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bentley boom
Recession. What recession?
Bentley announced recently global sales for the first half of 2011 had increased by 20 percent on the same period last year. Some 2,978 cars were delivered to customers in the first six months, the best start to a year by Bentley since 2008.
The surge in sales has been led by demand for Bentley's newly launched Continental GT and the popularity of the brand in China, where sales have increased by 57 percent on last year's figures. The Chinese have already taken delivery of 758 cars, a new record for Bentley's fastest-growing market, second only to the United States in terms of sales. One in four Bentleys sold globally is now sold in China.
The GT is the latest iteration of Bentley's iconic Continental design and its new exterior and powerful engines are setting even higher standards of design, engineering, craftsmanship and dynamic driving. Its success is re-energising the brand and attracting a new era of Bentley customers.
"Interest in our product range is increasing and with our largest markets achieving significant growth we are on track to meet our targets for the full year,” said Wolfgang Durheimer, Bentley’s Chief Executive.
"It's an exciting time for Bentley as we continue to invest in new product development, the results of which will be seen for months to come. With more new model launches later this year, we foresee this growth continuing into 2012 and beyond."
Here’s what the company has to say about the new Continental GT.
Redesigned and re-engineered, the new GT remains at heart a four-seat, all-wheel-drive supercar that provides the unparalleled Bentley driving experience.
It also represents the latest evolution of Bentley’s acclaimed 12-cylinder, six-litre power unit, now engineered to provide even more supercar performance. Lighter in weight than its predecessor and with increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency, the new car is capable of devastating speeds and stunning acceleration at all times.
The new six-speed Quickshift transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddleshift, reduces gear change times by 50 percent. The system also permits instant double down-shift – for example, changing from sixth to fourth gear – to take advantage of improved engine braking and ensures you are always in the right gear at the right time, for a truly involving driving experience.
The new Continental GT is also the finest example of the Bentley engineers’ determination to create the ultimate Grand Tourer. The chassis is designed to be as strong and rigid as possible so the advanced suspension system can do its work on the road. From behind the wheel, you’ll experience phenomenal agility and poise when driving, with remarkable stability even at the highest speeds.
Driving the new GT gives you first-hand experience of the state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system. The car’s ability to accelerate under a wave of torque at any speed in all weather conditions is unparalleled. Few cars can match it when it comes to transferring power smoothly and safely to the road.
The GT also meets modern requirements with regard to environmental issues thanks to FlexFuel, which allows the W12 engine to run on bioethanol, petrol or any mix of the two fuels – from the same tank – without any compromise on performance.
“The new Continental GT is an automotive work of art, with superb craftsmanship and elegant, contemporary design,” says Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s outgoing CEO.
“It drives like a supercar, but without the usual sacrifices in ride or practicality. It is a car that you can enjoy every moment of every day.”
* Golf Vacations did not test drive the new Continental GT.
at a glance
The Bentley Continental GT
Engine: Six-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Power: 423kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 700Nm @ 1,700rpm
0-100kph: 4.6 secs
Max speed: 318km/h
Fuel tank: 90 litres
Fuel economy: 16.5l/100km (combined)
Vehicle weight: 2,320kg
Overall length: 4,806mm
RRP: AU$405,714, excluding stamp duty and on-road costs
For more information, visit bentleymotors.com
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