Photo: SB-Medien
Bentley might have superpowers in terms of concealing the age and the weight of its Continental GT, but Crewe is now working overtime to complete the development of the second-generation model.
Make no mistake, the test mule you see above is not the second-generation Porsche Panamera. First of all, its number plates are registered with Bentley in the UK. And there are enough clues pointing out to the Conti camouflaged beneath the Zuffenhausen appearance.
For instance, the rear doors have been shortened, which brings us to the greatest mystery surrounding this test vehicle. While this could turn into a Continental GT coupe once it becomes a production-ready prototype, rumors dating back to 2013 talk about Bentley preparing a four-door coupe for 2018.
The vehicle was imagined as an entry-level model for the Bentley range, with its length sitting just below 5 meters. While the W12 is rather unlikely and the V8 is expected, such a model could also pack a V6 as well as a (we’re cringing) diesel.
If the model ever sees the light of day, it could be introduced as a member of an expanded Continental family. Truth be told, we’ve always felt Bentley needs a four-door coupe.
Such a model would share its MSB platform with the sure-to-come future Continental GT.
The architecture relies heavily on aluminum, but it can be adapted to also use high-strength steel, as well as composite and exotic materials that bring the weight down and increase the rigidity.
The MSB platform could allow the Continental GT to lose up to 450 kg (990 lbs). Anybody who’s opened a Conti’s massive hood knows the engine is placed way over the front axle. With Porsche handling the development of the new architecture, the vehicles based on it will move to a mid-front-engine architecture. At the same time, adults will be able to climb in the back without having to reconsider their decision later on in the trip.
While we’re not sure about the next Mulsanne, the platform will certainly also be found under the next Flying Spur, so chauffeurs, not just drivers, will benefit from this.
Speaking of the engine compartment, the second-generation Continental GT will employ the current 4-liter V8, an all-new W12 that has already been introduced on the Bentayga, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid.
Styling-wise, Bentley designers won’t be shy in announcing the lighter nature of the car through its appearance. You can take a look at the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept as a taste of things to come.
Whether Bentley will introduce a Continental GT or a pair of models that also involves the four-door coupe mentioned above, we expect the debut to take place in 2017.
For instance, the rear doors have been shortened, which brings us to the greatest mystery surrounding this test vehicle. While this could turn into a Continental GT coupe once it becomes a production-ready prototype, rumors dating back to 2013 talk about Bentley preparing a four-door coupe for 2018.
The vehicle was imagined as an entry-level model for the Bentley range, with its length sitting just below 5 meters. While the W12 is rather unlikely and the V8 is expected, such a model could also pack a V6 as well as a (we’re cringing) diesel.
If the model ever sees the light of day, it could be introduced as a member of an expanded Continental family. Truth be told, we’ve always felt Bentley needs a four-door coupe.
Such a model would share its MSB platform with the sure-to-come future Continental GT.
The architecture relies heavily on aluminum, but it can be adapted to also use high-strength steel, as well as composite and exotic materials that bring the weight down and increase the rigidity.
The MSB platform could allow the Continental GT to lose up to 450 kg (990 lbs). Anybody who’s opened a Conti’s massive hood knows the engine is placed way over the front axle. With Porsche handling the development of the new architecture, the vehicles based on it will move to a mid-front-engine architecture. At the same time, adults will be able to climb in the back without having to reconsider their decision later on in the trip.
While we’re not sure about the next Mulsanne, the platform will certainly also be found under the next Flying Spur, so chauffeurs, not just drivers, will benefit from this.
Speaking of the engine compartment, the second-generation Continental GT will employ the current 4-liter V8, an all-new W12 that has already been introduced on the Bentayga, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid.
Styling-wise, Bentley designers won’t be shy in announcing the lighter nature of the car through its appearance. You can take a look at the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept as a taste of things to come.
Whether Bentley will introduce a Continental GT or a pair of models that also involves the four-door coupe mentioned above, we expect the debut to take place in 2017.
Google News