configuration include navigation systems, climate control, traffic monitoring and a large number of other useful functions.

Specifications

With external dimensions of 4805x1954x1392 and a weight of 2244 kg, the new Bentley fits perfectly into the traffic flow of a city street and feels confident on highways.

Stability and handling on slippery roads provide:

• increased to 2851 mm wheelbase;
• air suspension 21-inch wheels.

The new Bentley is equipped with active anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers.

Chassis electronics implements continuous monitoring of driving conditions, which allows optimal distribution of power across the axles. The electronic power steering has a feedback function that allows the driver to choose the optimal speed mode depending on the road profile and the quality of its surface.

Bentley Bentaya's proprietary, derated 6-liter W12 TSI engine is used as the base power unit. The standard equipment of the 635-horsepower drive is two twin scroll turbochargers and a fuel injection system with the function of shutting off half of the cylinders at low revs.

• CO2 emissions per 100 km are 278 grams, 16% less than the previous generation models. Electronically controlled valves have been introduced into the design of the exhaust system, which can significantly reduce the level of background noise.
• The combination of a powerful engine with a modern 8-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive chassis with stabilizers contributes to excellent dynamic speed characteristics.

A test drive carried out by independent experts confirmed the technical and operational characteristics of the engine declared by the manufacturer, in particular, the time to reach the test “weave” at the level of 3.7 seconds, fuel consumption in mixed mode up to 12.2 liters and a maximum speed of up to 333 km/h .

Options and prices

Bentley Continental GT 2018 is planned to be released in two versions. The City model will be equipped with sign and road marking recognition, obstacle warning and emergency stop systems.

The Touring version is designed to improve safety on long journeys. The list of additional equipment includes:

• adaptive cruise control system with autopilot function;
• infrared camera for a full view of the road in the dark;
• projection of operational information on the windshield.

Start of sales in Russia

The exact release date in Russia for the Bentley Continental GT series has not been determined by the manufacturer. According to experts, the car will appear in Moscow car dealerships simultaneously with the start of sales in Europe, tentatively in mid-spring 2018.

The cost of the new Bentley model previously announced by dealers at 15.5-18 million rubles will be adjusted accordingly.

Competing Models

In the world market, comfortable Premium class cars are presented in a relatively small assortment. For the most part, these are exclusive developments of leading automotive brands.

There is a stable demand for prestigious models, the same type analogue. In the near future, a presentation of a new executive class car is expected.

626 horsepower, 310,675 needle stitches on flawless leather, 100 million lines of electronic code, and some more really working ways to create a unique Gran Turismo. Did Bentley turn the Continental GT into the best coupe in the history of the brand?

wolfgang

Before the Bentayga, this "Baby-Bentley" was the brand's only valuable asset. Since its launch, the car has sold seven tens of thousands of copies, was coveted on both sides of the ocean, had virtually no competitors, and single-handedly covered the costs of maintaining the aristocratic "heritage" of the brand.

The fear that the goose will stop laying golden eggs usually makes the transition from generation to generation as boring as possible. But, thank the automotive gods, in February 2011, Wolfgang Dürheimer, a graduate engineer and bright head from Porsche, was appointed director of Bentley. Coincidentally, he was just the perfect candidate for the third-generation Continental GT project. By that time, he had just finished work on the new 911, and when some correspondent recklessly turned on the topic of “perfect German engineering”, his eyes were still dimmed with slight nostalgia and the recorder was guaranteed to receive an extra hour of audio recording.

Development of the next Continental GT began in 2012. The obsolete platform of the Phaeton sedan gave way to the modular MSB and the main question was what to borrow for the coupe in the magical bins of the VAG empire. There, with the same success, you can build a car with the habits of an executive sedan or a sports coupe - it all depends on who makes the shopping list. The rumors that spread from Crewe were intriguing: a preselective transmission, a new all-wheel drive system, a lightweight body.

The premiere of the car came just under the departure of Dürheimer (so coincidentally again) from Bentley. The static presentations got a standing ovation, the ride was scheduled for November last year, but then something went wrong. All preparations were cancelled, the hatches were battened down and radio silence was turned on. And now, six months later, a new meeting was scheduled.

Stefan

It seemed that Stefan Zielaff's orange trousers appeared on the lawn before he did. Familiar from low-key press photos, the Bentley designer fired a volley from every turret gun in his wardrobe. The buckles on his polished monks shimmered in the spotlight, the gold buttons of his blazer fluttered in time as he leaned back, laughing. The evening cocktail before the presentation was gaining momentum, and the chief designer challenged his own creation, parked in the focus of multi-watt lamps, with a bright style.

Having enjoyed the conversation, Zilaff disappeared as spectacularly as he appeared: he grabbed the hidden "aviators", hoisted them on the bridge of his nose and disappeared through the doors of the conference room. It was getting dark. Deprived of the center of attraction, the invitees drank their cocktails and, whispering, wandered in the direction of the theoretical lecture.

Indeed, that evening Stefan could afford any liberties. The new Continental GT is so beautifully drawn that its claim to not just attention, but a place in the design hall of fame, seems well founded. At the same time, the appearance of a new body does not bring down the shares of the previous two models. When they stood together on the lawn, the novelty attracted most of the eyes simply by the right of a debutant, but the elegant heaviness of its predecessors did not seem either redundant or ridiculously outdated. The key difference of the new model is the extended wheelbase, which moved the front axle forward by 13.5 centimeters and lengthened the bonnet.

