At its launch in 2003, Bentley refined and redefined the language of grand tourer design with the revolutionary Continental GT. Engineering excellence and supercar performance were at its core, featuring a 6 litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine in W formation developed and tuned by Bentley. The Continental GT redefined Grand Touring: and between 2003 and 2010 Bentley created a grand tourer that turned both the driver's head and heart.
In 2005, a convertible model was introduced, featuring the same powerful W12 engine as the Continental GT before it, adding the opportunity to experience the grand tour in the open air. 2007 saw the creation of a Speed model - to further explore the performance capabilities of the powerful GT, whilst still offering unmatched levels of refinement and craftsmanship. This model too became available as a convertible in 2009.
Inspired by design
Continental GT Series 51 celebrated Bentley's design studio, and featured unique interior and exterior features, developed by Bentley's trim designers. It was followed in the same year by the model now synonymous with Bentley's pursuit of ultimate driving performance - the Continental Supersports. Inspired by Bentley's racing heritage and the Le Mans race winners of the 1920s, Supersports was launched as both a coupé and convertible.
A Bentley made to race
Not content with creating Bentley's fastest road car in Supersports, World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a recalibrated Supersports Convertible on ice in Finland, breaking the World Ice Speed record. To celebrate this phenomenal achievement, the Supersports Convertible ISR Edition was launched in 2011.
The first generation of Bentley's Continental GT became synonymous with the most luxurious and refined handcrafting balanced with performance character - and for every Continental GT driver there was made a model to suit their own interpretation of a Grand Tour.
A new era
In 2010, after many achievements and accolades, Bentley took the original 2003 GT and created it anew for a new generation of driver.