In 2006, Bentley Motors celebrated the 60th anniversary of hand assembly at its Crewe plant in the UK. In recognition of this milestone, Bentley has announced a limited production series of the Continental GT coupe – by far the most successful model in the long and illustrious history of the company.
The Continental GT Diamond Series is based on the Mulliner Driving Specification for 2007, and boasts an exclusive range of enhancements and upgrades, providing the traditional Bentley combination of high-class performance and supreme luxury. The list of unique features to this model includes its carbon ceramic brakes (a first in Bentley production models), and the huge 14-spoke, 2-inch alloys.
The Continental GT Diamond Series will be restricted to just 400 individual cars worldwide, and will feature alongside the Arnage Diamond Series in celebrating the Crewe plant’s historic achievement.
The braking system features 420 x 40 mm cross-drilled, carbon-silicon carbide discs at the front, and 356 x 28 mm discs to the rear – figures that make these brakes even larger than those found on the standard GT model. These brand new brakes endow the Continental GT Diamond Series with extra performance benefits, and handling and steering response benefit from a 23kg reduction in rotating/unsprung mass.
Being based on the Mulliner Driving Specification, the Continental GT Diamond Series was designed by Bentley’s coach building division as a response to customer requests for a sportier, more contemporary version of the GT. The resulting features include quilted door casings, quilted seats (as opposed to straight0fluted leather in the standard model), drilled alloy accelerator and brake pedals, chrome and leather sports-style gear lever, and piano black or stained walnut wood finishes, all of which endow the special edition with a much sportier look and feel.
Outside, the Diamond Series can be distinguished from the standard GT by its unique badges and tread plates, as well as the Mulliner alloy fuel cap. The Diamond Series also features three additional exterior paint scheme options – Moroccan Blue, Meteor and Anthracite. Bentley predict that over 80% of Diamond Series customers will choose one of these special colour options, although the previous 15 paint options for the Continental GT will still be available.
The engine and performance statistics remain unchanged in the Diamond Series, featuring the acclaimed W12 6-litre, twin-turbo engine, which develops 552 bhp. The 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift for the manual change mode is also the same as in the standard Continental GT. The result is an official maximum speed of 198 mph, although independent testing claims to have achieved a true top speed of over 200 mph.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Karl C for www.sport-cars.org
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