BENTLEY CONTI GT (2003) vs BENTLEY CONTI GT SPEED (2023)
BBC TopGear India|December 2023
The car that relaunched Bentley turned 20 this year. But has it actually gone anywhere?
BENTLEY CONTI GT (2003) vs BENTLEY CONTI GT SPEED (2023)

IS THE CONTIGT REALLY 20 YEARS OLD?

Yes, it's two whole decades since the two-door W12 coupe spearheaded the VW Group-bankrolled resurgence of the bewinged Crewe marque. The Mkl version was heavily revamped in 2010 then replaced entirely in 2018, so the only component these two share are the motors for retracting the rear side windows.

HOW MUCH DID THE CONTINENTAL REVITALISE BENTLEY?

Its effect was sensational. In 1998 Bentley sold just 414 new cars. But £500m of factory investment later, and thanks to a platform which also supported VW supremo Ferdinand Piëch's Phaeton superlimo, Bentley had a £110k bestseller shifting over 7,000 examples a year by 2004. These days one in every three Bentleys sold is a Conti. 

STILL BIG, HEAVY, AND LUXEY: WHAT'S CHANGED?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BBC TOPGEAR INDIAView all
The Next Great Family MPV?
BBC TopGear India

The Next Great Family MPV?

“Whoa, that’s a nice-looking Minivan!” Said no one ever.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
MG COMET
BBC TopGear India

MG COMET

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD THOUGHT THIS CAR TO BE COMPLETELY useless when it came out.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
BMW i7
BBC TopGear India

BMW i7

WHEN THE i7 PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND PARKED ITSELF next to the Mercedes EQA and the MG Comet, it just struck me that this is how the future will be.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
BBC TopGear India

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

McLaren's finest faces off Corvette's nat-asp swansong as the Brits and the Americans square up... in a Spanish playground. Expect fireworks

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
NEXT LEVEL
BBC TopGear India

NEXT LEVEL

Thought the 750S was fast? The McLaren P1's successor - the W1 is ready to spread its wings

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
MANUAL LABOUR
BBC TopGear India

MANUAL LABOUR

Two cars from opposite ends of the performance spectrum with one crucial thing in common...

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
PRO VS SLOW
BBC TopGear India

PRO VS SLOW

At last, we have our hands on the Valkyrie. But is its performance only accessible for the pros... or can anyone enjoy it?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
THE OUTBURST OF OFFROADING
BBC TopGear India

THE OUTBURST OF OFFROADING

The high-volume market is a point of interest for all manufacturers here in India.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
THE BATTLE OF CRUISER-COMMUTERS
BBC TopGear India

THE BATTLE OF CRUISER-COMMUTERS

WHO DOES THE BEST COMMUTER WORK WHILE NOT BEING A TRUE COMMUTER MOTORCYCLE?

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
LEAVING EVERYTHING ON THE TRACK
BBC TopGear India

LEAVING EVERYTHING ON THE TRACK

FT. YMRP ROUND 3 From being second, I DNF'd from the race on the last corner

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024