2012 Bentley Continental GT Overview

Bentley's exceptional Continental has even more to offer for 2012. In addition to the W12-powered four-seat GT coupe and GTC convertible, Bentley has added a new V8 option to each car, sourced from its Audi counterparts. The new powerplant gives potential buyers even more flexibility when making the ultimate decision.

The Continental has been gently massaged by Bentley engineers, rather than reimagined. The front end is more distinct from the rest of the lineup, and despite a curb weight of 5,500 pounds, the whole car looks leaner, more poised, and a bit more aggressive.

Inside, Bentley refined an already-fantastic cabin, with continued use of just the right amount of real wood, chrome, and supple leather.

Traditional power in the Continental GT and GTC has come from a 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine. That continues for 2012, though power in both cars is up 15 horses to 567 hp, and torque is boosted accordingly to 516 ft-lb. Bentley claims a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 198 mph. Power is put to all four wheels with a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split through a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The W12 Continental GT is EPA-rated at 12 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway.

New for this year is a V8 option. The turbocharged 4.0L unit produces 500 hp and 487 ft-lb of torque. The V8 GT and GTC are also all-wheel drive, though they benefit from a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Bentley figures the car will hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 188 mph, and the EPA estimates fuel consumption at 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Suspension on both versions is courtesy of air springs with Continuous Damping Control, and behind each 20-inch alloy wheel are vented iron disc brakes with Bentley branded calipers in gloss black.

Standard amenities on the W12 cars include bi-xenon projector headlights with LED running lights and taillights, power folding heated side mirrors, and a choice of 17 exterior paint colors. Inside you'll find full premium grade hides in one of four colors, 14-way power adjustable front seats, a Breitling clock, ambient lighting, and touchscreen infotainment with an 8-inch hi-resolution screen that incorporates AM/FM radio, HDD navigation, a single CD/DVD slot, integrated HVAC controls, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Continentals with V8 power are similarly equipped, though certain choices are reduced. For instance, only seven exterior paint colors are available. Convertible GTCs are outfitted like their tin-top brothers, and the open roof comes courtesy of an auto-folding four-layer insulated fabric top in one of five colors.

Options abound on the W12 cars: different wheels (including 21-inchers, chrome exterior accents, different interior veneers, lambswool rugs, special upholstery stitching, adaptive cruise control, GPS tracking system for a stolen Continental, premium audio systems, massage seating with ventilation, and a rearview camera.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Model Changes

The flagship Bentley GT has been restyled and refined for 2012. Exterior surfaces are completely new in subtle ways, as is the interior, and a turbocharged 4.0L V8 joins the lineup, for those who believe the twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 is simply too much.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Value

The Continental remains a highwater mark for Bentley, and also happens to be the marque's best-selling model of all time. Few cars can match the Continental for its combination pace, style, sophistication, and luxury. Four-seaters just don't come any nicer, and now buyers have the option of equipping their Continental with a turbocharged 4.0L V8, which is still good for about 188 mph. If top-down motoring is your thing, then the convertible GTC loses little in the way of performance and adds much in the way of "see and be seen."

2012 Bentley Continental GT Strengths

Eye-catching, unmistakable styling; new V8 power to complement the twin-turbo W12; exclusivity; top-down availability in the GTC