New Bentley Continental GT (2011) Revealed

The Bentley Continental GT 2011

We have the 2011 Bentley Continental GT, an evolution of design with a bit more power for the V12 and a new Continental GT V8 in 2011.

As we let you know a few weeks ago, Bentley are planning a reveal for the first proper facelift of the Bentley Continental GT this afternoon on their specially created website. But we got the jump.

As we expected, the 2011 Bentley Continental GT is an evolution of the now 7 year old Conti GT. Nothing too radical to frighten off existing buyers and no major changes that will make the Continental GT’s saloon (Flying Spur) and convertible (GTC) siblings look dated without the same makeover.

This is a makeover from the Porsche 911 school of car design where every panel gets changed and it all looks the same. But it’s not.

In subtle ways the Continental GT has been sharpened. There is more definition to its lines and the greenhouse is a little shallower; the beltline higher. The GT has been made wider with bigger wheel arches at the back, but the 2011 Continental GT is the same height and length as the old model.

Interior changes are just as slight. There’s a new large touch screen and some new cupholders. The seatbelts move from the seat itself to a more normal anchor, meaning slimmer seats and more leg room in the back (but still not enough unless you’re the size of a Minogue).

The current oily bits get a tweak to deliver a bit more power (up from 552 to 567bhp) and there’s an extra 37lb/ft of the twisty stuff. That knocks 0.2 seconds off the 0-60mph time and makes the new Continental GT almost a match – in performance and dynamics – for the old model GT Speed.

The big news is there is to be a Bentley Continental GT V8. Not until late next year as Bentley still hasn’t finished playing with the Audi-sourced lump to Bentley-fy it. They’re saying the V8 in the GT will cut emissions by 40% and offer performance similar to the V12. Big shout. The V8 could also pave the way for the first Bentley hybrid by 2012.

Nothing radical. But if the GT now feels like the GT Speed it’s a very worthwhile facelift.

Update: Bentley has now issued a press release for the 2011 Bentley Continental GT in case you want to read all the nuts and bolts.