They came out of nowhere. Almost 2800 feet above sea level and hours in the closest city of impact, an organization of about four-dozen camera-wielding tourists of nationalities that were arbitrary spun on their heels and started to snap photos of, well, us. The reality that people arrived only at that mountaintop that is Norwegian look out on in a fleet of sweet-hued 2016 Bentley Continental GT coupes could have led with their elation. It is tough to compete using the international language of hp, as well as perfect paintwork and Bentley's stately Big B emblem although we in the press are famous for our fine profiles and chiseled physiques. While the focus was totally expected, that their backs hurriedly turned to get a photo op having an auto on a magnificent show of Mother Nature's finest glacial carvings speaks volumes. Nobody was jockeying for prime property that is picture across the Ford Kuga.

Norwegian Wood
Our day started several hours before a heavily forested community placed on a rugged precipice typical of western Norway, near Alesund. Given the apparently glacial rate where changes arrive at the Continental GT, it turned into a fitting locale to debut the most recent round of updates.

A fresh front fender using a revised lower net pair having a somewhat smaller radiator environment and new, more distinct fenders for what Bentley calls a more "assertive posture." While we concur, it is of our view the effect seems most at home when paired with colours chosen in the conventional Bentley palette --than together with the extroverted colours--like the Monaco Yellowish on the V8 S pictured here. (That said, Bentley want to remind you that it'll happily colour-match any shade known to the human eye.) Chrome fender badges, as formerly seen just about the GT Speed show up on W12 as decorative improvements and the fenders of the V8 S. The back of the vehicle gets mostly the exact same treatment, the reshaped fender obtaining a full length strip of brightwork, as well as the composite decklid was reshaped using a somewhat more distinct profile to the trailing edge. To simply help in keeping the pecking order the GT Speed and the V8 S get another back-diffuser treatment. Some new wheel options arrive for 2016, such as the 21-inch five-spoke alloys that were directional discovered about the GT Speed we drove.

Even though the inside has additionally been subjected to some round of small upgrades--a revised stitching pattern in the seats, LED illumination, new dials and images on the instrument panel, bigger gearshift paddles, and extra USB ports, all normal--you should not be surprised to discover that it stays true to its fundamental guys's-clubroom ideals. Leather abounds, punctuated by pieces of carbon fiber or wood and chrome, as well as the control layout is not changed. A more sporty steering wheel comes on board as an alternative, as does onboard Wifi connectivity for $1330.

In the Midnight Sun Where the Hot Springs Strike
For the initial part of the drive, we picked a Continental GT Speed cloaked in a dark color called "Spectre." Whether the name was chosen by Bentley as an official reference Stavro Blofeld is up for discussion, but nonetheless, it definitely plays the part well. What we are able to support, nevertheless, is the torque swell in the 626-hp twin turbo 6.0-liter W12 stays as alluring as ever, all 607 lb-feet of torque on duty at 2000 rpm. Added factory operation amounts have 100 miles per hour passing in a maintained 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. From your long, linear journey of the accelerator (we enjoy!)

Errors could have serious effects. Short straight chutes were recognized with bangs of the accelerator, followed by braking difficult for corners and then downshifting--the transmission allow you to jump gears downshifting-- evoke some joyous cacophony in the tailpipes and to shore against engine back pressure. The V8 S had the greatest steering feel and response although said to be lighter on the front wheels by simply 57 pounds. You will never forget that it is an auto that is enormous --that it manages as good as it does is a testament to engineering determination that is dogged.

Final tally? . a trendy $258,445

The greatest news in Continental GT land are available underneath the hood of the very pedestrian 12-cylinder. Seeking advancements in emissions and fuel economy, cylinder deactivation has been added by Bentley to the twin-turbo W-12. (The V8 has had it for years; the W12 in GT Speed trimming does not get cylinder deactivation.) But emissions were apparently reduced. On top of that, adding cylinder deactivation needed remapping of the ECU, as well as in the procedure Bentley picked an additional 15 hp and 15 pound-feet of torque, which stand 531 and at 582 .

Spending time using the GT W12 after driving the last two automobiles was less than the usual revelatory encounter as you may anticipate: the inner tranquility The heft, the impeccable fit and finish were present in spades. The variable displacement system went about its business without crisis or inopportune hiccups, and we probably would never have found its existence, when we hadn't been told by our handlers about it.

However, for people who want a coupe that is big with a coddling inside, timeless styling, and speed to spare, the Bentley stays happy to oblige.

https://youtu.be/ELBqtVCKJck
2016 Bentley Continental GT V8