This is the brand new Bentley Continental GT. Bentley says it 'builds on the success of its iconic predecessor.' It certainly does.
The styling is, quite obviously, very reminiscent of the outgoing car, but Bentley says that advanced aluminium forming techniques enable details that weren't possible before, like the 'power lines' that run down the flanks.
Check out how sharp the rear arches are too. It's the sort of design that's instantly familiar, but which we imagine will make perfect sense in real life. We'll tell you when we see the car or ourselves in Paris.
The same goes for the interior, whose basic architecture stays true to the previous car's, but the detailing is much improved. There's more rear space, greater use of soft-touch leather and a more intuitive instrument layout.
The infotainment system is state of the art, featuring Google Map technology and an 11-speaker stereo including 'wide frequency' speakers that provide - we're told - concert hall sound quality. Concert halls are what Bentley owners call arenas.
At launch the sole engine choice will be a 6.0-litre W12 with twin turbochargers producing 567bhp and 516lb.ft of torque. It's based on the same unit as the old car but with many of the components swapped for lighter, lower friction ones - and its ECU mapping is revised.
The result is 14bhp and 37lb.ft more, and it can still run on E85 bio-fuel, or any blend of that and super unleaded. Fuel economy is 17.1mpg combined, and emissions 384g/km.
In late 2011 a V8-powered Continental GT will arrive, set to become the cleanest Bentley ever. The company is promising a staggering 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, partly due to lower weight. As it is, the W12 car is already 65kg lighter than its predecessor.
The full fat Continental will hit 62mph from rest in 4.6 seconds and carry on up to 198mph, with power directed through a six-speed Quickshift automatic transmission and sent to all four wheels. Under normal circumstances the front-to-rear power split is 40/60, but it can be apportioned any which way dependent on grip available.
Prices should start at around £130,000 when Bentley gets out its ordering parchment and quill after the car's world debut at the Paris Motor Show.
17 May: Ford owners with cars using the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine can now get up to 34 extra horsepower from Superchips. The remap costs £445 including VAT and is covered by a 12-month, 30,000-mile warranty.
16 May: The Porsche Museum is participating in the Mille Miglia recreation from 17-20 May. A 550 Spyder, three 356 Speedsters and a 356 Coupé will tackle the course that runs from Brescia to Rome.
16 May: Four Toyota GT86s and one Lexus LFA will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race this weekend. Gazoo Racing will campaign the LFA and two GT86s, painted in black, white and red. The team has already had two class wins at the circuit with the Lexus. [photo]
