Lighter and more powerful Bentley GT
* Uprated W12 engine delivers 567bhp * New 4.0-litre V8 due late in 2011 * Weight down by 65kg, 0-60mph time cut...
The Bentley Continental GT coupe has been given an overhaul with more power, less weight and tweaks to its exterior and interior.
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Performance and efficiency
The 6.0-litre W12 engine gets a 15bhp power boost from 552bhp to 567bhp which combined with the car's 65kg weight loss results in a 0-60mph time that's cut from 4.6 seconds to 4.4. Top speed remains 198mph.
Average fuel consumption improves slightly by 0.1mpg to 17.1mpg, while CO2 emissions drop from 396g/km to 384g/km.
The front and rear track of the car are also increased, by 41mm and 48mm respectively, and the six-speed Quickshift automatic transmission has been modified. Shift times are halved to 200 milliseconds, while 60% of the engine's power is now sent to the rear wheels compared with 50% previously. Bentley says the new arrangement allows for greater cornering control on the throttle.
Styling
New headlights, squarer exterior styling and a refreshed interior with new seats and a 30GB in-car control system mark the revised car out.
New engine
A more efficient 4.0-litre V8 option will be added to the range late next year. Power output hasn't been confirmed yet, but Bentley says it will have class-leading emissions-to-power ratio.
Both of the engines in the GT will be able to run on E85 bioethanol fuel, which Bentley estimates will reduce your well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 70%. However, E85 is sold in only 21 petrol stations in the UK.