Launched in 1996, the Bentley Continental T was a short-wheelbase version of the Continental R offering slightly more power, torque and responsive handling, at the expense of rear passenger legroom.
At its launch, the Bentley Continental T offered an additional 15 hp (11 kW; 15 PS) over the 1996 Continental R, at 400 hp, and an additional 54 N⋅m (40 lb-ft) of torque at 800 N⋅m (590 lb-ft). For the 1998 model year, this was increased to 420 hp (313 kW; 426 PS) and 881 N⋅m (650 lb-ft) of torque available at only 2,200 rpm. The Continental T has a more athletic outward appearance due to a 102 mm (4 in) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The T had larger brake discs and full front brake calipers. It was also equipped with ABS brakes.
The interior featured a turned-metal dashboard with chrome-finished instruments (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R), lambswool carpets and a polished aluminium trim, although some cars were specified with traditional wood trim. The Continental T’s engine responded to a separate push-button starter. Performance, due to 91 kg (200 lb) less weight, was slightly better than the Continental R cars with the same engine. Due to its shorter wheelbase and compact interior, the Continental T was classified as a subcompact car by the EPA.
Performance figures included a 0–97 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 158.2 km/h (98.3 mph) along with a slalom speed of 100.1 km/h (62.2 mph) while the top speed was an estimated 274 km/h (170 mph).
It was at least 21% more expensive than the R, hence, 7% more expensive than the Azure convertible.
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.
The Bentley Continental T (Mulliner) Personal Commission is a special edition of the model year 2000, 2001 and 2002 Bentley Continental T (Mulliner).
| engine | V8 |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 6750 cc / 411.9 in³ |
| bore | 104.16 mm / 4.1 in |
| stroke | 99.06 mm / 3.9 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 313.2 kw / 420.0 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| specific output | 62.22 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | 874.5 nm / 645.0 ft lbs @ 2100 rpm |
| driven wheels | Fornt Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 285/45R18 |
| rear tires | 285/45R18 |
| front brakes | F Vented Discs R Solid Discs |
| f brake size | x 340 mm / x 13.4 in |
| r brake size | x 279 mm / x 11.0 in |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18.0 x 9.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18.0 x 9.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| curb weight | 2450 kg / 5401 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2961 mm / 116.6 in |
| front track | 1549 mm / 61.0 in |
| rear track | 1581 mm / 62.2 in |
| length | 5222 mm / 205.6 in |
| width | 2058 mm / 81.0 in |
| height | 1462 mm / 57.6 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.48:1, 1.48:1, 1.00:1, 0.75:1, 2.69:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~268.8 kph / 167.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~15.1 second |
