RE: Bentley Continental GT V8 S: Review

[fatboy b]

Wills2 said:

fatboy b said:

It's not a new car, it's a reskin on the old Phaeton platform. In other words, a compromise, and really showing it's age. The next one will be a new car based off of the new Porsche Panamera.

Edited by fatboy b on Tuesday 11th February 12:37

In the same way the XF is based on the S-type? Now that is old.

Yep correct. But what's your point? It's actually a well-sorted set up that has ben developed extensively, and will knock spots off of a BMW 3 or 5 series. Yes, Jag did mess up by keeping the S in production too long, and had to top-hat it for the XF. But I wouldn't put the XF into the "compromised" band the same as I would the Conti.

If I were paying £150k for a "new" car, I wouldn't expect the chassis to be 12+ years old. Bentley know it too. Feedback from the customer clinics all mark down the ride/handling. Having worked at Bentley, I'd go as far as saying the whole car is a compromise given the amount of carry-over from Audi & other stable mates.

[fatboy b]

toppstuff said:

fatboy b said:

It's not a new car, it's a reskin on the old Phaeton platform. In other words, a compromise, and really showing it's age. The next one will be a new car based off of the new Porsche Panamera.

Edited by fatboy b on Tuesday 11th February 12:37

I think thats an oversimplification. The second generation has a lot of changes. More aluminium in the suspension, complete reskin of every panel and heavily revised drivetrain.

And having recently driven a new Gt Speed, I have to say that it most definitely is not showing its age. It only seems that way because it looks so similar to the old one. But it is honed and developed enormously and feels quite different to a generation 1 car IMO.

But you said it's all new. It's not. The chassis is 12+ years old. It's compromised, and Bentley know it.

[Schermerhorn]

The reason why I asked was because the dash looks the same as the old 2003- model albeit new with new steering wheel and nav centre console.

I dare say the brakes, calipers, and alot of suspension items will be carried over too. I'm not criticising Bentley, they are a low volume manufacturer and have to save money wherever they can but it's not really a 'ground up' new car at all is it? Not like the E60 to F10 5 series etc.....

I would struggle to tell the difference between a 2007 and 2013 Conti on first glance.

[Wills2]

fatboy b said:

Wills2 said:

fatboy b said:

It's not a new car, it's a reskin on the old Phaeton platform. In other words, a compromise, and really showing it's age. The next one will be a new car based off of the new Porsche Panamera.

Edited by fatboy b on Tuesday 11th February 12:37

In the same way the XF is based on the S-type? Now that is old.

Yep correct. But what's your point? It's actually a well-sorted set up that has ben developed extensively, and will knock spots off of a BMW 3 or 5 series. Yes, Jag did mess up by keeping the S in production too long, and had to top-hat it for the XF. But I wouldn't put the XF into the "compromised" band the same as I would the Conti.

If I were paying £150k for a "new" car, I wouldn't expect the chassis to be 12+ years old. Bentley know it too. Feedback from the customer clinics all mark down the ride/handling. Having worked at Bentley, I'd go as far as saying the whole car is a compromise given the amount of carry-over from Audi & other stable mates.

The point is JLR at known for re hashing old platforms even the F-type is a shortened XK, but they still manage to make OK cars, what your saying is Bentley can't achieve the same?

And yes the XF does beat the 3/5 series if you ignore performance/efficiency/in car technology and those being new cars rather than a rehash of a car that was outclassed 10 years ago etc.....

But you keep trying to convince yourself.

[fatboy b]

Wills2 said:

fatboy b said:

Wills2 said:

fatboy b said:

It's not a new car, it's a reskin on the old Phaeton platform. In other words, a compromise, and really showing it's age. The next one will be a new car based off of the new Porsche Panamera.

Edited by fatboy b on Tuesday 11th February 12:37

In the same way the XF is based on the S-type? Now that is old.

Yep correct. But what's your point? It's actually a well-sorted set up that has ben developed extensively, and will knock spots off of a BMW 3 or 5 series. Yes, Jag did mess up by keeping the S in production too long, and had to top-hat it for the XF. But I wouldn't put the XF into the "compromised" band the same as I would the Conti.

If I were paying £150k for a "new" car, I wouldn't expect the chassis to be 12+ years old. Bentley know it too. Feedback from the customer clinics all mark down the ride/handling. Having worked at Bentley, I'd go as far as saying the whole car is a compromise given the amount of carry-over from Audi & other stable mates.

The point is JLR at known for re hashing old platforms even the F-type is a shortened XK, but they still manage to make OK cars, what your saying is Bentley can't achieve the same?

And yes the XF does beat the 3/5 series if you ignore performance/efficiency/in car technology and those being new cars rather than a rehash of a car that was outclassed 10 years ago etc.....

But you keep trying to convince yourself.

If you're happy with your beemers, then great. I've moved on.

[hornbaek]

I borrowed a V8 powered GTC from Bentley a couple of weeks ago for 3 weeks and i must say i was impressed. The only thing wrong with the Continental is the image it carries. Everything else was superb. I drove nearly 500 miles during that period and steering, engine and drivetrain is excellent. I was not to bothered by the VAG carry overs as it is all up to date and works very well (unlike the dated Aston electronics in my previous V12V). Have not driven the "S" yet but would definitely consider one next time around. Great car only a bit too big and heavy but otherwise excellent.