Continental (2003-2010)
At its launch in 2003, Bentley refined and redefined the language of grand tourer design with the revolutionary Continental GT. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6-litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley. The Continental GT redefined Grand Touring: and between 2003 and 2010 Bentley created a grand tourer that turned both the driver's head and heart.
In 2005, a convertible model was introduced, featuring the same powerful W12 engine as the Continental GT before it, adding the opportunity to experience the grand tour in the open air. 2007 saw the creation of a Speed model - to further explore the performance capabilities of the powerful GT, whilst still offering unmatched levels of refinement and craftsmanship. This model too became available as a convertible in 2009.
Inspired by design
Continental GT Series 51 celebrated Bentley's design studio, and featured unique interior and exterior features, developed by Bentley's trim designers. It was followed in the same year by the model now synonymous with Bentley's pursuit of ultimate driving performance - the Continental Supersports. Inspired by Bentley's racing heritage and the Le Mans race winners of the 1920s, Supersports was launched as both a coupe and convertible.
A Bentley made to race
Not content with creating Bentley's fastest road car in Supersports, World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a recalibrated Supersports Convertible on ice in Finland, breaking the World Ice Speed record. To celebrate this phenomenal achievement, the Supersports Covertible ISR Edition was launched in 2011.
The first generation of Bentley's Continental GT became synonymous with the most luxurious and refined handcrafting balanced with performance character - and for every Continental GT driver there was made a model to suit their own interpretation of a Grand Tour.
Scroll down to read more about the generation that defined the Bentley Continental.
A new era
In 2010, after many achievements and accolades, Bentley took the original 2003 GT and created it anew for a new generation of driver. Read about the second generation Continental here.
Continental Supersports Convertible ISR Edition
Continental Supersports Convertible (2010)
The fastest Bentley Convertible of its time
Prior to the creation of the ISR Limited Edition came the launch of the Continental Supersports Convertible in 2010. With the same 630PS (621bhp/463kW) twin-turbocharged W12 engine as the Continental Supersports coupe, the Supersports Convertible was the fastest, most potent convertible Bentley had ever built - in fact it was the fastest production 4 seater convertible on the market at that time.
With a top speed of 202 mph, at the time of its launch the Continental Supersports Convertible was Bentley’s fastest and most powerful production convertible. The added power and decreased weight meant the 0-60mph acceleration time was just 4 seconds.
These impressive figures have only been bettered by the 2017 Continental Supersports, which features a refined W12 engine, weight and calibration improvements, all of which result in true supercar performance. Read more about the 2017 Supersports Convertible here.
Continental Supersports (2009)
Engineered to thrill
Everything about the 2009 Bentley Continental Supersports was engineered for a single purpose: to deliver the most thrilling driving experience imaginable.
The inspiration for the ‘Supersports’ name is the 1925 Bentley Supersports, a race-bred version of the iconic Bentley 3-litre, that delivered 85bhp when more ordinary cars were equipped with a modest 15bhp. It was also the first production car to reach 100mph – extreme performance in its day.
The aggressive, low muscular stance of the 2009 Continental Supersport coupe not only drew attention to the changes beneath the skin, but served an equally important technical role.
The W12 engine, an advanced 621bhp (630PS) unit was allowed to generate its extra power and torque as dramtic vertical front air intakes distribute 10% additional airflow to the twin intercoolers. Even the wheel was reinvented. The striking 10-spoke blade-like design drove airflow over the largest carbon ceramic brakes ever offered on a production car.
With a top speed of 204 mph, the 2009 Continental Supersports was Bentley’s fastest and most powerful production car ever, from its launch in 2009 until the launch of the new Continental Supersports in 2017, which is even faster at 209 mph. The added power and decreased weight of the original 2009 Supersports mean the 0-60mph acceleration time was just 3.7 seconds.
Everything about the orignal 2009 Supersports was engineered for a single purpose: to deliver the most thrilling driving experience imaginable.
Continental GT Series 51 (2009)
celebrating the birth of Bentley's styling department
The Continental GT Series 51 was named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley. Every Series 51 car featured a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues, to further accentuate the powerful road presence and sporting presence of the Continental GT.
Bentley's Colour and Trim team designed specially tailored three-tone interiors, and Bentley's designers selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the interiors. The Dark and Bright 'Engine Spin' aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.
A 20" 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provided Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars were also distinguished by a signature '51' badge on the front wings.
Continental Series 51 was available as a coupe or a convertible model.
Continental GTC Speed (2009)
Darker and Sportier
Launched in 2009, the first generation Continental GTC Speed was born of the same heart as the Continental GTC grand tourer, but with a different soul. Darker. Sportier. Tauter.
This early Continental GTC Speed is distinguised by a dark chrome grille, 20” multi-spoke sport wheels, twin rifled sports tail pipes. Inside lies a world of contrasts; Mulliner diamond quilted leather seats, knurled chrome sports lever encased in hide, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium inlays.
Lower the roof and press the drilled alloy sport foot-pedal to enjoy the full sensory experience.
A lowered ride height delivers a richer driving experience, enhanced by the new Sport mode on ESP. Agility matched by greater body control, improved handling dynamics and superior grip. A new rear fixed spoiler provides improved aerodynamics. Then that sound again, a richer, sportier exhaust note filling your ears.
Continental GT Speed (2007)
Tailored for outright performance
The Continental GT Speed: a potent member of the first generation Continental Series. Tailored for the driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.
Inspired by the grace and power of Bentley’s thoroughbred bloodline, the Continental GT Speed combines phenomenal power, tauter handling and sharper steering response. Greater agility and body control. An enhanced sporting character inspired by Bentley’s heritage of high performance “Speed” models from the 1920s.
Power that doesn’t compromise space. Handling that doesn’t compromise comfort. Technology that doesn’t compromise handcraftsmanship. Above all, true Grand Touring performance complemented by the luxury of Bentley legend.
Continental GTC (2005)
Elegance with Exhiliration
When launched in 2005, the first generation Continental GTC presented elegance and exhilaration in equal measure. A sleek, perfectly formed silhouette drawing on Bentley’s distinguished lineage of convertibles. Immaculately proportioned with incomparable craftsmanship and sophisticated technology running throughout.
At its heart, an awesome 6-litre, 12-cylinder turbocharged engine providing unmatched power and torque. A glorious convertible delivering a passionate performance and an enviable driving experience.
Continental GT (2003)
An object of desire
Launched in 2003, the first Bentley Continental GT was an automotive sculpture which drew upon the unmistakable Bentley design DNA. The most advanced technology coursing through its muscular shape. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6-litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley.
550bhp (560PS) with torque to match. Flying from rest to 60mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds). Maximum speed of over 190mph (over 300km/h). Six-speed transmission. All wheel drive. Supremely assured ride and handling.
An object of desire in perfect balance with true luxury. Space. The finest wood veneers. Impeccable hides. And the individuality of Crewe hand-craftsmanship. An unsurpassed grand touring tradition.