Continental GT

Previously, Bentley's Continental GT was considering replacing PanameraI have tried it.. At that time, it was a W12 coupe, and it was a test drive on the street, but this timeI also had the opportunity to test drive a W12 engine convertible on a mountain road.

Previously, when I got on the streets, I felt sportier than the image of Bentley. The basic ride is very similar to the Panamera turbo that I was riding at that time, and although it adds milder to it,I remember thinking that it was a car that couldn't hide the sportiness of the chassis.

This Continental GT Convertible is a very nice individual with a British Racing Green body color and a brown interior.This is the atmosphere of a British gentleman's vehicle, and I personally like the color scheme.

Sit on a thick and thick seat, adjust the electric adjustment seat with many moving parts, and start the engine. The 12-cylinder engine wakes up with a smooth sound from the start. The sound isn't rough, but it's sporty. The tuning in these places is wonderful.

Dense 6 liter W12 engine

Great ride for the 22-inch ultra-large diameter wheels from the startIs. When I concentrate my nerves, I feel the rough feeling of asphalt due to the low flatness of the tire, but there is no vibration or impact other than that.

After getting out of the parking lot and putting a little force on the accelerator, no, the W12 cylinder engine can easily carry a huge body of about 2.5 tons with a margin of torque. From 1350 rpm to 900 Nm is not Date.This is a torque feeling that should be said to be a marginIn addition to that, the rotation feeling and sound are very dense and luxurious.

The large torque of high-performance diesel engines these days is also wonderful, but the smoothness of the rotational feel, the sound, and the absence of micro-vibration transmitted to the steering cannot be imitated by the latest diesel engines.

Bentley taught me that this is what true quality is.I felt like.

sporty? Luxury?

How does the unexpectedly sporty impression that I felt in the previous test drive in the city change on the mountain road?

To confirm that, try stepping on the accelerator. Try running with your feet in the sportiest sport mode. When I approached the curve and turned the steering wheel, there was no sign of understeer even though it was a heavyweight body with such a large engine on the front.

It is as close to neutral steer as possible and has very few rolls. Surprisingly few.

That should be that, it seems that a mechanism like PDCC in Porsche called dynamic ride active roll control is attached as standard.

The ride quality is excellent even in sports mode, and there is no unpleasant sound or vibration. It was so comfortable that I reconfirmed the current mode with the owner in the passenger seat.

After all, when you run on mountain roads,Compared to the Panamera Turbo's completely sports car-like seasoning, it's a lot more luxurious.

However, even though it is luxury, it is Bentley. It should be added that even if you run through at a fairly high pace, there is plenty of room in the chassis.

In sports mode, you can hear a moderate bubbling sound with the accelerator off,Shifting is buffy! Buff! It even makes a shifting sound like a PDKSo it makes me feel very sporty. Of course, they aren't roaring, they're very elegant.

Exhaust sound and engine sound as BGM to the last,It does not interfere with the conversation with the passenger seat.

Try stepping on the accelerator a little in a straight line.The W12 has a turbo lag for a moment, but from there it tries to accelerate 2.5 tons.From the value of 635ps, it is really heavy, so it is not as accelerating as a supercar, but it is still enough acceleration.

Naturally, there is no weakness or lack of rigidity in the body when it is open or closed. I don't know at all. Switch the mode, change to the traditional mode called Bentley mode, and try running.This Bentley mode is like Bentley's recommended mode, a standard mode.becomes.

This will give you a slightly milder steering feel than in sport mode, giving you more comfort. Next, try switching to comfort mode. Then, this is quite different in riding taste.The body moves up and down firmly according to the swell of the road surface.

This is the Bentley ride I think! I thought.

Very comfortable. This is a land cruiser. Riding comfort as if running on a thick carpet. However, unlike the fluffy ride quality that is often found in domestic luxury cars,Since the damping is working well, it is amazing that the fluffy shaking can be settled in one shot.

The suspension goes up and then goes down, but the way it shrinks when it goes down is exquisite. It is wonderful that the speed of expansion and the speed of contraction are not paired with the shock absorption as if a cat lands.

So.Realizing the contradiction that even though it is a fluffy ride, it feels even flatThe company is doing so.

Let's see what happens if we enter the curve at a slightly faster speed. Then, Bentley Magic is shown here as well. Even though the suspension is so soft, there are few rolls.

No, I can say I don't.

Therefore, there is no feeling of crunching.When the turn starts, it gives the impression that it is in sports mode without being noticed instantly, and there is no fear at all.

Coupe or convertible?

No, I didn't think it was a car that could be enjoyed on mountain roads like this. When I used to ride a coupe in the city, I thought it would be too sporty, but this time it's very comfortable to run on mountain roads.

In addition to the different speed rangeThis time, being convertible may also have an effect.Since there is no roof, it is possible that shocks and vibrations are being missed moderately.

I tried this time and thought that if I bought a Continental GT, I would prefer a convertible. This is more luxurious,It retains the profoundness and luxury of Bentley that I think.With that in mind, I felt that the coupe was characterized by the comfort in the sportiness, and the convertible was characterized by the sportiness in the comfort.

I think that each person has their own taste, so I can't say which one is better, but I hope it will be helpful for those who are considering purchasing the Continental GT.