Bentley Continental GT

For other models sharing this name, see Bentley Continental.

The Bentley Continental GT is a grand tourer coupé with two doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement, released in 2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and T.

It is equipped with a 6.0L, twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 552hp (412kW), with a top speed of 198mph (319km/h). The car is designed by Belgian designer Dirk van Braeckel. The Continental GT is built on the Volkswagen Group D1 platform. Largely, it could be considered a rebadged Volkswagen Phaeton, with a different styling and a more powerful engine, most of the technical components being identical to those on the Phaeton.

World speed record on ice

In early 2007, a Bentley Continental GT Speed driven by four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen broke the world speed record on ice on the frozen Baltic sea near Oulu, Finland. It averaged 321.6km/h (199.86 mph) in both directions on the "flying kilometer", reaching a maximum speed of 331 km/h (207 mph). The previous record was 296km/h (184mph), achieved with a Bugatti EB110 Supersport.

The record-breaking Bentley was largely standard except for a roll-cage, aerodynamic improvements, and low-temperature fuel and calibration.

Continental Flying Spur

Main article: Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)

The four-door Continental Flying Spur saloon was first displayed at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The Flying Spur utilizes the most of the technical underpinnings of the Bentley Continental GT, and was introduced to European and American markets in the summer of 2005. Together, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur have boosted Bentley's annual production from around 1,000 units in 2003 to 9,200 units in 2006.

One notable aspect of the Continental Flying Spur is its grille. Made to look like traditional chromed brass mesh, it is actually made of plastic. The plastic grille was fitted as a safety feature; it is designed to break apart upon impact with a pedestrian.