Bentley Continental GT

Having created one of the world’s most powerful and responsive engines, it was clear that an equally extraordinary transmission would be needed to cope with it.

The use of all-wheel drive was decided in the earliest stages of the project as it was felt that this new level of power demanded a commensurate level of control. Besides, if the Continental GT was to be exploited by its owners to its maximum potential, it would need to be at home in all environments from the Santa Monica Boulevard to the compacted snow surfaces of Alpine resorts.

Nevertheless, in order to ensure that the right Bentley feel is provided, Bentley’s powertrain and chassis engineers have experimented extensively with the distribution of torque to the front and rear axles. This has been done to provide the Continental GT with all the security of an all-wheel drive system but when appropriate, the added fun factor inherent within a rear-wheel drive layout.

Gearbox: six speed auto - the most advanced of its type in the world

Providing the link between the driven wheels and the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission built for Bentley by ZF and the first of its type to be used in an ultra-high performance coupé. The defining characteristic of this transmission is its ability to lock its torque converter in normal driving, providing the same immediacy of response expected of manual transmissions. Despite this, shift quality is so good that often the most obvious evidence of a gearchange having taken place is the repositioning of the rev-counter needle or centre dash gear display.

Tiptronic actuation means that the car can be used either as a conventional automatic or as a clutchless manual where gear changes take place only on command from the driver, via either the gear lever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

It is a fair observation that a 6-litre, twin-turbo engine does not strictly need six gears. Then again, to look at any element of Bentley performance in terms of need is perhaps to miss some of the point of the marque. It’s true that many Continental GT drivers will spend much of their time allowing the transmission to shift itself, however, Bentley also knows that most of its customers will be enthusiasts who will relish the prospect of flicking up and down the gearbox at the pull of a paddle or the push of a lever. Under the circumstances, six speeds seem entirely appropriate.

Perfecting ride and handling is one of the most complex and difficult areas of car design. For the Continental GT designers this job has been doubly tough, for few cars have been brought to market with a greater expectation of excellence in both areas.

Even so, by starting with well defined and ambitious targets and applying clear thinking and the skills of a 25-strong chassis engineering team to realise them, the Continental GT has been equipped with a chassis that should appeal to sybarites and thrill-seekers equally. The result is a car with firm rather than harsh suspension, impressive resistance to roll, pitch and heave yet compliant enough to ride poorly surfaced roads with absolute equanimity.