2018 Bentley Continental GT (3rd Generation)

Bentley has built a one-off Conti GT 'Azure' inspired by the gorgeous 1953 R-Type

New timer learns its tricks from the old timer. Old timer remains absolutely stunning

1953 was a special year for a number of reasons. Elizabeth was crowned Queen, Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tensing summited Everest and the automotive world said ‘hello’ to the Bentley R-Type Continental. In celebration of its 70th Birthday this year, the brand is showcasing a one-off handcrafted variant of the latest Conti GT.

Using Bentley’s own JAS 949 press fleet classic as inspiration, the Bentley Continental GT Azure has been handpainted in 'Old English White', accented by chrome to imitate the brightwork of the ‘50s icon.

The interior has been crafted to mirror the original's features, featuring 'Cricket Ball' red leather upholstery and a beautifully contrasting open-pore burr walnut veneer to imitate the patinated finish of JAS 949 - there’s only three ultra-thin layers of lacquer to give a wax-like final appearance.

Naturally, in addition to splendid aethestics, the cabin bears all the Bentley traits including massage seats, decoupling anti-roll bars and driver assistance systems. The tech kit also includes a head-up display (HUD) and night vision, which uses infra-red to detect other road users after dark.


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Bentley Continental GTC V8 S

That rivals still offer greater sporting dynamism and handling appeal is something even Bentley’s Continental V8 S can ultimately do nothing about. But for their extra performative drama and tactile material flourish, and a level of driver appeal boosted without compromise to the GT’s supreme luxury credentials, the GT- and GTC V8 S probably remain the peachiest Continentals of them all.

 
Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner 2023 UK first drive

In short, Speed internals with Mulliner finishing is a hell of a marriage. In that sense, this car really is the ultimate. At least for now. For the limited-run Bacalar (also a Mulliner job), the W12 was taken to 730bhp. Chief engineer Matthias Rabe has hinted that the Continental may soon breathe that kind of fire. A rabid Supersports model, as Crewe has done before, would justify the output. Won’t come with levelling centre caps, mind.

 
Bentley Continental GT Le Mans Collection

To mark 20 years since Bentley's sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC's. Each will be powered by the Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the design of the Le Mans winning Speed 8 #7.

All Le Mans Collection models are specified with the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, offering a choice of touchscreen, dual veneer or analogue dials - but with a twist; In place of the standard central dial is a Vitrine displaying an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8. The engine was removed after the contest and preserved, and now 24 of the 32 valves from the engine have been bisected to create 48 artefacts for this exclusive collection of ultimate Grand Tourers.

In another thoughtful touch, the standard 12-hour analogue clock is replaced by a digital clock with a bespoke dial design - a 24 hour one, naturally.

Mulliner, Bentley's personal commissioning division, has taken inspiration from the dark green Speed 8 racing cars that swept all before them at Le Mans in 2003. From the Verdant green exterior to the sliver of Speed 8 engine displayed in the fascia, the Le Mans Collection is a heartfelt tribute to a long and glorious shared history between Bentley and the Le Mans 24 Hours.


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Bentley Continental GT marks 20 years since Le Mans win

Special edition nods to victorious Speed 8 racer with bespoke colours and trim options

Limited-edition versions of the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental GTC have been revealed to mark the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the iconic French race track.

The Continental GT and GTC Le Mans Collection cars have been created by Bentley's coachbuilding division, Mulliner, in homage to the race-winning Speed 8 of 2003.

Packing the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 as the top-rung Continental GT Speed, the Le Mans editions get 650bhp, 664lb ft, a top speed of 208mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.6sec. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes and manoeuvrability is aided by four-wheel steering and an electronic limited-slip differential.

Two specifications are offered: Blackline and Styling. Blackline has the black and green livery used on the Bentley Speed 8 racer, while Styling makes extensive use of exposed carbonfibre.

Elsewhere, the pair nod to Bentley’s racing heritage with a white #7 painted onto the matrix grille, and the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and bootlid are finished in Beluga black.

All cars feature the familiar three-way rotating display, which allows the driver and passengers to see a touchscreen or dual veneer or analogue dials. In place of the standard central dial, Le Mans Collection cars come with a glass display case housing an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 used in the Speed 8.

 
Bentley Continental GTC Speed Edition 12

To celebrate the remarkable W12 engine that has powered its performance flagships and indeed the brand since 2003, Bentley has created the limited-edition Speed Edition 12. Powered by the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era, the Speed Edition 12 models are a fitting farewell to an extraordinary engineering achievement.

Based on the Speed specification Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible, the Edition 12 package features many unique design enhancements. These include Edition 12 badging, numbered engine plaque, Edition 12 embroidery, colour graduated seat contrast stitching, and a fascia in Grand Black veneer with the engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge.

Only 120 of each of four models will be produced, ensuring that the Speed Edition 12 will become a rare and sought-after tribute to an engine that has powered the company's cars - and its fortunes - for two decades.


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Bentley Continental GT Speed Edition 12 (2023) Price & Specs

Farewell, W12! Here’s SA pricing for the limited-run Bentley Continental GT Speed Edition 12 as well as the equivalent versions of the Bentayga, Flying Spur and Continental GTC…

Bentley’s iconic twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is nearing the end of the road, with production scheduled to wrap up in April 2024. So, the Crewe-based automaker recently revealed limited-run Speed Edition 12 versions of its Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur.

Though just 120 units of each will be produced, we now have confirmation a few examples are indeed destined for South African roads. And, as such, we can share local pricing for these special tribute cars.

The Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 will be priced from R6 750 000, though it won’t be the most expensive iteration, with the Continental GTC Speed Edition 12 (R7 350 000) taking that title. The Bentayga Speed Edition 12, meanwhile, will kick off from R6 160 000, while the Continental GT Speed Edition 12 will start at R6 720 000.

In the Bentayga and Flying Spur, the hefty W12 powerplant delivers 467 kW and 900 Nm to all 4 wheels, with peak twisting force on tap from just 1 500 r/min all the way through to 5 000 r/min. Maximum power rises to 485 kW in the case of the likewise all-paw Continental GT and the open-top Continental GTC, which both top out at a heady 335 kph.

How much do Bentley’s Speed Edition 12 models cost in SA?

Bentley Bentayga Speed Edition 12 – R6 160 000

Bentley Continental GT Speed Edition 12 – R6 720 000

Bentley Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 – R6 750 000

Bentley Continental GTC Speed Edition 12 – R7 350 000

 
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