Bentley Continental R
Encyclopedia
The Bentley Continental R is a large, expensive, luxury coupé
made by Bentley from 1991 to 2002. It was the first Bentley to feature a body not shared with a Rolls-Royce model since the S3
of 1965, the first to use the GM 4L80-E transmission
, and the quickest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. A convertible
derivative, the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.
floorpan, an aerodynamically shaped coupé body had been styled. The Continental debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, and the Sultan of Brunei
purchased the show car on-site.
The "Continental" designation recalls the Bentley Continental
of the post-war period. The "R" was meant to recall the R Type
Bentleys from the 1950s as well as the Turbo R
of the 1980s.
The car's body, styled by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, was a departure for the marque. It had a slight curvature in stark contrast to the flat-sided Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles of the time. While its 0.465 coefficient of drag was not impressive in itself, it was a large improvement over previous Bentleys. The Continental R also featured roof-cut door frames,a subtle spoiler effect in the rear, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
-turbocharged
engine from the Bentley Turbo R was chosen for use in the Continental R. Power output of 325 hp (242 kW) and torque of 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) was estimated, as Rolls-Royce refused to supply official figures.
The car used the new 4-speed GM 4L80-E
automatic transmission
and featured ventilated disc brake
s in the front wheels. Top speed was 145 mph (233 km/h), and Rolls-Royce estimated a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds. The Continental R was priced at US$271,780 in 1992.
The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model made in 1994 and 1995 with an intercooler
added. Only thirty seven were produced, after which the intercooler was made available in the Continental R. This engine had an estimated 385 horsepower, up 60 from the non-intercooled version, and 0-60 times improved to 6.1 seconds.
The Continental R California Edition was a limited edition of 6 wide body coupes produced in 1998 only. Other than the California Editions one other wide body was made in 1998. Number six only was fitted with the full-spec Continental T engine that just became available in 1998 with some 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m). This car was the first Continental R fitted with the 420 engine, and the only one under English ownership. The larger dual-caliper brakes were also fitted to number six as well as numerous other features that later were incorporated into the 2000-2003 Continental R420 including push button start, eight gauges, and other unique features. Perhaps number six was the inspiration for the later R420, both of which performed similarly to the Continental R Mulliner.
The Continental R Mulliner model range, offered from March 1999, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. The Bentley Continental R Mulliner was equipped with the most powerful engine after the Continental T. This engine had a power output of 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m). The car could be pushed to a top speed of some 170 mph (274 km/h). 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times dropped to 5.6 seconds with the computer nannies left on, and if an owner was willing to shred their tires for 50 or more yards, capable of 5.1 second times with the traction control off and abusive driving practices.
Under German ownership (1999-2003), several other special editions were made with at least some of them fitted with the 420 engine including the Le Mans and Continental R420 and Millenium. A total of 194 Continental R motor cars had the 420 engine -- some of which were also wide body cars. The 420 engine was achieved with the replacement of the air-to-air charge cooler with an air-to-water unit, as well as software changes to take advantage of the greater cooling to allow more boost for a longer period.
The Bentley Continental T had 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m) and from 1997 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m) positioned this car at the top. The Continental T was a 2+2 coupé developed from the Bentley Continental R with a more athletic outward appearance due to a 4-inch (10 cm) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The interior featured an engine-turned dash with chrome-finished instruments (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R). The Continental T's engine responded to a separate push-button starter. Performance, due to 200 lb (91 kg) less weight, was slightly better than the Continental R cars with the same 420 engine.
The Bentley Continental T Mulliner was introduced in 1999. Modified shock absorbers in combination with stiffer torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) increased the Continental's handling ability.
. There were also six Mulliner SC's built.
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
made by Bentley from 1991 to 2002. It was the first Bentley to feature a body not shared with a Rolls-Royce model since the S3
Bentley S3
The Bentley S3 is a four-door luxury car produced by Bentley from late 1962 until 1965.The S3 was very similar to the S2. The most-visible difference was a four-headlamp layout that paved the way for the radically new Bentley T1 in 1965. The interior was modified with individual seats for front...
of 1965, the first to use the GM 4L80-E transmission
GM 4L80-E transmission
The 4L80-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears. It is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October, 1963...
, and the quickest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. A convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
derivative, the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.
Origin
Many elements of the Continental R design were first seen at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show in Rolls-Royce's "Project 90" concept car, a mock-up of a future Bentley coupé. An enthusiastic reception led the company to develop the vehicle for production as the Continental R 1991. Based on the Bentley Turbo RBentley Turbo R
The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited. The "R" stood for "roadholding", to set it apart from its predecessor. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tires on alloy wheels, a...
floorpan, an aerodynamically shaped coupé body had been styled. The Continental debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, and the Sultan of Brunei
Hassanal Bolkiah
General Haji Sir Hassan al-Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah GCB GCMG is the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the 29th Sultan of Brunei and the first Prime Minister of Brunei Darussalam...
purchased the show car on-site.
