2018 Continental GT – clearest look yet at Bentley’s new flyer

March 27, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

This is the best look yet at how the next-generation Bentley Continental GT will look, apart from the car retaining a disguise here and there.

The high rear wheel arches on this prototype are false, and details around the grille, lower air intakes, headlights and tail-lights are also disguised.

But the overall design of the GT is clear, along with styling cues front and rear, including the front bumpers, doors, exhaust tips, bootline, spoiler and lower diffuser.

The car was spied doing winter testing in Europe and is likely to be available in New Zealand in 2018.

Underpinning it is the MSB (modular standard drivertrain) platform developed by Porsche for the new Panamera.

It’s a highly flexible base that, regardless of the vehicle’s dimensions, appearance and function, allows engines, transmissions, steering, axles, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning to be shared.

A key element of its flexibility is its three platform modules: front body, middle floor, and rear body, each able to be delivered in different dimensions and materials, like aluminium and high-strength steels, for example.

There are two versions of the MSB platform, the second designed for heavier vehicles such as plug-in hybrids and long-wheelbase sedans. Two vehicles which will use the second version are the long-wheelbase Panamera and Bentley Flying Spur.

The 2018 Continental GT and Flying Spur are expected to be available with two engine choices: the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, which made its debut in the latest Porsche Panamera, or the upgraded version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre W12 engine.

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