Now the 2012 Bentley Continental GT 4-seat coupe builds on the success of its iconic predecessor, capturing that GT spirit but with even higher standards of design, engineering, luxury, craftsmanship, dynamic performance, everyday practicality and refinement.

A beautifully sculptured new body gives the GT coupe an even crisper, more defined appearance. The contemporary interior offers new levels of cabin design, comfort and hand-crafted luxury. The seats, for example, provide even greater support and rear leg-room; a sweeping dashboard even more style and modernity. The new touchscreen infotainment system features state-of-the-art navigation, Google Maps and entertainment while the latest Balanced Mode Radiator speaker technology and Dirac Dimensions™ digital sound processing deliver enhanced audio quality.

Bentley’s acclaimed 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain now has a raised power output of 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque and this is mated to a new Quickshift transmission which enables double downshifts. Thanks to advanced FlexFuel technology it can also run on both standard unleaded petrol (gasoline) and sustainable bioethanol (up to E85) or any mix of the two.

In late 2011 an all-new, high-output 8-cylinder engine will also be available to order. This advanced power unit will deliver a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the W12 engine and will offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio with Bentley levels of performance and refinement.

Both engines are coupled to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with the 50:50 bias of the original Continental GT), minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the experienced driver to control the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

“The 2012 Bentley Continental GT is an automotive work of art, with superb craftsmanship and elegant, contemporary design. 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.”

Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive

THE 2012 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT COUPE – AT A GLANCE

Sculptured exterior design

-Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings and boot lid) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines’
-Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights
-More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne
Contemporary, hand-crafted cabin

-New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium, soft-touch leather hides
-Distinctive ‘cobra’-design seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space
-A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific)
-Audio systems feature the latest wide frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard
-Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).
More powerful W12 and new high-efficiency V8 FlexFuel engines

-6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS(567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
-0 – 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0 – 100km/h in 4.6 seconds)
-0 – 100mph in 10.2 seconds (0 – 160km/h in 10.2 seconds)
-Top speed of 198mph (318km/h)
-Overall weight saving of 65kg (143lb) versus predecessor
-New high-output, high-efficiency V8 engine due for release in late 2011.
Dynamic Bentley driving experience

-ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
-New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’
-Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability
-Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
-20” and (optional) 21” wheels

SCULPTURED EXTERIOR EXUDES QUALITY AND DESIGN INTEGRITY

Inspired by the iconic Bentleys of the past, Bentley’s design team under the leadership of Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel, has created a thoroughly modern, sculptured body, built with advanced production technologies to ensure the highest standards of quality and body integrity.

Aluminium Super Forming technology is employed to create the front wings and the boot lid. This process heats the aluminium panels to nearly 500 degrees Celsius before shaping them by air pressure. By using a single sheet of aluminium, no seams or welding are required.

The latest body construction techniques deliver crisp, highly defined feature lines and form to every area of the exterior design. The familiar power lines and rear haunches – echoes of the original 1950s R-Type Continental – now have even sharper radii to create highly distinct surfaces, bringing the feel of a truly coachbuilt car to the new coupe.

The GT coupe’s new look is bolder than ever. The classic Bentley matrix radiator grille is more upright, while the new headlamp design, in traditional four-lamp format, has exquisite jewel-like detailing including eye-catching, LED daylight-running lamps.

At the rear, Bentley signature ‘floating’ LED lamps extend around the corners of the wings, emphasising the new coupe’s width and purposeful stance. The track is wider by41mm at the front and 48mm at the rear than the previous model. The bootlid design has a powerful ‘double horse-shoe’ motif, reminiscent of the new Bentley Mulsanne, while flared elliptical exhaust tailpipes reinforce the 2012 Continental GT’s sporting credentials.

The shape of the 2012 Continental GT coupe’s body is also more aerodynamic following extensive wind tunnel analysis. In conjunction with a range of extensive underbody refinements (including wheel arch and exhaust aerodynamic aids) the GT’s coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.33Cd and the lift at the front and rear axles has also been reduced to create greater stability at higher speeds.

The 2012 Continental GT is specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with, for the first time on the Continental family, the option to upgrade to 21-inch designs. Three styles of wheel are offered – a 20-inch five-spoke version and two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations, which come in a variety of chromed and painted finishes.

“The 2012 Continental GT coupe has an even stronger sporting character than ever before. It is an exceptionally refined and comfortable 2+2 Grand Tourer but with the heart, soul and looks of a supercar.”

Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design

CONTEMPORARY, HAND-CRAFTED CABIN WITH BENTLEY’S RENOWNED REFINEMENT

With an entirely hand-crafted interior, the Continental GT’s cabin sets new standards in refinement and luxury to create a stylish space in which up to four people can relax in total comfort.

The instrument panel and dashboard subtly echo the flying wings of the Bentley motif and are fashioned from the highest quality soft-touch leathers. New touchscreen technology and chrome-bezelled dials are housed within this dynamic cockpit area, which rises from the centre console in the form of dramatically surfaced ’wing’ buttresses.

The striking and unique ‘Cobra’ design seats are supremely comfortable thanks to the introduction of the latest body-supporting materials which use complex foams to provide softness at first touch but with excellent support over longer journeys.

The seats can be specified with front-seat ventilation as well as a state-of-the-art massage system with 10 individual massage cells and individual side airbags are provided as standard for all passengers. Front seatbelts feature a new electrically-operated automatic presenter, making buckling-up effortless. Driver knee airbags are standard fitment.

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT offers superb everyday usability. The new slim-line front seats with scalloped backs also provide a further 46mm of legroom for back-seat passengers and easy access to the rear cabin.

No other Grand Tourer offers such impressive levels of refinement thanks to the advanced noise-suppression technology that includes acoustic glazing, under-floor shields and hidden anti-vibration panels throughout the interior.

The cabin is trimmed with soft-touch leathers, a full range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets – all hand-crafted in Bentley’s unrivalled workshops at the factory in Crewe, England. The attention to detail even extends to applying a UV stabilizer to the wood veneers to protect from bleaching, thus ensuring they can be enjoyed as new for decades to come.

Every leather hide is still sewn under the watchful eye of Bentley’s highly skilled craftsmen and women. By incorporating ingenious, angled ‘ramps’ behind the leather, the interior designers have created sharp, well-defined styling lines, while maintaining a soft-touch.

Other simple yet practical functions include a powered boot as standard, Electronic Park Brake with Move Off Assist and newly designed, leather-lined door stowage bins with an integrated bottle holder.

Perhaps the most stylish new storage device in the 2012 Bentley Continental GT is the exquisitely designed, folding, removable case designed to hold items such as keys and pens and which can also be slipped into a pocket or bag. Crafted from veneers to match those of the coupe’s interior, the case (available as a cost option) is finished with inlaid Bentley wings, satin-chromed and leather-lined, and is secured in a recess above the twin drinks holders in the centre console.

“The 2012 Continental GT coupe interior combines form, practicality and innovation. Our task was to translate the original design sketches for the car’s cabin – which were quite extreme, almost revolutionary for a Bentley – into the final design. The result is a cockpit that moves the Continental GT on to the next generation.”

Darren Day, Senior Designer

CLASS-LEADING INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Complementing its contemporary cabin, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT also features advanced new touchscreen technology with rich map imagery and a 30GB on board hard drive.

The 8-inch screen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings and the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also employs dynamic navigation to guide you around areas of heavy traffic, finds destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible (market specific).

The infotainment system, with 7 digit postcode entry, uses a combination of touchscreen controls and classic knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability and crystal-clear feedback. The graphic interface of the screen is engineered in-house to ensure its visuals are completely in keeping with the style of the interior. Look closely and you will see that the knurled switches on the screen are ‘virtual’ echoes of the knurled switches below.

The Continental GT’s new infotainment system also provides the ultimate in in-car audio entertainment. An eight-speaker sound system is offered as standard employing the latest Balanced Mode Radiator technology. These unique compact, flat-panel speakers provide exceptional clarity with a very wide frequency range.

An 11-speaker Naim for Bentley system – created exclusively for the Continental GT by British audiophiles Naim – employs revolutionary Dirac Dimensions ™ digital signal processing. This industry-first technology creates a virtual ‘sound field’ independent of speaker layout to deliver concert hall-quality sound reproduction for every occupant wherever they may be sitting.

The GT coupe also benefits from telephone and music player connectivity, digital television (where available) and DVD movie playback. Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod®as well as from a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car’s hard-disc drive, which can store up to 15GB of music.

MORE POWERFUL W12 AND NEW HIGH-OUTPUT, HIGH-EFFICIENCY V8

The Continental GT is set to have a choice of two very distinctive high-performance engines. In addition to the new 575PS version of Crewe’s renowned 6.0 litre W12 powertrain, a new high-output 4.0-litre V8 engine option will be introduced in late 2011.

