The 2018 Bentley Continental GT is the highly anticipated second generation of this luxury vehicle, and considering that the first generation came out way back in 2003, the Continental has been in a desperate need for an update. But now, fourteen years after its debut, thanks to some recently surfaced spy shots, we can actually start to look forward to this new generation.
image credit: bentleymotors,com
What’s in the spy shots?
Right after looking at these freshly surfaced spy photographs, it is apparent that the upcoming 2018 Bentley Continental GT takes a lot of inspiration from the 2015 EXP 10 Speed 6 concept. The Continental GT incorporates the concepts sleek and dynamic design structure. Although some sources were initially reporting that this is just a production version of the EXP 10 concept and not the new 2018 model, the test model’s size gives it away, considering that it is almost the exact size of the current Continental GT. It also clearly has two rows as opposed to the EXP 10 Speed 6’s sole two seats.
From a murky look through the test mule’s window, we can see some changes to the dashboard and the inclusion of a brand-new digital instrument cluster.
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image source: motorauthority.com
Platform
The new 2018 Bentley Continental GT will be constructed on Volkswagen’s MSB platform that is used for large, rear- and all-wheel-drive models whose engines are placed in the front. It is the same platform that can be currently found underpinning the 2017 Porsche Panamera. Good news is that this platform is fairly lightweight and aluminum based, therefore the new Continental should benefit from the weight reduction. This platform can next be found in the redesigned version of the Flying Spur.
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image source: motorauthority.com
Engine and Powertrain
Under the hood of the new Continental GT we may find the both of the W12 and V8 engine options. There will also be a plug-in hybrid version of the vehicle, it has already been confirmed. However, the diesel option doesn’t seem likely at this point. The new twin-turbocharged, direct fuel injection 6.0-liter W12 is our best bet for the starting engine for the new Continental. This engine is powering the current 2017 Bentley Bentayga and it can deliver over 600 horsepower, which is a considerable increase to the 582 horsepower output of the latest Continental model.
image credit: autoblog
2018 Bentley Continental GT Release Date and Price
The new Bentley Continental is yet to receive a release date, but it is expected to debut by the end of the year as a 2018 model. Soon after the launch of the coupe, a convertible model should follow suit. As for the prices, nothing official has been released yet, but about $220.000 is what you can expect.
