Early in the 21st century, a stunning, two-door Bentley was unveiled, one that refined and redefined the language of grand tourer design. The revolutionary Continental GT has combined phenomenal performance and exquisite craftsmanship for more than a decade, with continual enhancements pushing the boundaries of technology, from sheer power to the choice of finishes.
This modern classic has been giving rise to countless Continental stories since the day it was launched. From four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen breaking the world ice speed record in a Continental GT Convertible to pop art legend Peter Blake creating a unique exterior for a Continental GT V8 S, this is a car that continues to inspire.
The Continental GT
The Continental GT, in both coupé and convertible form, has created a new category of car entirely: the powerful, stylish and luxurious grand tourer. When it was launched in 2003, a single, W12 model was available, one that set the benchmark for everything that was to come. A convertible variant followed, then the more performance-focused Continental GT Speed, providing even more power and sporting luxury. And in 2009, the first Continental Supersports was engineered to deliver a more thrilling drive than ever.
In 2010, the Continental was redesigned, with this second generation soon to feature a 4.0 litre V8 engine alongside the now-famous W12 version. The engines became more efficient, thanks to innovative technology such as variable displacement, allowing the car to deactivate half of its cylinders automatically, seamlessly re-engaging them when required. Further models were added in the years that followed, to cater for the differing needs of a growing customer base around the world. They included the racetrack-inspired Continental GT3-R in 2014 and, in 2017, the second iteration of the Continental Supersports, delivering an astonishing 700 bhp (710 PS) making this the fastest road-going Bentley ever built.
The Continental's fusion of everyday practicality, exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional performance remains unrivalled. Today, the Continental’s sleek silhouette can be seen in cities the world over, from San Francisco to Shanghai. Yet for many, it remains best appreciated on the open road – the spiritual home of Bentley and the world’s most exhilarating grand tourer.
The Continental GT, in both coupé and convertible form, has created a new category of car entirely: the powerful, stylish and luxurious grand tourer. When it was launched in 2003, a single, W12 model was available, one that set the benchmark for everything that was to come. A convertible variant followed, then the more performance-focused Continental GT Speed, providing even more power and sporting luxury. And in 2009, the first Continental Supersports was engineered to deliver a more thrilling drive than ever.
At its launch in 2003, Bentley refined and redefined the language of grand tourer design with the revolutionary Continental GT. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6 litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley. The Continental GT redefined Grand Touring: and between 2003 and 2010 Bentley created a grand tourer that turned both the driver's head and heart.
In 2005, a convertible model was introduced, featuring the same powerful W12 engine as the Continental GT before it, adding the opportunity to experience the grand tour in the open air. 2007 saw the creation of a Speed model - to further explore the performance capabilities of the powerful GT, whilst still offering unmatched levels of refinement and craftsmanship. This model too became available as a convertible in 2009.
Inspired by design Continental GT Series 51 celebrated Bentley's design studio, and featured unique interior and exterior features, developed by Bentley's trim designers. It was followed in the same year by the model now synonymous with Bentley's pursuit of ultimate driving performance - the Continental Supersports. Inspired by Bentley's racing heritage and the Le Mans race winners of the 1920s, Supersports was launched as both a coupé and convertible.
A Bentley made to race Not content with creating Bentley's fastest road car in Supersports, World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a recalibrated Supersports Convertible on ice in Finland, breaking the World Ice Speed record. To celebrate this phenomenal achievement, the Supersports Convertible ISR Edition was launched in 2011.
The first generation of Bentley's Continental GT became synonymous with the most luxurious and refined handcrafting balanced with performance character - and for every Continental GT driver there was made a model to suit their own interpretation of a Grand Tour.
A new era In 2010, after many achievements and accolades, Bentley took the original 2003 GT and created it anew for a new generation of driver.
Launched in 2003, the first Bentley Continental GT was an automotive sculpture which drew upon the unmistakable Bentley design DNA. The most advanced technology coursing through its muscular shape. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6 litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley.
550bhp (560PS) with torque to match. Flying from rest to 60mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds). Maximum speed of over 190mph (over 300km/h). Six-speed transmission. All wheel drive. Supremely assured ride and handling.
