"The 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine may be similar in size and configuration to the old engine, but it's actually all-new." - Carbuzz
Engine and Transmission:
Beneath the neverending hood of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Coupe lies the same 6.0-liter dual twin-scroll turbocharged W12 engine that makes 626 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque. All that power translates from the engine to all four corners of this big coupe with the help of an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sourced from ZF.
The all-wheel drivetrain is rear-wheel biased. So power from the engine is sent mostly to the rear two wheels of this Bentley. The engine sends power to all the wheels only in scenarios where it is extremely needed to do so.
Models
|
Bentley Continental GT Coupe
|
Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe
|
Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe
|
MSRP
|
$200,000
|
$241,450
|
$327,000
|
Engine
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6.0-liter W12 premium
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6.0-liter V12 premium
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6.6-liter V12 premium
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Transmission
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8-speed dual-clutch automatic
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7-speed shiftable automatic
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8-speed shiftable automatic
|
Horsepower
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626 hp @ 6,000 rpm
|
621 hp @ 4,800 rpm
|
624 hp @ 5,600
|
Torque
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664 lb.-ft. @ 1,350 rpm
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738 lb.-ft. @ 2,300 rpm
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605 lb.-ft @ 1,500 rpm
|
All other Gran Coupes in this segment get more or less equally powered engines. However, the Mercede-Benz AMG S65’s engine makes the most torque.
Acceleration:
The present day Bentley Continental GT unlike its predecessor is lighter and has a better weight balance. So even though on paper it might appear that the 2019 Bentley Continental GT makes the same amount of power, in reality that makes a world of difference.
The engine provides peak low-end torque, and there’s an abundance of power throughout the rev range. Pair that with an all-wheel drive unit which favors the rear wheels, and what you get is instant acceleration as soon as you foot your foot down on the accelerator.
As soon as you press down on the pedal the entire weight of this heavy coupe, which is now less than before, shifts to the back. The 8-speed ZF automatic shifts with urgency and the rear-wheel biased drivetrain thrusts the 2019 Bentley Continental GT ahead of its rivals.
Models
|
Bentley Continental GT Coupe
|
Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe
|
Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe
|
0-60 MPH
|
3.6
|
3.7
|
4.1
|
Quarter Mile
|
11.8
|
12.1
|
12.5
|
Engine
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6.0L W12
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6.0L V12
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6.6L V12
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Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
|
NA
|
11.0
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12.6
|
With peak torque available from as low as 1,350 rpm, and a rear-wheel biased drivetrain, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT is the quickest of the lot.
Braking:
The 2019 Bentley Continental GT gets the largest disc brakes one can find on any passenger car, which is only sensible considering its hefty demeanor. The large 16.5-inch cast-iron brakes feature ten piston-callipers, while the other 15-inch ones at the back get four.
These chunky rotors do a great job bringing the 2019 Bentley Continetal GT to a halt, even in emergency situations. Also, brake-fade is never an issue on this Bentley. However, there's a severe amount of nose-dive while going down hard on the brakes. A downside of this Continetal GT’s size and weight.
Model
|
Bentley Continental GT Coupe
|
Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe
|
Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
16.5
|
13.2
|
14.7
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
15.0
|
11.8
|
14.6
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
4,947
|
4,839
|
5,380
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
105
|
100
|
109
|
The Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe is the lightest of the lot. As a result, it stops much quicker than the rest.
Ride and Handling:
The 2019 Bentley Continental GT’s sporty exterior is not just for show. This Continental GT from Bentley handles and drives much better than the old one. For starters, the 2019 Continental GT is lighter than before. For the year 2019, Bentley has moved the front wheels forward by 135mm. Also, the engine has been shifted further back. As a result, only 55% of its mass now sits at front wheels as compared to the old GT’s 58%.
Then to further improve stability, there’s a 48-volt Active Roll control system to manage the suspension. This system now uses three-chamber air springs instead of two. Then are the active anti-roll bars to further improve the Continental GT’s stiffness. As a result, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT stays perfectly balanced and planted on the tarmac.
The 2019 Bentley Continental GT also carries forward the old Supersports’s brake-base torque vectoring system, which helps this brute in gliding in and out of corners like a sportscar half its size. On the highway, the 2019 Continental GT makes up for an even more involving ride. With heaps of torque, a quick-shifting gearbox and improved weight balance, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT instantly springs ahead and keeps ongoing as long as you don’t decide to let your foot off the throttle.
There are several driving modes to choose from too, which include Comfort, Bentley, Sport and Custom. These modes alter engine, transmission, suspension and steering response with the help of a rotary knob. But no matter what mode you’re in, this Bentley never fails to remind you of its capabilities.