Used 2007 Bentley Continental

Although separated from Rolls-Royce in 1998 as the result of being acquired by the Volkswagen Group, Bentley remains a quintessentially British prestige marque. However, its definitive mix of style and substance now comes with a decidedly modern spin, a fact clearly evident in the Continental GT. This scintillating 2+2 all-wheel drive (AWD) fastback coupe seamlessly blends stunning lines and elegant luxury with a brilliant powertrain and outstanding dynamics, traits it shares with the new-for-2007 Continental GTC convertible. Potential alternatives might include the Aston Martin DB9, BMW M6, Ferrari 612 Scagletti or Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, but true believers are apt to find the flash and flair of a Continental GT simply irresistible.

Despite its formidable mass, the GT’s well-sorted multilink suspension endows the car with surprising poise and confidence at any speed. Even while cruising at higher speeds, the cabin remains a suitably serene haven. The GT’s powerful and torque-rich W12 has the strength to send it rocketing to 60 mph in less than five seconds and makes freeway passing maneuvers an act to savor. Best of all, with its well-weighted, speed-sensitive power steering and full-time all-wheel drive assisted by driver-selectable stability and traction controls, the GT can be hustled through corners with a lot more intensity and a lot less body motion that you’d expect from something this large. Those giant anti-lock disc brakes also function with reassuring certainty when called upon to bring things to a halt.

The GT’s cabin is a richly appointed realm that tastefully integrates supple leather, plush carpet, polished wood, brushed aluminum and classic chrome. Firm but well-formed front buckets are both comfortable and supportive, while dual-pane side glass helps minimize wind and road noise intrusions. Although it has slightly more rear legroom than the GTC, the GT’s plushly padded rear bench is a still a kids-only proposition. Hearkening back to a prior design era, activation procedures for several lesser control functions remain a trifle fussy, but it’s a minor shortcoming. While interior stow space is modest, the trunk has a respectable 13.1 cubic-foot capacity and features a handy rear-seat pass-through opening.

Mixing classical cues with contemporary flair, the Continental GT makes a memorable visual statement that guarantees front-row honors in any valet parking lot. Dramatic body contours, short overhangs and a flowing fastback roof are set off by a prominent chrome grille and bi-xenon headlamps up front while LED taillamps and chrome-tipped oval exhaust ports accent its tapered tail. Despite fairly wide C-pillars, the back glass is large enough to ensure surprisingly good rear visibility, even when you’re cruising fast enough that its tasteful rear spoiler has automatically deployed. The GT rides on new 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, although hard-core enthusiasts can opt for an even more aggressive 20-inch upgrade package that brings one- or two-piece rims with lower-profile tires.

Effortless performance
The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine has the power and torque to make the Contintental GT a superb tourer – and electrifyingly quick despite its considerable weight.

Superb styling
Combining great proportions with understated yet effective detail elements, the Continental GT has a commanding visual presence that suitably complements its status as a genuine enthusiast’s car.

The GT features a 552-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12 engine, six-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission, four-position adjustable air suspension, all-wheel drive, selectable stability and traction controls, large anti-lock disc brakes and 19-inch tires on five-spoke alloy wheels. Standard features include power front seats with memory, cruise control, keyless remote entry and starting, premium audio and navigation systems, Bluetooth(r) hands-free cellular phone technology, front and front-side airbags and normal and raised suspension settings to help it cope with irregular surfaces such as speed bumps, plus your choice of 15 exterior and 17 interior colors.

An extensive array of options includes the Mulliner Driving Specification package, with 20-inch two-piece alloy wheels, drilled alloy pedals, Dark Burr Walnut or Piano Black veneers, sport shift lever, diamond-quilted upholstery pattern and seatbacks with an embroidered "BENTLEY" logo. Also available are multiple wood veneers and aluminum fascia accents, heated hide-trimmed or two-tone multi-function steering wheels, front seat lumbar massage, embossed "BENTLEY" facings and/or custom stitch patterns, lamb’s-wool or deep-pile floor mats, SIRIUS(tm) Satellite Radio, a valet key, Mulliner alloy fuel-filler cap and several styles of 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The GT shares its all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 with the Continental Flying Spur Sedan and GTC Convertible. This variation on the Volkswagen-designed engine, also used in the Audi A8, makes an exhilarating 552 horsepower and an impressive 479 lb-ft of torque, which it produces at only 1600 rpm. Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers both a Sport mode and sequential-style shifting, using either the conventional lever or steering-wheel mounted paddles, it takes the GT to 60 mph in a claimed 4.7 seconds and can carry it to a claimed top speed of 198 mph.

6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12
552 horsepower @ 6100 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:12/19 (automatic)