2005 Bentley Continental Review

Specifications

Perfecting the Perfected

Since the debut of the Continental GT grand tourer, Bentley has never seen better days. Sales of the ultra-luxurious sports coupe are beyond the companys wildest expectations, propelling Bentley into its best sales year ever.

With an ever-increasing demand for the Continental GT and a growing number of requests for a model with a sportier character, Bentley has responded by unveiling the Mulliner Driving Specification version, new for 2005.

For most companies, delivering a sports model is as simple as slapping on a rear spoiler and perhaps a set of larger alloy wheels. For a prestigious automobile coachwork firm like Bentley, a move such as that would be a travesty, a slap in the face to many generations of velvet-glove performance machines. Bentleys idea of sport is different; to them, sportiness is derived from a long history of motor racing mixed with old world opulence.

The Mulliner Driving Specification differs from the standard Continental GT in that it offers a combination of mild dynamic improvements and moderate luxury upgrades.

On the outside, the sole change is an upgrade to two-piece, seven-spoke light alloy wheels wrapped in 275/35ZR20 Yokohama Advan tires, but these arent just any tires. Yokohama purpose-built this rubber to cater to the Continental GTs unique blend of silk-lined performance. They ride comfortably and quietly without sacrificing grip and traction.

True to the heritage of Mulliner, Bentleys in-house customization division, the Continental GTs interior has been redecorated to provide a sportier ambiance. Opulence is the name of the game, with new seats sporting an embroidered winged “B,” quilted diamond leather trim and an indented leather headliner inspired by the Mulliner-specification Arnage T sedans.

Accenting the stately hide surfaces are sporty drilled alloy pedals and footrest, a chrome and leather-lined gear lever and a choice of dark burr walnut or black piano-key lacquered trim.

Aside from the Mulliner Driving Specification, 2005 brings additional options and extras to standard level Continental GTs. Magnolia-colored hides are available, and the customer can choose between diamond-finish aluminum inserts, or Olive Ash or Vavona wood trim. Options like a two-toned, leather-lined multifunction steering wheel, cross- stitched seats and door panels, embossed emblems for seats, deep pile or lambswool carpeting, and colour-matched carpets and seatbelts are the icing on the cake.

Bentley has also equipped all 2005 Continental GT models with an integrated in-car telephone. Voice-activated with steering wheel-mounted controls, the in-car mobile system can be operated in a total of six different languages and replaces the traditional headset found in previous models.

To adjust for the new equipment and additional options, all 2005 Continental GTs feature a slightly higher base price tag of $155,990, while opting for the Mulliner Driving Specification ups the price by $12,490 USD.

Both the revised Continental GT and the Mulliner Driving Specification are currently available for order. The revisions to the Continental GT are confirmation that Bentley is still on top of its game, producing one of the finest grand touring vehicles on the face of the planet, while catering to the demands of its clients.