The new 4.0-litre V8 engine honours Bentley’s environmental commitment to deliver a powertrain that achieves a 40 percent improvement in CO2 emissions. The new V8 is being designed specifically by Bentley’s engineers to deliver all the exhilarating power and torque synonymous with the marque. The new Crewe-built engine will also offer a class-leadingCO2 emissions-to-power ratio.

At launch, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley’s acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency.

Designed in a unique ‘W’ configuration, it is the most compact and technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Four camshafts and 48 valves allow the engine to breathe effortlessly and help to generate the distinctive Bentley wave of torque. It is also capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any mix of the two – all from a single tank.

In 2008, Bentley announced a far-reaching environmental programme that included a 15 percent improvement in powertrain efficiency and the adoption across the Bentley model range of FlexFuel technology by 2012. Bentley’s FlexFuel models are capable of delivering potential CO2 reductions of up to 70 percent on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis – the measurement of CO2 released by a fuel from its production (well) through to its combustion or deployment (wheel).

To ensure that the power and torque generated remain constant (whatever the fuel) an advanced Fuel Quality Sensor continuously monitors the ratio of the fuels used. It then guides the Engine Control Unit to adjust the engine’s timing. This provides the seamless power delivery for which Bentley engines are renowned, and ensures there is no compromise on performance when using fuels that create lower CO2 emissions.

Further revisions to the 2012 Continental GT coupe’s engine include low friction, lightweight components which allow the W12-format engine to rev even more freely, while the latest engine management system and twin, low-inertia turbochargers are optimised to ensure minimal turbo lag.

Overall, the GT coupe is 65kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to reductions in all areas of the car from engine components through to new seats. With its power output raised by 15PS and torque by 50 Nm – to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) – the result is a 6 percent improvement in the 2012 Continental GT’s power-to weight-ratio, making it capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) with a top speed of 198mph (318km/h).

The increased power and torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via an uprated six-speed Quickshift transmission, which halves shift times (to just 200 milliseconds). The revised gearbox also has the ability to deliver double downshifts (sixth to fourth gear, for example) and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the six-speed ZF transmission is also strengthened.

Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun, replicating manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching . During transmission upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability.

“The W12’s extra power and torque and Quickshift transmission endow the 2012 Continental GT with instantly accessible supercar performance across the complete rev range. At the same time, Bentley’s pioneering use of FlexFuel technology underlines our ongoing environmental commitment.” Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, Engineering

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FOR OPTIMISED RIDE AND HANDLING

Both engines are coupled with a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions and all weathers.

In the new coupe, the power split has a 40:60 rear bias for a significantly more sporting feel in terms of handling and mid-corner acceleration. However, it can adjust instantaneously the power split between the front and rear wheels depending on the available grip. In addition, an uprated Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system provides additional security and grip whatever your driving style.

The 2012 Continental GT’s chassis delivers the optimum ride and handling balance. The wide front and rear track benefits agility and handling, while solid aluminium cast-forged, high-stiffness front suspension uprights and aluminium gravity die castings at the rear work in conjunction with a redesigned front anti-roll bar and retuned spring and damper settings. The result is improved response and stability at all speeds.

Continuous Damping Control (CDC) constantly monitors the car’s attitude and poise. By adjusting the suspension settings hundreds of times a second it can provide a remarkably supple ride at low speeds and increased control as speeds climb. It can also lower the car in ‘V-Max’ mode for enhanced stability at the highest speeds.

SUMMARY

Throughout Bentley’s history, iconic grand tourers have forged the marque’s reputation. In the 1950s the beautiful R-Type Continental set new standards of performance and style. In 2003, Continental GT revolutionised the luxury coupe market, combining supercar performance and dynamism with remarkable everyday practicality.

Now, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT coupe sets even higher standards in every area of design, craftsmanship and engineering.

“We’ve distilled nearly 90 years of engineering excellence into the 2012 Bentley Continental GT coupe. It represents everything Bentley stands for: breathtaking performance, beautiful design and unparalleled quality, comfort and luxury.”

Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE
Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION
ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios:
1st . 4.17
2nd. 2.34
3rd. 1.52
4th. 1.14
5th. 0.87
6th 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION
Steel monocoque

BRAKES
Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES
9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21 linked to option wheels)

STEERING
Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

SUSPENSION
Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear:Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall Length: 4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body): 1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (including mirrors): 2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall Height: 1404 mm / 55.3 in
Fuel Tank: 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot Volume: 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb Weight (EU): 2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2750 kg / 6063 lb

PERFORMANCE
Top Speed: 198 mph (318 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.4 secs (0 – 100 km/h: 4.6 secs)
0 – 100 mph: 10.2 secs (0 – 160 km/h: 10.2 secs)
30 – 50 mph (50 – 80 km/h): 1.7 secs
50 – 75 mph (80 – 120 km/h): 2.9 secs

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle) *
Urban: 11.1 mpg (25.4 litres/100km)
Extra Urban: 24.9 mpg (11.4 litres/100km)
Combined: 17.1 mpg (16.5 litres/100km)
CO2 emissions: 384 g/km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle) **
City Driving 12.0 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 19.0 mpg (US)
Combined 14.0 mpg (US)

EMISSIONS CONTROLS
* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval. ** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

EU 5 and US LEV 11

To complete the masterpiece, they made color matched front-lip and interior. To complete the Bentley`s make-over, WheelsBoutique added a RSC exhaust and mounted to the engine a new Evo MS Tune system, a Mansory air filter and Renntech lowering module.

The Middle East market now represents 10 per cent of Bentley retail sales globally and has doubled its contribution to the worldwide percentage of sales over the last five years. This trend has continued despite the recent global recession.

From Bentley’s first dealership in Dubai, the network has grown to become nine-strong in 2010, with dealers in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar. These two new models have been launched specifically for this unique market.

The Continental Flying Spur Arabia and the Continental Flying Spur Speed Arabia retain all the potent performance of the company’s Continental Flying Spur and Spur Speed, the world’s fastest luxury four-door saloon, but with a range of additional exterior and interior features to create the ultimate in distinguished, elegant driving developed for the Arabic market.

Both cars are further distinguished by some subtle exterior and interior ‘Arabia’ motifs. These include an exterior front fender badge, tread plate and ashtray lid badge – all bearing the Arabia signature.

The class-leading performance of the W12, 6-litre engine is in no way diminished. The Flying Spur Arabia is capable of achieving a potential top speed of 312 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. The Flying Spur Speed Arabia offers a more powerful 600 bhp (610 ps, 449 kW) version of Bentley’s highly acclaimed W12 with 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. This is a 9 per cent increase in power and 15 per cent increase in torque over its sister model, and will drive from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 322 km/h.

Unique wheels are also offered on both models. The Continental Flying Spur Arabia is designed with an elegant 14-spoke diamond alloy wheel, which has incredible strength through a small surface area and allows the best possible flow of air to the brake discs.

For the Continental Flying Spur Speed Arabia, vibrant and sporty, bright silver, 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels are included, and are also compatible with optional carbon ceramic brakes.

Bentley’s ability to add extra, well-executed touches of luxury can be found in the ventilated fluted seats that effectively cool and warm the body, helping driver and passengers always to stay comfortable. The craftsmanship features which are synonymous with the Bentley name also include veneered picnic tables to the rear of front seats inset with vanity mirrors, chrome inlay strips to the door waistrails and deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming. To surprise and delight the customer, even the fuel cap has been designed with jewellery in mind and is engineered in bright chrome with the famous ‘B’ badge.

For convenience, an additional valet key is offered with limited functionality that allows the car to be driven without giving access to the boot or glove box. This provides secure storage of personal belongings when using valet parking services.

Further options that offer the luxury and refinement to the customer include Adaptive Cruise Control with ‘follow to stop feature’, a rear-view camera, the iPod interface linked to the infotainment system and privacy phone handsets in the front and rear of the car.

Geoff Dowding, Regional Director, Asia and Middle East, comments:

“We have created these exclusive new models for our Arabic customers in recognition of the growing importance of these influential customers. Bentley has a long and proud tradition of being able to design, engineer and personalise our cars to the individual styling and driving tastes of our customers and these special-edition Bentleys showcase these skills for the Middle East Market”.

With serial power about 630 hp the Bentley Continental Supersports already is the most powerful and fastest sportscoupe ever built by Bentley. But Wheelsandmore thought of much more and developed an ecu upgrade, combined with a handmade, stainless steel exhaust system. With special sportcatalysts, the ecu upgrade and within a remote controlled valve flap system, they increased the power up to 702 bhp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

As the Bentley Supersports is not only coming with the biggest engine, but also with one of the biggest carbon-ceramic brakes, measuring 16.54 inches, Wheelsandmore got to use all their experience and know how to construct special wheels for perfect handling and outstanding visual appearance. The 3-piece lightweight wheel set is outfitted with „C-Sport” model sizing 10,5×21″ with Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres front and rear, wearing an enormous 4,5″ outisde lip in the rear. A special tyre approval allows a giant highspeed at 209 mph. In this case the wheels are painted completely matte black with a red racestripe, but wheelsandmore is able to offer unlimited colour and surface combinations.

