Bentley Continental GT Refresh Takes a Bow

Bentley has given its most successful model a series of updates in time for the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

The Continental GT family is showing off a plethora of updates in Switzerland today, with a focus on the revamped front end that according to the British automaker is “aimed at sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand Tourer.” The new front bumper has been combined with a small radiator shell while new, more pronounced fenders gives a more assertive and confident stance to the luxury sports coupe. Also added to the front fenders is a new vent that features a metallic “B” adornment emphasizing the brand. While subtle, the automaker has also given bright chrome fender badges for the V8 S and W12 models that were previously found on the GT Speed.

2015 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

The rear end also received minor updates focusing on aerodynamics with the rear bumper getting reshaped and widened. The V8 S and GT Speed gain a new rear diffuser to separate them from the standard Continental GT. New wheels in the 20- and 21-inch variety are now available on GT V8, while the GT W12 gets new standard 20-inch, six-tri-spoke wheels. For the V8, those wheels will come in a painted finish while the more powerful W12 gets bright machined spokes.

Perhaps the best news for those that care more about performance is that Bentley found more power for its 6.0-liter W12 powertrain. The motor gets a bump from 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque to 582 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque and even has its fuel economy improved by up to five percent. To help the fuel efficiency, the British automaker added a variable displacement system that allows the W12 to run at part throttle on six of its 12 cylinders to reduce fuel consumption.

Bentley has also added three new shades of paint: Marlin (rich metallic blue), Camel (soft golden tone) and Jetstream (light, bright metallic blue). But the changes aren’t just to the exterior especially given Bentley’s focus on interior quality. The Continental range also gets a new and contemporary straight-fluting pattern on the four seats while the Mulliner Driving Specification variant gets a tight, small-diamond quilted pattern. According to Bentley, the driving controls are all new, along with an optional sports-oriented steering wheel with larger shift paddles.

The driver’s instrument panel received new dials and graphics for a refreshed, contemporary design while the rest of the interior now benefits from LEDs. Fitted between the rear seats on the V8 and V8 S coupe models is a new hidden storage compartment that is capable of also charging electronic devices such as iPads while offering a safe place to store them.

GT W12 and GT Speed shoppers can opt for a new, softer semi-aniline hide for the seat cushions and backrests with two new interior colors being added to the palette: Shortbread and Camel. An Alcantara headliner option is also available that matches all 17 of the interior shades on the GT V8 S, GT W12 and Speed models.

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