Due to this, the engineers got the opportunity to move the engine 12 centimeters closer to the center of mass of the car, and the designers gained the coveted prestige mass - the distance from the center of the front wheel hub to the front pillar, which greatly adds to the thoroughbredness of the car in the eyes of the buyer.

"Beauty is in proportions!" Zilaff sang hosanna to the proportions of his creation. "Truly proportions"! - in gospel ecstasy the hall full of journalists answered him. Let the author of the bright concept EXP 10 Speed ​​6, from which the third generation of the Continental GT is visually indistinguishable, be Luke Donkerwolke, it is the designer who completes the work that takes all the credit for himself. And this is true, because the transition from a running prototype to a living car obliges to solve a lot of issues, and it is the current chief designer who bears all the responsibility.

For example, for the relief on the body panels. Complex, full of sharp lines, it excites like the silk of a dress on a girl's body, but much stronger because it is made of aluminum. It is impossible to achieve this by stamping, aluminum must be heated to 500 degrees, and then these exciting curves are formed with compressed Irish air (they found a contractor there), and then cut with a laser. The final result - you will want to touch someone else's car, even if you did not notice such inclinations before.

In its third generation, the car wants to find a younger owner. This is noticeable by the extended arches, by the way the hood is located below, by the innocent aggression with which wide-open headlights will look at each apex. It all started, in general, with resentment - one Ferrari owner casually told Donkerwolke that he was not yet old enough to own a Bentley. Luke remembered. So banality pinched genius.

Incident at the pass

The Irish wind that shakes the heather and shapes the body panels is beautiful.

The next day, when we stormed the Grossglockner Pass, it was completely calm. But this is not certain, since the third generation of the car has amazing soundproofing with double laminated windows, and deathly silence inside, even when the arrow tickles the soles of the number 220. This makes the excellent idea with the valve simulating the sound of the exhaust depending on the selected mode meaningless - its operation is practically Can not hear. But it allows you to focus on driving.

The heavy nose of the old coupe (and here we can speak for two, because the difference was small) always pecked politely on late braking, warning the owner against zeal in corners, and delayed reactions, rolls and buildup quickly cooled the ardor if he insisted.

The new generation uses the same 48-volt Bentley Dynamic Ride electrical system, closing and opening stabilizers, as the Bentayga. Like a magnet, the system helps the body stay level with respect to the roadbed, reducing roll to nothing. In the Bentayga, the advantages of this system were noticeable, but the high body still hid the breadth of possibilities. Here, sitting much closer to the asphalt, everything becomes clearer.

New air suspension brains help to keep exactly relative to the road. Continuous Damping Control monitors vehicle speed data and wheel-to-body distance, constantly determining the correct amount of air in the cylinders.

While dealing with another mother-in-law's tongue (and without blurring her face on the side glass), you notice how the torque distribution system works, holding back the inner wheels to turn the pads, and as if on an invisible rail bringing the car into the next turn. The new electric booster and the variable ratio rack make it possible to attack without intercepting the steering wheel, and driving an almost five-meter car on serpentines is quite easy.

The 55:45 weight distribution is offset by a new all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that replaces the Torsen center differential. By default, on dry pavement, all the moment goes to the rear wheels, and if the surface becomes slippery, the car becomes all-wheel drive. Together with the lower moment of inertia due to the engine body shifted to the center, this gives a feeling of a light “nose”.

Light nose? Seriously? No, this is just an impression, because the W12 is still the engine. This engine has been seriously upgraded, with a combination of direct and conventional injection that allows you to vary the consumption and emissions (and the engine now meets the strict Euro 6 phase II standards). The new turbos make it possible to reach peak torque in a third of the time it took the old ones, and the six-cylinder deactivation system and the start-stop system diligently save fuel.

But this obligatory bullshit is about some fake W12. Indeed, in essence, this is 900 Newton meters of torque, which are available from 1350 rpm and go evenly up to 5000 rpm. This is about "three and seven to a hundred", this is about 626 horsepower ...

Everything is comparable to the performance of the combat Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and everyone who has ever opened the gas on it remembers how wild the acceleration becomes in the most extreme driving mode, how the burst of gears furiously hits the mechatronic innards of the central tunnel like crazy like a dog it rushes from apex to apex ...

The Continental GT is fast, but not furious. The "diesel" characteristic of this motor requires the driver to get used to, and in short races between turns, at first it takes longer to put pressure on the brake than on the gas. The eight-speed wet-clutch PDK also doesn’t fully understand what to do with all this torque shaft and sometimes starts to shift gears in a chaotic mode, pushing and pulling the entire body. It was precisely with the refinement of the preselective robot that the delay of six months was associated, but it was still not possible to perfectly coordinate the PDK with the motor.

True, this is less noticeable in the main habitat of this car - at the exit from the residential area to the main roadbed of the highway, where you need to take the left lane and, having heard the female voice of the navigator: “Straight, three hundred kilometers,” give free rein to the right foot. At this point, the massive rear end of this elegant machine crouches to the ground and the elliptical taillights begin to recede. Graceful, sedate, but non-stop.