An object of desire in perfect balance with true luxury. Space. The finest wood veneers. Impeccable hides. And the individuality of Crewe hand-craftsmanship. An unsurpassed grand touring tradition.
Launched in 2003, the first Bentley Continental GT was an automotive sculpture which drew upon the unmistakable Bentley design DNA. The most advanced technology coursing through its muscular shape. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6 litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley.
When launched in 2005, the first generation Continental GTC presented elegance and exhilaration in equal measure. A sleek, perfectly formed silhouette drawing on Bentley’s distinguished lineage of convertibles. Immaculately proportioned with incomparable craftsmanship and sophisticated technology running throughout.
At its heart, an awesome 6 litre, 12-cylinder turbocharged engine providing unmatched power and torque. A glorious convertible delivering a passionate performance and an enviable driving experience.
When launched in 2005, the first generation Continental GTC presented elegance and exhilaration in equal measure. A sleek, perfectly formed silhouette drawing on Bentley’s distinguished lineage of convertibles. Immaculately proportioned with incomparable craftsmanship and sophisticated technology running throughout.
The Continental GT Speed: a potent member of the first generation Continental series. Tailored for the driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.
Inspired by the grace and power of Bentley’s thoroughbred bloodline, the Continental GT Speed combines phenomenal power, tauter handling and sharper steering response. Greater agility and body control. An enhanced sporting character inspired by Bentley’s heritage of high performance “Speed” models from the 1920s.
Power that doesn’t compromise space. Handling that doesn’t compromise comfort. Technology that doesn’t compromise handcraftsmanship. Above all, true Grand Touring performance complemented by the luxury of Bentley legend.
The Continental GT Speed: a potent member of the first generation Continental series. Tailored for the driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.
Launched in 2009, the first generation Continental GTC Speed was born of the same heart as the Continental GTC grand tourer, but with a different soul. Darker. Sportier. Tauter.
This early Continental GTC Speed is distinguished by a dark chrome grille, 20” multi-spoke sport wheels, twin rifled sports tail pipes. Inside lies a world of contrasts; Mulliner diamond quilted leather seats, knurled chrome sports lever encased in hide, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium inlays.
Lower the roof and press the drilled alloy sport foot-pedal to enjoy the full sensory experience. A lowered ride height delivers a richer driving experience, enhanced by the new Sport mode on ESP. Agility matched by greater body control, improved handling dynamics and superior grip. A new rear fixed spoiler provides improved aerodynamics. Then that sound again, a richer, sportier exhaust note filling your ears.
Launched in 2009, the first generation Continental GTC Speed was born of the same heart as the Continental GTC grand tourer, but with a different soul. Darker. Sportier. Tauter.
The Continental GT Series 51 was named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley. Every Series 51 car featured a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues, to further accentuate the powerful road presence and sporting presence of the Continental GT.
Bentley's Colour and Trim team designed specially tailored three-tone interiors, and Bentley's designers selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the interiors. The Dark and Bright 'Engine Spin' aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.
A 20" 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provided Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars were also distinguished by a signature '51' badge on the front wings. Continental Series 51 was available as a coupé or a convertible model.
The Continental GT Series 51 was named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley. Every Series 51 car featured a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues, to further accentuate the powerful road presence and sporting presence of the Continental GT.
Everything about the 2009 Bentley Continental Supersports was engineered for a single purpose: to deliver the most thrilling driving experience imaginable.
The inspiration for the ‘Supersports’ name is the 1925 Bentley Supersports, a race-bred version of the iconic Bentley 3 Litre, that delivered 85bhp when more ordinary cars were equipped with a modest 15bhp. It was also the first production car to reach 100mph – extreme performance in its day.
The aggressive, low muscular stance of the 2009 Continental Supersport coupé not only drew attention to the changes beneath the skin, but served an equally important technical role. The W12 engine, an advanced 621bhp (630PS) unit was allowed to generate its extra power and torque as dramatic vertical front air intakes distribute 10% additional airflow to the twin intercoolers. Even the wheel was reinvented. The striking 10-spoke blade-like design drove airflow over the largest carbon ceramic brakes ever offered on a production car.