The "Continental" designation recalls the Bentley Continental
Bentley Continental
Bentley has used the Continental name on a number of automobiles since 1952From 1952 to 1965 always for cars with more powerful engines than used in standard cars installed in lowered chassis provided to coachbuilders for distinctive and distinguished body shapes of specially lightened...
of the post-war period. The "R" was meant to recall the R Type
Bentley R Type
The R Type is the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, replacing the Mark VI. Essentially a larger-boot version of the Mk VI, the R type is regarded by some as a stop-gap before the introduction of the S series cars in 1955. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well...
Bentleys from the 1950s as well as the Turbo R
Bentley Turbo R
The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited. The "R" stood for "roadholding", to set it apart from its predecessor. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tires on alloy wheels, a...
of the 1980s.
The car's body, styled by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, was a departure for the marque. It had a slight curvature in stark contrast to the flat-sided Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles of the time. While its 0.465 coefficient of drag was not impressive in itself, it was a large improvement over previous Bentleys. The Continental R also featured roof-cut door frames,a subtle spoiler effect in the rear, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Continental R
The 6.75 L GarrettGarrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
-turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
engine from the Bentley Turbo R was chosen for use in the Continental R. Power output of 325 hp (242 kW) and torque of 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) was estimated, as Rolls-Royce refused to supply official figures.
The car used the new 4-speed GM 4L80-E
GM 4L80-E transmission
The 4L80-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears. It is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October, 1963...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
and featured ventilated disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s in the front wheels. Top speed was 145 mph (233 km/h), and Rolls-Royce estimated a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds. The Continental R was priced at US$271,780 in 1992.
The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model made in 1994 and 1995 with an intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
added. Only thirty seven were produced, after which the intercooler was made available in the Continental R. This engine had an estimated 385 horsepower, up 60 from the non-intercooled version, and 0-60 times improved to 6.1 seconds.
The Continental R California Edition was a limited edition of 6 wide body coupes produced in 1998 only. Other than the California Editions one other wide body was made in 1998. Number six only was fitted with the full-spec Continental T engine that just became available in 1998 with some 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m). This car was the first Continental R fitted with the 420 engine, and the only one under English ownership. The larger dual-caliper brakes were also fitted to number six as well as numerous other features that later were incorporated into the 2000-2003 Continental R420 including push button start, eight gauges, and other unique features. Perhaps number six was the inspiration for the later R420, both of which performed similarly to the Continental R Mulliner.
The Continental R Mulliner model range, offered from March 1999, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. The Bentley Continental R Mulliner was equipped with the most powerful engine after the Continental T. This engine had a power output of 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m). The car could be pushed to a top speed of some 170 mph (274 km/h). 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times dropped to 5.6 seconds with the computer nannies left on, and if an owner was willing to shred their tires for 50 or more yards, capable of 5.1 second times with the traction control off and abusive driving practices.
Under German ownership (1999-2003), several other special editions were made with at least some of them fitted with the 420 engine including the Le Mans and Continental R420 and Millenium. A total of 194 Continental R motor cars had the 420 engine -- some of which were also wide body cars. The 420 engine was achieved with the replacement of the air-to-air charge cooler with an air-to-water unit, as well as software changes to take advantage of the greater cooling to allow more boost for a longer period.
Continental T
The high-performance Bentley Continental T brought sportier handling and higher power to the Continental range.The Bentley Continental T had 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m) and from 1997 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m) positioned this car at the top. The Continental T was a 2+2 coupé developed from the Bentley Continental R with a more athletic outward appearance due to a 4-inch (10 cm) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The interior featured an engine-turned dash with chrome-finished instruments (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R). The Continental T's engine responded to a separate push-button starter. Performance, due to 200 lb (91 kg) less weight, was slightly better than the Continental R cars with the same 420 engine.
The Bentley Continental T Mulliner was introduced in 1999. Modified shock absorbers in combination with stiffer torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) increased the Continental's handling ability.
Continental SC Sedanca
The Continental SC Sedanca was a short production version of the Continental T of 73 units, with a lift-out glass sun roof over the front two seats. Produced in 1999, owners for this model included boxer Mike TysonMike Tyson
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...
. There were also six Mulliner SC's built.
Production
- Continental R/S: 1504
- Continental R (1991–2002): 1236
- Continental S (1994–1995): 37
- Continental R California Edition (1998): 6
- Continental R (2000) Millenium Edition: 10
- Continental R Mulliner (1999–2003): 131
- Continental R 420 (2000-2003): 38
- Continental R Le Mans (2001): 46
- Continental T: 350
- Continental T (1996 — 2002): 322
- Continental T Mulliner (1999): 23
- Continental T Le Mans (2001): 5
- Continental SC incl SC Mulliner (1999): 79