Finally the suspension can be switched up and down by using an electronic lowering module from Wheelsandmore called „LowMaXX”, which lifts up the car automatically around 0.79 inches at a speed of 44 mph to recover comfort and safety.

An interesting initial creative process emerged involving parameters for design, proportions, vehicle concepts and – last but not least- feasibility and technical factors.

Many steps from design to execution were shared with the customer, who contributed with his own ideas and taste to personalize the project and create a unique automobile.

A basic idea was formed by the desire to diversify Bentley’s very successful Continental model range, and to explore new concepts.

The transformation of a 2-door coupe, by expanding the roof line and enlarging the interior dimensions, has led to a design concept baptised as shooting brake: a sports car featuring enough space to join a hunting party or a golf tournament with elegance and efficiency. Touring Superleggera explored the same field back in 1966, resulting in the amazing Lamborghini Flying Star II prototype. It was a dramatic interpretation of a sports car based on a new 2-volume design, safeguarding the dynamic performance. The Flying Star reference is a Touring parameter of sportive elegance, applied to many famous cars since the companies’ start in 1926.

Flying Star in 2010 – the Bentley challenge

The Bentley Continental GT range set innovative and high standards for a new generation of very sophisticated Grand Tourers. As such, this model triggered the imagination of automotive designers and coach builders elsewhere. The GTC convertible, featuring a very rigid platform, proved to be a fully congruent basis to Touring Superleggera’s plans for the Touring Bentley Continental Flying Star. The new project required the modification of a number of external dimensions starting from the car’s A-pillar backwards: extended roof line, a wider section including the doors, new aluminium door skins and a new all-aluminium, electrically operated tailgate. It also includes a completely new rear compartment with two foldable rear seats and a variable loading space.

This long list of modifications and transformations had to be paired with, and to remain fully compatible to the basic car’s technical layout and components. Given the sophistication of the basic car, a new challenge was laid out for Touring’s craftsmen and engineers. The final result proves that special coach building can live on well into the 21st. century working with respect to the original manufacturers.

Touring Superleggera is particularly proud of the fact that the complete productive cycle of the special coach building process was realized in their workshop near Milano. Modern body engineering went hand in hand with traditional handicraft skills, maintaining the highest quality directives for the final product.

Project Engineering

The body engineering processes at Carrozzeria Touring are aimed at safeguarding key parameters for quality, safety and feasibility, within the perspectives of low-volume automotive production. The project went through 1:4 and 1:1 modelling, based on the CAD and CATIA data from the basic vehicle. This digital basis resulted in a milled 1:1 master model and a number of 1:1 moulds for the manufacturing of the new external skin, and for important new body components. The rear bodywork was reinforced with an integrated structure between the rear suspension domes, functioning both as roll bar, and as support for the new, extended roofline.

All structural additions and modifications were thoroughly studied, using advanced simulation methods and FEM-analysis. As a parallel process, these data served for the homologation of the structural changes, including the new foldable rear seats. An important number of hard points from the basic car could be saved and carried-over. The engineering team at Carrozzeria Touring was particularly pleased with the quality assurance support from Bentley engineers.

Design

‘Variations on a theme’ not rarely implicate a larger design challenge, than starting-off with a white sheet of paper. The basic mission was to create a body incorporating the essence of Touring elegance and harmony, while clearly recognizable as a Bentley. This task was challenging because a fully new volume had to be added to the GTC basis. The proportions were totally new, but the overall design had to be kept consistent. That is why only the section in front of the car’s A-pillar, including the windshield has been maintained.

Viewed from the rear, the new tailgate dives between the wide rear wings. The oval rear light chrome bezels are a reference to Bentley fastback cars of the ‘50. The side view features a low roof, prominent quarter panel shoulders and wide wheel arches, suggesting perfectly mastered energy.

The Touring Superleggera designers were challenged by the target to give the new interior equal elegance, whether the back of the rear seats are folded or not. The solution was to design an “S” shaped trim of the rear quarter panels linking the passenger area to the rear luggage area. The beige and dark green leather contrast also adds to this visual unity.