With a top speed of 204 mph, the 2009 Continental Supersports was Bentley’s fastest and most powerful production car ever, from its launch in 2009 until the launch of the new Continental Supersports in 2017. The added power and decreased weight of the original 2009 Supersports mean the 0-60mph acceleration time was just 3.7 seconds. Everything about the orignal 2009 Supersports was engineered for a single purpose: to deliver the most thrilling driving experience imaginable.
Everything about the 2009 Bentley Continental Supersports was engineered for a single purpose: to deliver the most thrilling driving experience imaginable.
Prior to the creation of the ISR Limited Edition came the launch of the Continental Supersports Convertible in 2010. With the same 630PS (621bhp/463kW) twin-turbocharged W12 engine as the Continental Supersports coupé, the Supersports Convertible was the fastest, most potent convertible Bentley had ever built - in fact it was the fastest production 4 seater convertible on the market at that time.
With a top speed of 202 mph, at the time of its launch the Continental Supersports Convertible was Bentley’s fastest and most powerful production convertible. The added power and decreased weight meant the 0-60mph acceleration time was just 4 seconds.
These impressive figures have only been bettered by the 2017 Continental Supersports, which features a refined W12 engine, weight and calibration improvements, all of which result in true supercar performance.
Prior to the creation of the ISR Limited Edition came the launch of the Continental Supersports Convertible in 2010. With the same 630PS (621bhp/463kW) twin-turbocharged W12 engine as the Continental Supersports coupé, the Supersports Convertible was the fastest, most potent convertible Bentley had ever built - in fact it was the fastest production 4 seater convertible on the market at that time.
The Continental Supersports Convertible ISR limited edition was created to celebrate the achievements of four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen who set a new world ice speed record on 10th February 2011 above the frozen waters of the Bay of Bothnia, Finland in the Continental Supersports Convertible.
The all-wheel drive Supersports Convertible achieved a speed of 205.48mph (330.695 km/h) on a specially created 16.5km long track on the frozen Baltic Sea. this feat shattered Juha's own record of 199.83mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT. In commemoration, a limited edition of 100 Continental Supersports ISR Convertibles were built.
The 6 Litre, twin turbo charged W12 engine of the Continental Supersports ISR Convertible produces 640PS (631bhp / 471kW). 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds) and from a standing start it reaches 100mph in a blinding 9.5 seconds.
The Continental Supersports Convertible ISR limited edition was created to celebrate the achievements of four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen who set a new world ice speed record on 10th February 2011 above the frozen waters of the Bay of Bothnia, Finland in the Continental Supersports Convertible.
In 2010, the Bentley Continental GT saw its first significant redesign since its launch in 2003. Ushering in a suite of new models, this reinvention of the quintessential modern Bentley took the Continental’s peerless craftsmanship, exquisite style and near-limitless power - and pushed it to an entirely new level. It introduced new technology, greater efficiency, state-of-the-art materials, a sleek new silhouette and a sportier feel.
An evolution of the range followed in 2015, with the introduction of a leaner V8 powertrain; and the Continental GT soon made its debut in elite GT3 racing. Bentley’s motorsport team refined their car for the racetrack, making technological advances that soon found their way back into the road-going cars.
An evolving range. In 2014, the limited edition GT3-R was launched - a road-going Continental inspired by Bentley Motorsport’s success on the track. And in 2015, the entire Continental GT range evolved further. Styling changes to the fenders, bumpers, radiator, wing vents and boot lid resulted in an even more contemporary look, while new seat finishes, paint colours and wheel options were introduced. Beneath the bonnet, updates to both the V8 and W12 engines increased their power. A new variable displacement system was also introduced, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. By 2017, the Continental GT was available in a choice of ten models, from the Continental GT V8 to the super-powerful Continental Supersports. On this page, you will find details of every model launched between 2010 and 2018.
Since the launch of the first generation in 2003, the Continental GT has been the quintessential model in the Continental range. The second generation GT is even more powerful, its W12 engine producing a phenomenal 582 bhp (590 PS).
