Bentley Continental T

Bentley Continental R
Manufacturer	Bentley
Also called	Continental S Continental T
Production	1991–2003
Predecessor	Continental
Successor	Continental GT
Engine(s)	6.75 L turbo V8
Transmission(s)	4-sp 4L80-E automatic
Wheelbase	120.5 in (3061 mm)
Length	210.3 in (5342 mm)
Width	80.5 in (2045 mm)
Height	57.6 in (1463 mm)
Curb weight	5340 lb (2422 kg)
Fuel capacity	28.5 gal (107.9 L)
Related	Mulsanne Azure

The Bentley Continental R is a large, expensive, luxury coupé made by Rolls-Royce from 1991 to 2002. It was the first Bentley to feature a body not shared with a Rolls-Royce model since the S3 of 1965, the first to use the GM 4L80-E transmission, and the quickest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. A convertible derivative, the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.

Origin

Many elements of the Continental R design were first seen at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show in Rolls-Royce's "Project 90" concept car, a mock-up of a future Bentley coupé. An enthusiastic reception led the company to develop the vehicle for production as the Continental R 1991. Based on the Bentley Turbo R floorpan, an aerodynamically shaped coupé body had been styled. The Continental debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, and the Sultan of Brunei purchased the show car on-site.

The "Continental" designation recalls the Bentley Continental of the post-war period. The "R" was meant to recall the R Type Bentleys from the 1950s as well as the Turbo R of the 1980s.

The car's body, styled by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, was a departure for the marque. It had a slight curvature in stark contrast to the flat-sided Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles of the time. While its 0.73 coefficient of drag was not impressive in itself, it was a large improvement over previous Bentleys. The Continental R also featured roof-cut door frames,a subtle spoiler effect in the rear, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Continental R

The 6.75 L Garrett-turbocharged engine from the Bentley Turbo R was chosen for use in the Continental R. Power output of 325 hp (242 kW) and torque of 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) was estimated, as Rolls-Royce refused to supply official figures.

The car used the new 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and featured ventilated disc brakes in the front wheels. Top speed was 145 mph (233 km/h), and Rolls-Royce estimated a a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds. The Continental R was priced at US$271,780 in 1992.

The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model made in 1994 and 1995 with an intercooler added. Only eighteen were produced, after which the intercooler was made available in the Continental R.

The Continental R Mulliner model range, offered from March 1999, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. The Bentley Continental R Mulliner was equipped with the most powerful engine after the Continental T. This engine had a power output of 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m). The car could be pushed to a top speed of some 170 mph (274 km/h).

Continental T

The high-performance Bentley Continental T brought sportier handling and higher power to the Continental range.

The Bentley Continental T had 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m) and from 1997 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m) positioned this car at the top. The Continental T was a 2+2 coupé developed from the Bentley Continental R with a more athletic outward appearance due to a 4-inch (10 cm) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The interior featured an engine-turned dash with chrome-finished instruments (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R). The Continental T's engine responded to a separate push-button starter.

The Bentley Continental T Mulliner was introduced in 1999. Modified shock absorbers in combination with stiffer torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) increased the Continental's handling ability.

Production

• Continental R/S: 1551
  • Continental R (1991-2002): 1533
  • Continental S (1994-1995): 18
  • Continental R Mulliner (1999-2003): Unknown
• Continental T: 350
  • Continental T (1996 — 2002): 322
  • Continental T Mulliner (1999): 23
  • Continental T Le Mans (2001): 5

Related models

References

• K.-J. Roßfeldt: Bentley Continental R. RRAB.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2006.
• K.-J. Roßfeldt: Bentley Continental T. RRAB.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2006.
• Ray Hutton. "Preview: Bentley Continental R". Car and Driver (March 1992): 71–75.​