Updated 08/28/17

Bentley previewed the all new 2019 Continental GT ahead of its global debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car carries Bentley’s traditional shape forward. Despite being an entirely new car, the 2019 GT bears many similarities to its predecessor. After driving a pre-production development car, Car and Driver's Mike Duff wrote, “the new Continental is set to be far more dynamic looking than the current model, albeit clearly sharing much of the same DNA. It also looks to be both lower and more muscular.” ¹⁾

Unlike the 2nd generation, which was an evolution of the previous generation and carried much of the same chassis and driveline, the third generation is a completely new car. It is built off the Volkswagen's MSB platform, which underpins several VW products.²⁾

In the case of the new Continental, its development is being shared with sister company Porsche, who is using the MSB platform for the all new Porsche Panamera. The new platform is expected to save hundreds of pounds versus the current car.

Unlike the Panamera, which will offer a twin-turbo V6 option, the new Continental is launching with Bentley's all new 6.0l W12 twin-turbo engine and, for the first time, a dual-clutch transmission. Subsequent version of the car are expected to be offered with a new 4.0l twin-turbo V8 that is also being co-developed with Porsche³⁾. A version of the car will be offered in subsequent years with a hybrid powertrain that might offer an electric only mode. In January 2017, a video appeared from the Nürburgring of a Continental development vehicle that sounded very much like a V6, leading Crewe Craft to speculate that the Continental GT Hybrid will share a 2.9l V6 and electric drivetrain with the Porsche. (This was confirmed to a member of the media by Bentley's CEO in February.)

The styling of the car continues the classic coupé shape of the last two Continentals and their ancestor, the Continental R-Type of the 1950’s. With its W12 positioned behind the front axel, instead of in front, the car has a longer, lower hood. This gives the new GT its evolutionary look that makes it longer and lower than the first Continental GTs. The front and rear fascias were heavily influenced by the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car, including the concept car's jewel-like headlamps and 3D printed front grille.

Video and photos exist of a convertible version of the new GT, indicating the Continental GTC will launch shortly after coupé.

The all new Continental launches in only coupe form and with only one drivetrain: The 6.0l W12 mated to Porsche’s PDK dual clutch gearbox.

Launch colors: