The second (modern) generation of Bentley Continental GT is due its mid-life model facelift and the luxury carmaker has taken the opportunity to add more features inside plus some changes to the engine in the process. The revised Continentals will be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, with deliveries starting this summer.
Exterior
OK, so this general shape has been around since 2003 in one form or another, but it seems to get better and better with age. Therefore, the visual tweaks only need be relatively minor. The front bumper has been revised, due to the radiator shell shrinking in size, while the front wings are a little more 'pronounced' - they also feature a new vent with a metallic 'B' badge incorporated. The bootlid is said to be 'more sculpted', with an aero lip spoiler built in, while the rear bumper is reshaped. Both the V8 S and GT Speed models receive a new rear diffuser design.
Elsewhere, there are new alloy wheel designs of 20- or 21 inches in diameter, with the GT V8 and GT W12 models getting 20-inch, six-tri-spoke wheels as standard. Mulliner Driving Specification sees a new 21-inch seven-twin-spoke alloy design, while there's a new 21-inch five-spoke directional sports wheel for the V8 S and GT Speed models. Also added are three new paint colours for the body - Marlin (deep blue), Camel (golden) and Jetstream (light blue).
Interior
A new, sports-orientated steering wheel, larger gearshift paddles and different leather designs are the chief changes to the 2016MY Continental GTs on the inside, while the driver's instrument panel receives new dials and graphics. LEDs light up the interior, there's a black surround for the gearlever and V8 models get a hidden storage compartment between the back seats, capable of accommodating and charging electronic devices. Optional equipment extends to semi-aniline hide for the seats, two new leather colours (Shortbread and Camel), the ability to have the Alcantara headlining colour-matched to any of the 17 interior hues and on-board Wi-Fi on offer.
Mechanicals
The 'regular' W12 engine receives some changes, bringing it closer to the GT Speed variant (which had an output hike in 2014 as it was, to 635hp/820Nm). Therefore, power goes from 575- to 590hp, while torque increases to 720Nm from 700Nm previously. This sees fuel economy improve by up to five per cent, further helped by a 'variable displacement system' (VDS) - allowing the W12 to run on six cylinders at part throttle (the V8 Conti can run on four cylinders in the same manner). Bentley quotes emissions of 329g/km CO2 and 14.1 litres/100km (20mpg) fuel consumption.
Anything else?
The Flying Spur saloon is also getting a few updates, such as new alloy wheel designs (borrowed from the Continental range), the new instrument cluster graphics, a redesigned steering wheel and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot system. The Spur can be finished in Marlin, Camel and Jetstream, the two new interior colours are also available and the 625hp/800Nm Flying Spur W12 benefits from VDS, lowering CO2 emissions to 333g/km.