First time ever in this class and size, the twin individual rear seats fold completely to create a flat loading surface more than 2m long with 1200lt capacity. This is instrumental to fulfill the functional mission profile, which requires loading in full comfort a wide array of leisure equipment, including 4 full golfing bags with the rear seats up. An example of bespoke finish is the woven leather boot carpet offering superior endurance and coordinated with the special luggage set.

The overall result is perfectly in line with the Touring and Flying Star heritage: a timeless shape, a design statement combining elegance and sportiveness, with a strong and unmistakable own personality and individuality.

Manufacturing

When digital technologies are blended with traditional manufacturing skills, a fascinating process emerges that is typical for Touring Superleggera. A discriminating factor for traditional coach building was and is the vast amount of handwork that is involved in the creation of a new body. In this process, multiple practical solutions are also found for a wide variety of minor technical issues. This includes quick, practical solutions based on years-long experience, common sense and an expert eye.

The result is a final product entirely produced within the high quality parameters of today’s automotive industry.

From the A-pillar backwards, new exterior body panels were hand shaped in steel – including the roof, new wider rear wings, and the internal reinforcements of the complete rear section of the car. Aluminium was used for the door skins, and for the complete rear bonnet including its structure. New, handmade brightwork was added according to the new exterior design. The all new rear compartment required shaping of the foldable rear seats and a full set of interior panels, leather trimmed with meticulous care. Wide leather hides were selected with great attention to provide uniform finish to the vast continuous surfaces.

After inspection, the body in white was prepared and painted in the Touring state-of-the-art paint facilities. The final result underwent again a special final quality audit.

Performance

The Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring inherits the chassis of the Continental GTC. The 6-liter, W12 engine is available either in the 560HP version which delivers 650NM of torque at 1600rpm or the GTC Speed variant which delivers a massive 750Nm from 610HP. The car exhibited in Geneva Motor Show features the GCT Speed specifications.

Performance braking, cornering and traction functions mesh together to provide precise and immediate driving control under extreme or difficult conditions.

Self-adjusting air springs and electronic dampers operate independently for each wheel. Allwheel drive promotes advanced traction.

Homologation

The model is CEE homologated according to the new low-volume production directive. For the first time since its introduction, the type approval was awarded without destructive test, using simulation and FEM-analysis.

Future Programme

Touring Superleggera undertakes a limited production run of up to 20 units of the Continental Flying Star. This series will be exclusively built to special order and customer specifications. The car is offered at a basic price of € 590.000 when based on a Continental GTC – 560 PS. Other versions on request.

The car will be serviced at the Bentley dealers. Bentley Motors and Touring Superleggera have developed a special mutual warranty program, which safeguards warranty clauses for both the basic car, and the transformation by Touring.

Personalisation

The customers are actively involved in the early stage to choose the specifications of their own unique automobile, ranging from bespoke cabinetry and trim to a wide choice of dedicated options. The accessory collection includes the Touring designed luggage set coordinated with the boot trim, and the distinctive Borrani X-Ray spoke wheels.

Blending advanced technology with craftsmanship, Borrani 20” 9.5j X-Ray spoke wheels provide distinctive design, precision and comfort. Featuring monolithic spun aluminium rim and hand assembled steel spokes, they can be tailored to the car’s painting and finish.

Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of Design

Responsible for the design team of the Flying Star project is the 32 years young Belgian designer Louis de Fabribeckers.

Graduated from the ISD of Valenciennes in France in Engineering Design, de Fabribeckers started to work with Touring in 2006 as project leader.

Under his hands, the Maserati based Bellagio and A8GCS Berlinetta projects materialized; the first one being a fastback, 5-door version of the Quattroporte model, and the second a magnificent concept for a light and compact, modern sports car. Both new projects were presented at the occasion of the 2008 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elégance. The A8GCS Berlinetta was granted the ‘Plus Belle Supercar de l’Année 2008’ award by the expert jury of the 24th. Festival Internationale de l’Automobile in Paris.

Louis de Fabribeckers lives and works in Milan.

Technical information
(where appropriate based on a Continental GTC Speed)
ENGINE
Capacity 5998 cc W shaped 12 cyl.
Max.Power 610 PS /449 kW @ 6000t/m
Max. Torque 750 NM @ 1700-5600t/m
DRIVELINE AND TRANSMISSION
Continuous all-wheel drive
6-speed automatic transmission
PERFORMANCE
Max. Speed 322 km/h (TBC)
Acceleration 0-100km/h 4.8 seconds (TBC)
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 4815mm
Width 1943mm
Overall Height 1395mm
Min. Boot volume 400L
Max. Boot volume 1200L