Its sleek, superformed exterior and sharp design lines are complemented by the 20” six tri-spoke wheels, combining strong inner spokes with elegant outer spokes, to accentuate the car’s stance on the road. 21” ten spoke propeller wheels in a contemporary, progressive style add a more dynamic look.
Inside the cabin, the steering wheel features knurled paddle-shift gear selectors, while behind it, the dashboard design subtly echoes the wings of the Bentley flying ‘B’ badge. The front seats have their own ventilation system, as well as a state-of-the-art massage system.
The Continental GT coupé and convertible benefit from variable displacement technology that reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency, without compromising the Continental’s incredible performance. The Continental GT coupé can surge smoothly from a standing start to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds), ultimately reaching a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). The Continental GT Convertible accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 196 mph.
Since the launch of the first generation in 2003, the Continental GT has been the quintessential model in the Continental range. The second generation GT is even more powerful, its W12 engine producing a phenomenal 582 bhp (590 PS).
Aimed at lovers of the famous V8 engine growl, the Bentley Continental GT V8, introduced in 2012, can be identified by its red enamel winged ‘B’ badges, seen on the bonnet, boot and wheel centres.
The Continental GT V8, in coupé and convertible, was the first Bentley to feature variable displacement engine technology, which delivers both fuel efficiency and all the power you need in an innovative way. At full power, it delivers a massive 660 Nm of torque, propelling the coupé from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). Yet with CO2 emissions of a mere 246 g/km, its emissions figures remain highly competitive. The convertible accelerates from a standing start to 60 miles an hour in just 4.7 seconds, and on to a potential top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h).
At its launch, seven exterior finishes were available, with five interior hide colour combinations. In addition to Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, customers could choose from veneers including Burr Walnut, Madrona, Piano Black, Tamo Ash and Dark Stained Madrona. A 20" six tri-spoke painted alloy wheel was part of the standard specification, with the option of the same design in a painted and diamond turned finish. For an even more dramatic look, a choice of four 21” wheels were developed by the Bentley design team to accentuate the car’s sporting character.
Aimed at lovers of the famous V8 engine growl, the Bentley Continental GT V8, introduced in 2012, can be identified by its red enamel winged ‘B’ badges, seen on the bonnet, boot and wheel centres.
The Continental GT Speed was designed to deliver the perfect balance between exquisite luxury and exhilaration. In creating the GT Speed, Bentley's chassis engineers brought the car 10mm closer to the ground, laying the foundation for a sportier driving experience.
Equipped with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, it features diamond quilted leather seats, indented leather headlining and embroidered winged 'B' emblems on the headrests. Drilled alloy pedals, a knurled sports gear lever and jewel oil and fuel filler caps recall Bentley’s long racing heritage.
With peak power of 642 PS, the Continental GT Speed is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds), with a top speed of 206 miles per hour. An ultra-high performance convertible, the Continental GT Speed Convertible is capable of 0-60mph in just 4 seconds, with a top speed of 204 miles per hour.
A Black Edition was launched in 2016 for Speed convertible and coupé, replacing the chrome brightware with gloss black and offering a choice of striking accent colours: Hallmark, Beluga, St. James’ Red and Cyber Yellow. The spoilers, front grille and air intakes are finished in a dark-tint chrome finish and matched to striking dark-tint front and rear lamps. The dark-tint 21" Speed alloy wheels are unique to the model, while elliptical, rifled tailpipes deliver a deep, emphatic exhaust note.
The Continental GT Speed was designed to deliver the perfect balance between exquisite luxury and exhilaration. In creating the GT Speed, Bentley's chassis engineers brought the car 10mm closer to the ground, laying the foundation for a sportier driving experience.
The Continental GT V8 S was introduced in 2013, offering a more performance-focused driving alternative to the standard V8 model, while retaining its distinctive red enamel winged ‘B’ badges. Lowered sports suspension (by 10mm), revised damping and uprated anti-roll bars improved agility, body control and cornering relative to the Continental GT V8, while the recalibrated steering provides enhanced feedback and feel. A sleek body kit – including a front splitter, side sills and a rear diffuser – boosts aerodynamic performance by reducing front-end lift, improving stability at higher speeds. The picture is completed by a striking gloss black radiator grille and 20” open spoke wheels with red painted brake callipers.
