New Bentley Continental GT 'Diamond Series' celebrates Crewe factory's 60th anniversary.
his year, Bentley Motors celebrates 60 years of hand-assembled car production at its historic factory in Crewe. To commemorate Crewe's Diamond Jubilee, Bentley is announcing a limited series of the Continental GT coupé, the most successful car in the company's illustrious history.The Continental GT Diamond Series, based on the 2007 model year Mulliner Driving Specification, features an exclusive package of enhancements that, in keeping with the Bentley tradition, combines sporting performance with cosseting luxury. Many of these features are unique to this very special model including carbon ceramic brakes, a production-first for Bentley, and new 20-inch, 14-spoke alloy wheels.
"The Continental GT coupé remains true to the Bentley traditions of performance, luxury and craftsmanship while showcasing the modernity of today's Bentley model range. It has been a magnificent success since its launch in 2003," says Dr Paefgen. "The GT Diamond Series is a fitting tribute to the skills of the Bentley workforce and reinforces Bentley's growing reputation for advanced technology."
Production of the Continental GT Diamond Series is restricted to 400 cars for worldwide distribution and shares the limelight with the Arnage Diamond Series to form a double celebration of the 60th anniversary of Bentley production at Crewe. (See separate press release for details of the Arnage Diamond Series.The Continental GT Diamond Series is based on the Mulliner Driving Specification, designed by Bentley's bespoke coachbuilding division in direct response to customers' requests for a GT with a more overtly sporting, contemporary character.
The Diamond Series features derived from the Mulliner Driving Specification include quilted rather than straight-fluted leather seats, quilted door casings, solid drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals, leather and chrome sports gear lever – with knurled top – and dark stained walnut or piano black wood, for a sportier appearance.
Externally, the Diamond Series is distinguished by unique tread plates and badges and a Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap.
The magnificent W12 twin-turbo 6-litre, 552bhp engine is unchanged, as is the six-speed automatic transmission with manual change mode and paddle shift. The four-wheel drive system with Torsen differential, and air suspension with continual damping control benefit road holding and primary safety. As with the normal Continental GT, the Diamond Series model has an official top speed of 198mph – although some independent tests have suggested its true maximum is over 200mph.
The three additional Diamond Series colours are Moroccan Blue (bright blue), Anthracite (grey black) and Meteor (steel blue grey). It is expected that over 80 percent of customers will opt for one of the special colours, although the existing 15 Continental GT colours may also be specified