2009 Bentley Continental GT/GTC: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Bentley Continental GT coupe, GT Speed coupe, and GTC soft-top convertible are this British carmaker's "entry-level" offerings and are due to be joined by a high-performance Supersports coupe later this year. These high-end cruisers share a basic design with the brand's Flying Spur sedan. Continentals have a 6.0-liter turbocharged 12-cylinder engine; it makes 552-hp in the GT and GTC, 600-hp in the GT Speed (which also gets a sport suspension), and 621-hp in the Supersports, which is about 240 lb lighter than the other coupes. All models come with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-column-mounted shift paddles. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Bi-xenon headlights are standard, as are satellite radio, wireless cell-phone link, heated front seats with memory, and rear climate controls. Optional are carbon ceramic brakes, lumbar massage for front seats, heated steering wheel, power opening and closing trunklid, rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.