2012 Bentley Continental GT

What's New for 2012

The Bentley Continental GT returns in 2012 with slightly refreshed bodywork, more dynamic handling, improved comfort, more rear-seat legroom and up-to-date electronics. Power has been increased slightly and an updated transmission debuts. A more economical and affordable V8 model will arrive later in the year.

Introduction

Like an aging Hollywood star, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT has "had a little work done." This isn't a full makeover that makes the GT unrecognizable from its former self, just a little nip and tuck here and there. Frankly, before going under the knife, the GT was looking a little tired after spending the better part of a decade in the limelight.

Exterior changes are subtle, with the most prominent updates being LED running lights that encircle the headlights and a more pronounced trunk bustle. Besides the cosmetic work, the new Continental GT has also hit the gym to shed 143 pounds and gain a bit more athleticism. The latter comes from a slight increase in power from the turbocharged W12 engine, widened front and rear tracks, and new, lighter suspension components.

Inside the cabin, the elegant cockpit with its double-stitched leather and cool-touch metal switches remains, but there's a revised design featuring a mix of traditional instruments and modern LCD readouts. The new 8-inch central touchscreen is a welcome addition, and buyers can opt for a classy Naim premium audio system featuring 30GB of internal memory for digital music.

Many of the GT's drawbacks remain, however, including less-than-accommodating rear seats and a portly 5,115-pound curb weight. While competition at this lofty level is sparse, the sleek Aston Martin DB9 provides more driving excitement at a similar price. The Maserati GranTurismo is arguably one of the most attractive cars among the bunch and rings in at $60,000 less. And while the Mercedes-Benz CL600 and its hopped-up AMG derivatives might feel a bit less special than the Bentley, their many amenities and more favorable pricing will be hard to ignore.

Reinvented? No, but for many well-heeled coupe shoppers, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT's regal bearing and scarcity on the street will trump more practical considerations. Logic aside, the Continental GT continues to have plenty of celebrity appeal to those with the means to buy one.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The four-passenger 2012 Bentley Continental GT comes in one very well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, heated outside mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a power trunk lid, heated 10-way power front seats with memory functions and four-way lumbar adjustment, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, wood veneer trim and Bluetooth. The standard eight-speaker audio system includes a CD player, satellite radio, 15GB of music storage and an iPod interface. A navigation system with Google Map compatibility and real-time traffic is also included.

Optional items include a Convenience Specification package that adds adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, a valet key and a privacy phone handset in the center armrest. These items are also available as stand-alone options, as are 21-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, a jewel fuel filler cap, ventilated front seats with massage functions, a veneer-matched removable case to hold personal effects, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, alloy pedals, an 11-speaker Naim audio system and a six-CD/DVD changer. The Mulliner Driving Specification package includes special 21-inch wheels and unique leather and interior trim.

As with all Bentleys, buyers can choose from a dizzying array of exterior and interior colors, embroidery, stitching, piping and wood or metallic trim. For the extra particular, custom colors may also be specified -- for a price, of course.

Powertrains and Performance

Initially, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque -- an increase of 15 hp and 37 lb-ft over the previous model. A new six-speed automatic transmission is the only available gearbox and Bentley says it cuts shift times by 50 percent compared to the last unit and allows for double downshifts. The GT's updated all-wheel-drive system features a 40:60 rear-torque bias to the rear wheels for performance-minded drivers. A more efficient 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine will be available later in the model year.

Bentley estimates 0-60-mph acceleration at 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 198 mph. Unofficial fuel economy figures (should you care) are understandably unimpressive at 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving.

Safety

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT comes standard with stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, side airbags for all seats and driver knee airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features

Much like the Bentley Continental's exterior, the interior changes may not be readily apparent from the last model. The same dash motif, inspired by the winged Bentley logo, is only slightly revised. There's also a three-spoke steering wheel to replace the predecessor's four-spoke item. More importantly, the center stack now houses a new and greatly improved infotainment touchscreen interface, and the instrument panel now features a sharp digital display flanked by analog gauges. The seats have also been redesigned, sporting a more shapely form.

As expected, the cabin makes use of only the best materials available. From supple leathers to rich wood veneers, the interior lives up to the GT's rather exorbitant price tag. Front seat comfort is excellent, but the rear seats may draw criticism from adult-sized passengers. Despite an increase in legroom (thanks to scooped-out front seatbacks), space is still at a premium. It's more likely that these rear quarters will be used to handle the overflow from the 13-cubic-foot trunk.

Driving Impressions

While a 6.0-liter W12 engine making 567 hp is impressive, the fact that all 516 lb-ft of torque is available from 1,700 rpm is even more awe-inspiring. From pretty much anywhere in the rev range, a torrent of propulsion is available, pushing the car past extralegal speeds with ease.

All of that thrust, however, is tempered by the 2012 Bentley Continental GT's portly 5,000-pound curb weight. The weight makes itself known when a change of direction is ordered by the steering wheel. Sprightly this car is not, but it is still quite a bit more maneuverable than you'd expect. With the new suspension components and torque bias to the rear wheels, talented drivers can now make midcorner fine-tuning adjustments by modulating the throttle (not that you're likely to do that, but we suppose you could brag to your friends that you could if you wanted to).

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT's forte is in those last two letters. Grand touring is what this Bentley does best, silently gliding down the highway as the miles tick by. Occupants are isolated from the imperfect outside world, giving them time to savor everything the sumptuous interior has to offer.