An evolution of a revolution," according to Bentley CEO Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, the second generation of the landmark coupe that put Bentley back at the tip of the luxury-brand spear in 2003.

The concept driving the new Continental GT? Improved response and stability at all speeds, characterized perhaps as a bit more edge with no loss of requisite Bentley smoothness or comfort.

The new GT is definitely an evolution, starting with its 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12, which Bentley touts as the lightest, most compact 12-cylinder in the automotive world. The engine can now run on E85. Rotating weight and friction have been reduced, and power increased slightly thanks to new calibrations and turbo-control strategy. There's 15 additional peak horsepower (to 567 hp at 6,000 rpm), and an infusion of 37 lb-ft of torque across the rev range.

Other powertrain changes are adapted from the Continental Supersports. Shift speeds in the six-speed ZF automatic are reduced 50 percent, and double downshifts are allowed for the first time in the standard GT. The all-wheel-drive's default torque split is shifted rearward, from 50 percent front, 50 rear to 40/60.

Underneath, the GT's track increases by 1.6 inches in front and 1.9 inches in the rear. Subframes are now hard mounted, no bushings, as they are in the Supersports. Standard wheels measure 20 inches in diameter with 275/40ZR tires. Overall, the new GT is 143 pounds lighter than its predecessor, improving the power-to-weight ratio 6 percent.

Styling updates are subtle, starting with a more upright grille and LED running lights that trim the main projector beams. Key body panels are fabricated with a new technique that Bentley calls "Superforming." Single aluminum sheets are heated to 950 degrees Fahrenheit then shaped under high pressure. It eliminates welds or seams and allows curves with much tighter radii. Underbody refinements help reduce the coefficient of drag slightly to 0.33 and reduce lift at the front and rear axles.

Inside, the dash is reshaped in the fashion of Bentley's Wing logo. There's a touch-screen interface for navigation and infotainment functions, Google Maps capability, a 30-gig hard drive and an SD card slot.

Bentley says the new Continental GT will reach U.S. dealerships by spring 2011, starting at just $189,900 (an increase of about 5 percent over 2010). Other variants of the current Continental will continue after its launch, including the convertible and the Supersports.


How's it drive?

It's all Bentley inside, with padded, soft leather surfaces, big comfortable seats and a hand-finished, bespoke quality that lesser luxury brands don't match. The new control interface, which combines a couple of knurled aluminum knobs with a high-resolution, eight-inch touch screen, is more effective than any point-and-click system out there. There's plenty of space and a bit more legroom in back, thanks to a new seat design, though access still requires a bit of acrobatics.

There's nothing to complain about in the performance department. Nobody really needs more power for the road than this car delivers, even with a curb weight exceeding 5,000 pounds. The ZF automatic is the best, with throttle-blip downshifts that sound as good as any dual-clutch extant. The new Continental GT maintains the fabulous combination of style, comfort and speed that defined its predecessor, but there are improvements.

In short, Bentley seems to have achieved its objective. This Continental GT responds to inputs more crisply than the original did. It feels a bit less nose heavy, less pony-car-like in that respect, and it turns into corners more readily. On the road, at least, the default understeer presents itself more slowly and progressively. The Continental GT delivers the same unique combination of good response and smooth, stable velocity it always has, only more so.


Do I want it?

If your tastes lean toward big, heavy, superfast cars with undeniable presence and your pockets are deep enough, absolutely. If you are sometimes troubled by excess, you might wait for the new Bentley V8.

The company will unveil its new 4.0-liter, direct-injection twin-turbo V8 after the first of the year and make it available in the Continental GT by the end of 2011. Bentley promises lower fuel consumption and a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the W12. We predict more than 400 hp and a sticker price that's at least $15,000 less than the 12-cylinder GT's.


2011 Bentley Continental GT

Price: $189,900

Available: First quarter 2011

Layout: Four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe

Drivetrain: 6.0-liter W12, 567 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 516 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm; six-speed torque-converter automatic; variable all-wheel drive

Weight: 5,115 lb