In 2002, an automotive legend was born. The 2011 Bentley Continental GT – a sleek, styled coupe sporting a timeless, well-executed cabin and the power to leave the world behind in a cloud of dust – is everything a grand tourer needs to be, but more. Beneath its bellowing hood lay a hammering 6-liter Biturbo W12 engine, catapulting the sportscar-devouring Bentley from a standstill to 60 mph in a mind-bending 4.2 seconds and later maxing out at a staggering top speed of 198 mph. However, the Continental is not just about speed and adrenaline, though. The Continental GT does it in style – or, in this case, unparalleled grace and luxury that transcends mere transportation. Of course, when it comes to pricing, this symbol of success comes at a royal price, with values exceeding the $200,000 mark for well-optioned, highly personalized Continental GT examples.
First revealed at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Continental GT marked a new chapter in Bentley’s tradition-rich history, becoming the brand’s first mass-produced grand tourer under the Volkswagen AG ownership. Though, a four-door saloon variant of the Continental – called the Flying Spur – soon arrived, perfect for those looking to share the Bentley's flair with their family. The first-generation Continental GT (2003 – 2011) roared to life with a beefy 6-liter W12 engine, impressive motorheads with its exceptional performance, and silky-smooth acceleration. By 2006, it evolved into a soft-top grand tourer – called the GTC – that promised uncompromising performance (and luxury) with an open-top experience. On the topic of performance (and breaking records), Bentley ushered in the high-performance Continental ‘Speed’ variants that paired additional power and sharpened suspensions for those craving the thrill of a racetrack. Ultimately, by 2010, a new era dawned as Bentley set to unveil the facelifted (second-generation) Continental GT, ushering in a revised design philosophy and loads of tech goodies.
Underneath its styled hood sits an updated 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine paired with a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox that spins all four wheels at a mighty 567 horsepower and a face-ripping 516 lb-ft of torque. In petrolhead language, that translates to a timed 60 mph run in 4.6 seconds and a hair-raising top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). However, luckily, the Continental GT offers more than just traffic light heroics. It couples massive carbon ceramics – optional, of course – to bring the hulking 5,100-pound steroid-on-wheels to a halt in no time. Still, the presence of adaptive dampers provides a balance between a plush, cloud-like ride for everyday commutes and a sharpened, more engaging setup for spirited driving.
Inside, the 2011 Bentley Continental GT treats the eyes (and senses) to a symphony of luxury unlike any other. Here, source soft touch and exquisite two-tone leather reign supremacy, lacing the cabin from top to bottom in a sumptuous flow. Intricate diamond-quilted patterns spread the seats, followed closely by meticulous hand-stitched threads of opulence that dance across the dashboard, center stack, and door panels like notes on a grand piano. Still, the cabin exudes an ‘old school’ charm, gracing grain-rich wood veneers over the center console and upper door trims that add a touch of class and elegant sophistication to the interior. The cabin also flaunts a squadron of modern conveniences, including dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats (with power and massage functionalities), a heated steering wheel, and an 11-speaker premium NAIM sound system to drown the outside world with your favorite soundtrack.
Exterior-wise, the (second-generation) Continental GT adorns a bolder, much sleeker cloak that seamlessly integrates modern styling cues in line with the brand’s established heritage. So, upfront, source the trademark Bentley matrix grille, separated by futuristic yet exquisite round-shaped LED DRLs and bi-xenon headlamps that light up the front fascia with authority. Meanwhile, sharper, more accented lines and creases grace the elongated hood and sides in a muscular, quite athletic stance – a complement to the grand tourer’s slippery, low-set roofline. At the sides, 21-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloys gleam with chrome (or otherwise painted) finishes. Finally, the rear profile reveals a set of pronounced exhausts peeking out of a redesigned bumper, closely followed by a pair of elliptical LED taillights.
Looks aren't the only gift that the Continental GT promises. It unfolds an impressive array of cutting-edge modern conveniences designed for an elevated driving experience. These include the massaging (and heated/cooled) seats, a new, high-resolution infotainment system (incorporating sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, and multimedia), and dual-zone climate control. Safety-wise, the Continental GT is equally impressive, too. It equips features like parking sensors, cruise control, backup camera, ABS, and airbags to form a protective cocoon around its occupants, ensuring peace of mind behind the wheel.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price tag. Kicking off at a cool $192,500 (excluding options), the 2011 Bentley Continental GT wasn’t exactly a budget-friendly option, but so is any Bentley. Regardless, add on the alluring optional extras – including the $7k NAIM premium sound system, the $1.6k chestnut wood trim, or the $820 ventilated and massaging front seats – and you’ll be soaring well above the $200,000 mark! However, fast forward to today, this 13-year-old Bentley costs a fraction of the original price, with well-preserved examples hovering around the $30,000 mark. Want to see for yourself? Explore the comprehensive Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to make that purchase a reality.
The 2011 Bentley Continental GT strikes a perfect balance between a heart-pounding performance and a luxurious escape that pampers your every sense. Exotic Car Trader presents an online marketplace for those looking to buy their next (or otherwise, first) exotic car. It curates an alluring list of exotic cars ready for an exchange of hands. At Exotic Car Trader, we promote a streamlined car-buying process that rids from dauntless private dealings to offer a smooth car-buying experience. Alternatively, users may benefit from our straightforward car-selling process to ensure a safe and secure deal.
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