The Bentleys of the past are far removed, technologically, from their successors. But from the marque’s earliest days, Bentleys had that rare capacity to go the distance. On the rough, dusty roads of their time, they had the reserves of power both to outpace and to outlast their rivals.
Today’s Continental R, with its beautifully-appointed interior, its supremely capable 553 lb. ft., 385 bhp V8 engine and its sophisticated computer-aided reaction to the driver’s inputs, has the quality of long-striding power that distinguished its predecessors. From the outside, the laser-cut stainless steel matrix grille hints at the marque’s lineage, giving the motor car’s lines a purposeful edge. Inside, sports seats, unique to the Continental R, provide the support and comfort for spirited long-distance driving while the sculpted dual-tone leather steering wheel is another of the cockpit’s many tactile pleasures.
The Continental R is a true Grand Tourer, capable of maintaining high average speeds while cocooning four occupants and their luggage in quiet comfort for hundreds of miles at a time. It is a car that rewards and exhilarates the driver without unnecessary physical effort: responsive and finely controlled in traffic, unmatched and magnificent on the open road. A thoroughbred deserving of its green Bentley badge, and a grand tourer to go the distance.
A magnificent blend of elegance and muscularity in the lines on the Continental R, set off by the laser-cut matrix grille and cut-through bumpers.
The dual-colour steering wheel now features a larger diameter rim and sculpted hand grips for improved ergonomics. The new Continental R sports seats with integral seat belts offer improved lateral support and are twin stitched in a curved flute style. The burr walnut veneer pictured here is just one of the many fine wood veneers that may be specified.
The motor car shown is simply one example of the many specifications available from the wide choice of colour combinations and finishes offered by Bentley Motors. The scope is extended even further through the engineers and craftsmen of Mulliner, who are able to undertake special commissions to design and specify a motor car for an individual’s driving characteristics and tastes.
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1991 – 2002 |
| released at | 1991 Geneva Motor Show |
| built at | England |
| body stylist | John Heffernan, Ken Greenley |
| production | 1290 |
| price $ | $ 279,900 |
| engine | Rolls-Royce V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Garrett Turbocharger |
| valvetrain | 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 6750 cc / 411.9 in³ |
| bore | 104.1 mm / 4.09 in |
| stroke | 99.1 mm / 3.9 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 287.1 kw / 385.0 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| specific output | 57.04 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 160.28 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 750.0 nm / 553.2 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | F 255/55R-17 |
| rear tires | R 255/55R-17 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ ABS |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/ ABS |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 19.1 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 19.1 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in |
| curb weight | 2402 kg / 5296 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3016 mm / 118.7 in |
| front track | 1549 mm / 60.9 in |
| rear track | 1549 mm / 60.9 in |
| length | 5342 mm / 210.3 in |
| width | 2058 mm / 81.0 in |
| height | 1462 mm / 57.6 in |
| transmission | GM 4L80-E 4-Speed Auto |
| top speed | ~241.4 kph / 150.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~3.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~16.9 seconds |
| 0 – 100 kph | ~6.3 seconds |
| drag | 0.465 Cd |
| urban fuel econ eu | 25.7 L/100 km or 9.15 mpg-us |
| extra urban fuel econ eu | 13.0 L/100 km or 18.09 mpg-us |
| combined fuel econ eu | 17.7 L/100 km or 13.29 mpg-us |
| fuel capacity | 108 litres or 28.51 g |
