Among the few offerings from Bentley through the years, the Bentley Continental has stood out as a favorite in the motoring world. It's admired for its uncompromising character blend of luxury, speed, and contemporary style. But it's not just newer model years that have garnered a loyal following. Without older model years, in this case, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT, we wouldn't have the Continental GT as it is today, a definitive masterpiece of how a GT car should be made. Is the 2012 Bentley Continental GT nearly as good as a recent model year? By exploring its features, performance, and overall appeal, this review helps you decide if it offers the perfect driving experience you've been searching for.
While still under Rolls-Royce ownership, Bentley showcased the Concept Java at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show. It aimed to be a smaller and more affordable Bentley but never saw production until 2002 when the Continental debuted at the Paris Motor Show with the same principles. At the time, Rolls-Royce no longer owned Bentley, and despite co-ownership with BMW, Volkswagen's influence on the British Automaker was greater. The W12 engine that the Continental GT debuted with was from VW who went to refine the car even more after BMW's exit in 2003. Production went on majorly unaltered until 2010 when Bentley unveiled the second generation, which the 2012 Bentley Continental GT is obviously a part of, at the Paris Motor Show. On the surface, it might be indistinguishable from the previous generation, but underneath, it's not, as you'll soon find out.
2012 saw Bentley add a new engine for the Continental GT lineup, a 4.0-liter V8, which they developed jointly with Audi, also under VW ownership. However, as much as it was preferred mostly for its fuel efficiency, it was only for the V8 model. The standard 2012 Bentley Continental GT retained the good old 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12, which made 567 horsepower and 516 lb.ft driving all four wheels via a revised 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As a result, it has a shorter acceleration time and higher top speed, doing 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 188 mph. The 2012 Continental GT also shed a few pounds but not enough to reach under 5000 pounds, tipping the scales at 5,280 pounds.
The 2012 Bentley Continental GT, despite its size and weight, feels pretty composed from the cabin. It still sits four like previous model years, with heavily bolstered front seats and decently comfortable rear seats that are only good for occasional use. A difference you might notice if you're familiar with Continental GTs is the center console extending to the rear seats, which is trimmed with wood resembling the trimming on the dashboard. Bentley's standard offerings during production were generous. You're guaranteed to get front electric adjustable and heated seats, and for the first time, the front passenger seat has one memory setting, and the driver's seat gets three like in previous model years.
When revealing the new Continental GT generation, Bentley retained that it was a new car, but much like the interior, the exterior remained similar to that of the older generation. The most prominent changes are new headlights, which incorporate LED daytime running lights that encircle each headlight like a bezel. There's also a more pronounced trunk bustle, but other than everything, it's undistinguishable from the 2009, 2010, or 2011 Continental GT. Nonetheless, it's a great-looking car, to say the least, one that commands attention despite its age. Its long and low stance gives it a gracefully sweeping appeal that's stunning not only on the road but also at a standstill.
Sure, it might seem majorly similar to its predecessor, but the second generation Bentley Continental GT comes with an enhanced tech suite that not only elevates the driving experience but the in-cabin experience as well. For example, the revised all-wheel-drive system delivers a more dynamic feel with a 40/50 front/rear power split and sharper steering with exceptional feedback, thus elevating both the driving experience. Some driving assist and safety features include but are not limited to stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, side and front airbags for all seats, and driver knee airbags. Inside, the infotainment system received a major upgrade, offering improved navigation features and essential driver aids like an integrated backup camera, which some examples will lack since it was optional.
With an average market value of $70,000, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT offers exceptional value for money. It's among the cars that never go out of style, considering that most grand tourers are built small and sharp despite the focus on luxury and comfort. Already made up your decision to add one to your garage? Exotic Car Trader is where you need to look. Browse our extensive Bentley listings, and when you find an example that captures your attention, our team will be here to answer any questions or offer any help you might need.
Often regarded as a golden age for modern cars, the 2010s produced gems like the 2012 Bentley Continental GT. It has continued to appeal to enthusiasts with a taste for refinement, not just performance. Additionally, it has a significantly lower price point compared to newer GT cars, making it a to-go-to option for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our transactions team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The 2012 Bentley Continental GT encapsulates the timeless essence of Bentley luxury, performance, and refinement, qualities that persist in the brand's DNA to this day.
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