Redefining the GT Class

It seems that the Bentley has come eerily close to their proud claim of giving “wings to their cars”. While the expectations from a team with a respectable racing pedigree are extremely high, I believe they have outdone all expectations with the second-generation Continental GT. The introduction of the first-generation Continental GT, itself was dubbed as the most successful luxury sports car. Breathing new life into the brand. 

Much like its predecessor, the GT is a treat for the eyes. With its long stretches of curves almost inviting the driver to put the peddle to the floor and enjoy sheer luxury coupled with raw power and speed. The GT is slightly more aerodynamic than the older version, as the front wheels have been shifted forward, resulting in the engine being placed lower, and the weight is distributed more evenly. 

The new GT is marked with a dynamism that it lacked before. Unlike the first-generation GT, the car no longer struggles to keep its mass in order or heave around sharp corners. Characteristic of Bentley, the engine still sits a long way forward, still mostly ahead of the front axle. However, it is noticeably less nose-heavy, a result of the front axle positioning and the electric motor. All this means that it has the stamina to maintain constant speed over long distances without any trouble. 

The car is still very heavyweight, but the tendons and ligaments of the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension- with their three-chamber air suspension spring/ damper units- are better able to keep control of the masses involved. These changes in the new generation GT have resulted in the car being monstrously fast. Lack of torque has never been a problem with Bentley, it is however the newfound aggression that sets it apart. Besides significant advancements in certain aspects, the marque has fallen short on a few minor details. One such is the unwelcomed wind noise with the optional 22inch wheels. Furthermore, the steering doesn't glide through the driver's hand as effortlessly as it used to. 

With the Second Generation Continental GT, Bentley has endeavored to give customers a more athletic, sporting, rapid, capable-Continental GT. The 48V electronics, longer wheelbase, and air suspension have brought crispness to the dynamics and allowed the car to cope admirably with the huge increase in straight-line performance. Comfort and relaxation may have slipped, but this is compensated for by the dynamic nature of the car. It has a dozen rivals in the weirdly busy coupe sector. But, none of them swallow distance with the charming swagger of a Bentley.