Bentley Continental GT dimensions

Even though Bentley considers its 2012 Bentley Continental GT an all-new vehicle, this year's change is more of a heavy update rather than a full redesign. Result? The strengths of this grand touring machine remain intact, as do some of its weaknesses. Bentley Continental GT Coupe offers the following pros: Sumptuous interior; comprehensive engine; traditional all-wheel drive; extensive configuration possibilities. Bentley Continental GT Coupe drawbacks are: Cramped back seats; heavy, and most rivals handle better; pricey.

The four-passenger 2012 Bentley Continental GT comes in one very well-appointed trim level. Traditional features include 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, heated outside mirrors, front and back parking sensors, a performance cargo lid, heated 10-way performance front seatings with memory functions and four-way lumbar adjustment, a performance tilt-and-telescoping helm, dual-zone automatic conditioning, luxury leather upholstery, wood veneer trim and Bluetooth. The traditional eight-speaker stereo system contains a CD player, radio, 15GB of audio cargo and an Ipod interface. A navigator with Google Map compatibility and real-time traffic is also included.

Auxillary items include a Comfort Specification suite that adds adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, a valet key and a privacy phone handset in the center armrest. These items are also available as stand-alone features, as are 21-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, a jewel fuel filler cap, ventilated front seatings with massage functions, a veneer-matched removable case to hold personal effects, a wood-trimmed helm, alloy pedals, an 11-speaker Naim stereo system and a Six-cd/dvd changer. The Mulliner Driving Specification suite contains special 21-inch wheels and original leather and dashboard trim.

As with all Bentleys, consumers can select from a dizzying array of look and dashboard colours, embroidery, stitching, piping and wood or metallic trim. For the extra particular, custom colours may also be specified -- for a price tag, of course. .