The Bentley Continental GT is an elegant grand tourer, but if you want to give it a sporty edge Bentley is offering a new carbon fiber styling package developed by the same engineering team that developed the carbon fiber components for the previous-generation Continental GT including the GT3-R and Supersports models and the Pikes Peak and Ice Race Continental GTs.
Available for the Bentley Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and the Bentayga SUV, Bentley's new 'Styling Specification' adds a front bumper splitter, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, rear diffuser and trunk lid spoiler finished in high gloss carbon fiber. For the Bentayga package, the Styling Specification also includes a bi-plane tailgate spoiler and rear screen strakes in high gloss carbon fiber. Front air blades, wing vents and mirror caps in a matching finish can also be added.
The carbon fiber weave is a 2x2 twill pattern woven in the same direction for all components to ensure consistency and the carbon fiber is laid-up in multiple layers to optimize strength and durability while maintaining minimal weight. The carbon fiber package has been crafted with the attention to detail you would expect from Bentley. For example, the side skirts include a three-dimensional electroformed Bentley badge, the profile of which was developed specifically for the styling package to reduce the risk of air bubbles forming in the lacquer overcoat.
The new styling package is designed to complement the aerodynamic performance of the Continental GT and Bentayga. First, the designs are assessed and refined using computational fluid dynamics software for aerodynamic performance including front and rear lift and overall drag.
Simulations are also made to show the effect on powertrain cooling, brake cooling and noise, vibration and harshness. Additional electrical testing is also carried out to minimize the effect carbon fiber parts may have on systems such as the park distance control, radar systems, and antennae for on-board communications and entertainment. Once these tests are completed, physical prototypes are manufactured and refined in a wind tunnel before being assessed in different driving conditions. The parts are then tested extensively for 100,000 km (62,000 miles) to ensure they can take abuse such as wading, curb strikes, and rough roads.
Bentley's new Styling Specification can be ordered at Bentley retailers or can be specified for new car orders. If, however, you already own a Bentley, the parts can also be fitted to an existing customer car. Bentley will also offer the package for the Flying Spur at a later date.