Bentley Continental GT 2018
- idolevi159
- Feb 10, 2017
- 3 min read
Recently, our spy photographers captured the 2018 Bentley Continental GT doing its testing runs. First, it was the coupe and now they captured its convertible sister but wearing heavy camouflage of course. Both models will be showcased next year as 2018 models. The new model’s exterior draws its inspiration from the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept the automaker revealed in 2015 during the Geneva Auto show.
The model will thus look sleeker than the current model. Earlier, some pundits argued the car doing testing runs was a EXP 10 Speed 6 production model but spy shots reveal a 2+2 seating arrangement which dispels possibility of the EXP 10 Speed production model which was presented as a 2-seater sports car. Read along for more:
Bentley Continental GT Exterior:
The model is based on a new platform dubbed, the MSB platform. This platform is a joint venture between Bentley and Porsche and as such will be used in a stretched form in the upcoming Porsche Panamera. In fact, test mules of the Continental GT were disguised in the current short-version Panamera body shell. The automaker revealed that the structure will be built with high-strength steel while the body panels will largely be made from aluminum. As such, the new model will be significantly lighter than the outgoing one.
As said above, the visual of the 2018 Bentley Continental GT is inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept. Some of the features adopted form the EXP 10 Concept includes its headlights which feature floating-like LEDs. Though this design of lighting has been a common feature for the Bentayga, the design on this Continental GT is the best yet.
Switching gears to the rear, you will notice the model’s oval-shaped taillights and new exhaust tips similar to the ones on the EXP 10 Speed 6. Most of the model’s other body parts were hidden under a plastic body leaving only the greenhouse exposed. Overall, the prototype doing test runs sits closer to the ground than the outgoing model. The prototype features muscular rear haunches which make it appear as if it’s slightly wider than the current Continental GT.
Bentley Continental GT Interior:
As of now, it is difficult to tell how the cabin of the Bentley Continental GT 2018 will look like. What we are will be in the model’s cabin is the dual-brow instrument panel and quilted leather upholstery on seats and door panels.
The model may also use a huge central display screen similar to the one on the Tesla Model S. The automaker could also decide to use a 3-spoke steering wheel to add more beauty to the cabin. The model will accommodate 4 passengers in a 2+2 seating arrangement. More information will be available when the model nears its on sale date.
Engine Specs and performance:
Bentley has not revealed engines that will power the new Bentley Continental GT. However, the models will likely use the current V-8 and W-12 engines. Perhaps the automaker will tweak the engine for more power output. The 4.0 L, twin-turbocharged V-8 mill will be tweaked to produce around 550 hp.
The 6.0 L, W-12 on the other hand is expected to be tweaked to produce around 635 hp up from the current 582 horses. There are rumors of a hybrid drive-train for the 2018 model but Bentley is yet to confirm or deny the rumors.
Price and release date:
Bentley may showcase the coupe at an international auto show early in 2017, probably at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales will commence later in 2017. The release of the coupe will be followed closely by that of its convertible version.
It is way too early to expect official prices from Bentley. However, expect the new models to cost around $200,000 a small price hike from the current starting price of $193,500.
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