Bentley Continental GTC 2016 Automatic

The torque swell from the 626-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 remains as alluring as ever, all 607 lb-ft of torque on duty at 2000 rpm. Permanent all-wheel drive performs discreetly in the background, doling out torque as needed (normally split 40/60 front/rear, variable from 15/85 to 65/35 as conditions dictate). The resultant acceleration belies the GT Speed’s 5100-pound curb weight, with 60 mph arriving in a claimed 4.0 seconds. Additional factory performance figures have 100 mph passing in a claimed 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. From the long, linear travel of the accelerator and the soft-ish brake pedal, to the speed-sensitive electric power steering and damped but precise movement of the shift paddles, the controls move as if they are mounted with bushings made of equal parts folding cash, Beluga caviar.

A new front bumper with a revised lower mesh pair with a slightly smaller radiator surround and new, more pronounced fenders for what Bentley calls a more “assertive stance.” While we agree, it’s of our opinion that the effect looks most at home when paired with the more extroverted colors—like the Monaco Yellow on the V8 S pictured here—than with colors selected from the traditional Bentley palette. Chrome fender badges, as previously seen only on the GT Speed, now appear on the fenders of the V8 S and W12 as cosmetic enhancements.