It goes without saying that Bentleys are plush and comfortable enough to pamper your pals and regal enough to leave the Queen speechless (or perhaps, simply wanting a ride for herself)! Undoubtedly, the 2013 Bentley Continental GT carries this very essence and charm. But this luxury grand tourer is more than that. It strikes a perfect balance between exquisite craftsmanship (inside and out) with an exhilarating performance that's as smooth as silk and equally thrilling as a rollercoaster ride (minus the screams). Lift its hood, and you'll find nestled a 6-liter Biturbo W12 generating 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque, enough to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. Luckily, gearheads may rejoice as two V8s join the Bentley lineup, boasting enough performance and speeds to satisfy anyone’s need for speed. Of course, the Conti GT's price tag is as hefty as its rich heritage, with base level prices kicking off from a not-so-base $175,700 and maxing out at $220,700 for the range-topping Speed variants. But dare add options, and it'll leave an even greater dent in your wallet.
Bentley’s enduring legacy of sculpting high-speed grand tourers dates back to the fabulous 1950s when the British marque unveiled the iconic Continental Type-R – a sleek, two-door coupe with enough performance to captivate petrolhead and enough royalty to star celebrities. Eventually, Bentley revived the GT nameplate yet again in 2003, introducing the Continental GT. Now under new management (VW-Group), the Continental GT marked the brand’s first luxury machine to enjoy mass production techniques. With a potent 6-liter twin-turbo W12, the Conti GT delivered what it promised – unrelenting performance. Luckily, for those who craved an open-top experience, a GTC (convertible) model was introduced to the lineup in 2005. Soon, new variants followed, including the Speed (in 2007) and Supersports (in 2009), pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury a step further. By 2011, though, the lineup underwent a significant mid-cycle update, combining a timeless design philosophy, cutting-edge technology, and newer, more powerful engine options for thrill-seeking enthusiasts. Soon, 2013 saw the arrival of the high-performance Speed and V8 S variants, further solidifying Bentley’s commitment to sculpting uncompromising grand tourers.
For the 2013 model year, the Continental GT offers a buffet of engine options. We start with the punchy yet efficient twin-turbo V8s that deliver a thunderous 500 horsepower (and a smile planted across your face). Zero to sixty? A formidable 4.3 seconds. Top-speed? A wind-hurtling 192 mph. Then there are the veterans, the silky-smooth, torque-happy 6-liter Biturbo W12 engines churning out a beastly 616 horsepower (Speed variants) that achieve a 60-mph feat in a staggering 3.9 seconds before topping out at a mind-bending 205 mph! Regardless, all variants feature a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that couples an AWD drivetrain to promise a performance like none other. Also, carbon ceramics – though cost an arm and two legs – are a must, helping bring the 5,300-pound quicks to an eye-popping halt in no time.
A quick look at the 2013 Bentley Continental GT's opulently crafted inside would help justify its price. Here, soft-touch Beluga-hide leather of the finest quality reigns supreme, meeting the eyes wherever they go. Meanwhile, polished wood accents stud the center console, upper door trims, and dashboard in a sparkle brighter than a billionaire’s smile. On the topic of seats (or perhaps, thrones), they’re upholstered in fine perforated leather that exhibits intricate diamond-quilted patterns, only to further pamper you with a built-in massage feature that soothes away the stress. Closely complementing such sumptuousness are the solid, knurled knobs and controls peppering the cabin in a tactile symphony. Meanwhile, staying true to Bentley’s heritage, the cabin incorporates classic gauges finished in chrome surrounds, offering a timeless elegance. Yet, amidst its undeniably opulent interior, evidence of cutting-edge technology can be found within an 8-inch infotainment screen displaying intuitive controls, including sat-nav and multimedia controls to stream your favorite jazz classics through a 14-speaker premium NAIM sound system.
The 2013 Bentley Continental GT is as exquisite on the outside as inside. So, swooping, contoured lines dance across its skin, reminiscing of a well-structured, tailored tuxedo that guarantees a head-turning response wherever it goes. So, dominating up front is a majestic, bold matrix grille flanked by iconic Bentley round, crystal-like headlamps that light up in authority. A flying B emblem completes the picture, creating a front-end profile that could devour lesser vehicles for breakfast. Laterally speaking, a set of striking 20-inch alloys immediately grabs your attention, only to mesmerize you with the muscular rear haunches that combine sleek aerodynamics and power in perfect harmony. Finally, the waist-level roofline swoops towards the back before concluding at the sculpted boot lid, revealing quad exhaust pipes and a set of elliptical LED taillights that showcase a classic B emblem.
An array of cutting-edge tech and gadgets work behind the scenes to ensure an effortless driving experience. From seat-integrated massage (and heated/ventilated) functionalities and individual climate control to a crisp 8-inch touchscreen interface, the Continental offers it all. Luckily, safety isn’t an afterthought, either. Features like parking assist, adaptive cruise control, parking cameras, and all-around airbags work actively (and passively) to ensure a peaceful and secure journey.
Back in 2013, prices for the Continental GT kicked off from an entry-level $175,700 for the V8 variants and concluded at a head-spinning $215,000 for the top-tier W12 Speed variants. Of course, tack on the enticing optional extras, like the two-tone leather-laced steering wheel, premium (NAIM) sound system, and the upgraded veneers (Piano Black and Dark-Stained Burr Walnut), and the price climbs faster than the car’s 0 – 60 mph run. Looking forward to having one in your garage? Discover the latest Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to make your high-octane dreams a reality.
The 2013 Bentley Continental GT proves to be an engineering excellence, combining elegance, power, and exclusivity for those who appreciate the finer things in life. At Exotic Car Trader, explore an extensive portfolio of exotic cars passionately awaiting their new homes. We outline a simplified buying process to save you from dauntless haggling with private dealers and buyers. Luckily, we also offer car-selling services and an expert team, ready to ensure you receive the top dollar for your exotic wheels. So, whether you're tearing down the Autobahn's (unrestricted) stretches or gliding past the sun-bathed coastal suburbs, the Continental GT effortlessly adapts to your driving mood.
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