In 2016, an exclusive Black Edition was revealed, for both coupé and convertible. adding black 21” seven spoke wheels, black exterior details and dark tint lights. The body kit, door mirrors and brake callipers could be specified in a choice of four accent colours: St. James’ Red, Hallmark, Beluga and Cyber Yellow.
Both the Black Edition and the standard model feature a 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 520 bhp (388 kW / 528 PS at 6,000 rpm) and 680 Nm of torque. As a result, the cars can reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, before climbing to 192 mph (309 km/h). The GT V8 S Convertible can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 191 mph (308 km/h).
The Continental GT V8 S was introduced in 2013, offering a more performance-focused driving alternative to the standard V8 model, while retaining its distinctive red enamel winged ‘B’ badges. Lowered sports suspension (by 10mm), revised damping and uprated anti-roll bars improved agility, body control and cornering relative to the Continental GT V8, while the recalibrated steering provides enhanced feedback and feel. A sleek body kit – including a front splitter, side sills and a rear diffuser – boosts aerodynamic performance by reducing front-end lift, improving stability at higher speeds. The picture is completed by a striking gloss black radiator grille and 20” open spoke wheels with red painted brake callipers.
The Continental GT3-R was inspired by the Bentley GT3. As such, it is probably the most uncompromising and focused road car Bentley has produced thus far. Furthermore, with a limited production run, the GT3-R will always be extremely rare. For some drivers, performance is the ultimate luxury. And that is why Bentley built the GT3-R: a road-going GT extreme with all the power, responsiveness and acceleration the GT3-R badge implies.
For the GT3-R, Bentley introduced more carbon fibre, a titanium exhaust, and removed the rear seats, all to make this car 100 kilos lighter than the lightest Continental V8. And by lowering the ride-height, and so the centre of gravity, it provides tighter handling and faster cornering.
Acceleration is the mark of any high performance car. For the GT3-R, Bentley shortened the final drive ratio of the 8 speed Quickshift transmission and enhanced the calibration to make gear shifts even quicker. The changes to the transmission compliment the engine design and reduced weight resulting in the quickest acceleration of any road-going Bentley to date, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds).
The Continental GT3-R was inspired by the Bentley GT3. As such, it is probably the most uncompromising and focused road car Bentley has produced thus far. Furthermore, with a limited production run, the GT3-R will always be extremely rare. For some drivers, performance is the ultimate luxury. And that is why Bentley built the GT3-R: a road-going GT extreme with all the power, responsiveness and acceleration the GT3-R badge implies.
Launched in 2017, the second-generation Continental Supersports pushed Bentley performance to extraordinary new heights. With agile handling, blistering acceleration and an awe-inspiring top speed, it remains the most exhilarating car in this range both as a coupé and a convertible.
Bold body styling includes carbon fibre accent details inside and out, reducing weight and contributing to the car’s sporting feel. Distinctive carbon fibre bonnet vents, side skirts and a rear spoiler enhance its supercar style even further, while optimising aerodynamics. On the convertible, the hood is sleek and streamlined. With dark tint front and rear lights, 21” black and bright machined forged sports alloy wheels, gloss black tailpipes and a gloss black matrix grille, the dramatic picture is complete. Today, one look at the Continental Supersports tells you everything you need to know: this is the most powerful, performance-focused car Bentley has ever built.
The 6.0 litre W12 engine was tuned by Bentley’s engineers to deliver a phenomenal 700 bhp (710 PS) and 1017 Nm of torque. As a result, the Continental Supersports coupé can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds) and on to 209 mph (336 km/h) – the highest top speed of any Bentley. The Supersports Convertible can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) to a blistering top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), an amazing experience, especially when the top is down. And when the optional titanium exhaust system is fitted – available as part of the optional Supersports X Specification – that incredible engine sounds even more powerful.
Launched in 2017, the second-generation Continental Supersports pushed Bentley performance to extraordinary new heights. With agile handling, blistering acceleration and an awe-inspiring top speed, it remains the most exhilarating car in this range both as a coupé and a convertible.
