summary of Continental GT changes by model year
#16
02-08-2011, 05:19 AM
I'd agree, it's a great car, although I've only had mine for a few weeks, but prior to it I had a series of Maseratis', the differnece in build is quite amazing. was searching for something to replace the masser, settled on the benny... differnet class of refinement and comfort.
will try to keep this one a little longer than prevous cars...
will try to keep this one a little longer than prevous cars...
#17
02-08-2011, 11:34 AM
I've had my CGT for a little over 2 years and like most have mentioned its a wonderful car. I do a lot of car hopping but this car has been in the garage the longest. Its a 2005 and have around 10k, I bought it with 6k miles on it. Maintenance has been painless so far, major service was under $2k, did that once and a basic service. No problems other than that but it is not my daily driver either. Awd or not Chicago weather and streets are not nice on cars.
#18
02-08-2011, 12:15 PM
Almost got a first year Ferrari version Maser years back and decided against it due to the flexing chassis that was obvious during the test drive. Of course the chassis flex was addressed in later year models, yet still i just had a feeling about the Masers so did not get it... and eventually got the CGT and happy i did. Really is an all-around great car on so many levels.
#19
02-08-2011, 01:54 PM
I've no experience of that type of thing, I never drive them that hard, but the build quality, panel fit depth of quality is evident. just closing the doors, you can feel the weight difference.
Tried some of Maserati's high end cars' MC Stradale, and even a spyker, but decided I'm too old and I like my comfort to have one of them.
Tried some of Maserati's high end cars' MC Stradale, and even a spyker, but decided I'm too old and I like my comfort to have one of them.
#20
02-08-2011, 04:17 PM
Since I'm home-based I don't get the chance to drive anywhere in a good car (unless you count visiting my 'friends' at the various dealers), so I only put about 2-4k a year on my exotics on average. Sometimes I wonder why I bought it, with depreciation and the like, then I pass it in the garage and see the glorious lines and the exquisite finish, and know I could care less about the financials.
The paintwork is by far the best I've seen anywhere, It's a dark navy blue and the panels are flat and ripple-free. The deep gloss is something else!
#21
02-08-2011, 08:24 PM
Oh, was not driving the Maser hard at all, just a test drive on the street/highway in Boston (normal speeds) and the chassis flex was very obvious to anyone who knows what that feels like. It was very bad on the Maserati. Of course couple that with possibility (that came true) high devaluation and extensive cost to maintain yet no Ferrari 'pedigree' and had a feeling the Maser had a high chance of being a financial disaster. Agree, the depth of quality, fit and finish, etc on the Bentley is far superior than the Maserati.
#22
02-08-2011, 08:47 PM
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 13
Rep Power: 0 
Originally Posted by fatper86
Maintenance has been painless so far, major service was under $2k, did that once and a basic service.
The more I hear from you guys, the more I'm thinking this might actually be doable... Thanks!
#23
02-08-2011, 09:48 PM
Not me, I'm halfway round the world from you and I've only ever bought a set of tires overseas from Tire Rack. But I hope you got paid OK... wouldn't want my namesake to ruin my pristine reputation!
#24
02-08-2011, 09:57 PM
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 13
Rep Power: 0 I use a Roomba Dirt Dog to vac my garage, and a while back I ran over it after I forgot where I left it. That's when a backup camera would have been ideal. As it turned out, the cracking noise alerted me, but amazingly it suffered no damage as the car went over only part of the body. I think I noticed the Roomba behaving a little anxiously round the back of the garage after that
Cheers!
#25
02-10-2011, 09:00 PM
Hi all - I'm a new member and considering getting a used GT later on this year. I searched around on the web, and this seems to be the most active Bentley forum - actually the only one that gets more than one or two posts a month - so here I am. I've seen a couple people ask what changes have been made to the car's specs over the years, but never saw a complete answer, so I wanted to share what I've found out so far. Please let me know any corrections/additions if you have them!
2004
-First model year of Bentley Continental GT production
2005
-No major changes
2006
-Carbon ceramic brakes (first time ever for Bentley), 20-in wheels, and new paint colors available as part of Diamond Series package
-Added soft-close doors and keyless start/stop
-Bluetooth optional
2007
-Navigation discs changed from CDs to DVD
-Added Bluetooth phone support as standard
-Convertible model (GTC) introduced
2008
-Most significant "refresh" until 2011 model
-Improved suspension, steering, and cooling systems
-Curb weight dropped by 79 lbs, from 5,259 lbs to 5,180 lbs (from 2,385 kg to 2,350 kg)
-Trip computer, Bluetooth, analog dashboard clock all revised
-Satellite radio now standard equipment
-Rearview camera and 3-spoke steering wheel now options; carbon ceramic brakes available as stand-alone option
-Exterior styling changes include more upright, squared-off center grille, wider front air intake, and chrome around the headlights
2009
-Mostly cabin tech upgrades
-Optional adaptive cruise control
-Native iPod adapter (old one treats iPod songs as CD tracks)
-Optional upgraded 13-speaker Naim audio system
-Park distance control becomes standard
-Diamond Series no longer available; Speed version introduced
2010
-Supersports and Series 51 versions introduced
2011
-Completely reworked model with new exterior styling, interior design, and cabin tech
-Output increased from 552 to 567 bhp and 479 to 516 lb-ft torque
-Curb weight reduced from 5,180 lbs to 5,115 lbs (2,320 kg)
-Will be available with a V8 as well as the traditional V12 engine
FYI, I'm coming off of a 2009 Audi S5 (lease is up later this year), also considering an Audi RS5 or Mercedes CL550. I like the AWD 4-seat coupes.
Cheers!
2004
-First model year of Bentley Continental GT production
2005
-No major changes
2006
-Carbon ceramic brakes (first time ever for Bentley), 20-in wheels, and new paint colors available as part of Diamond Series package
-Added soft-close doors and keyless start/stop
-Bluetooth optional
2007
-Navigation discs changed from CDs to DVD
-Added Bluetooth phone support as standard
-Convertible model (GTC) introduced
2008
-Most significant "refresh" until 2011 model
-Improved suspension, steering, and cooling systems
-Curb weight dropped by 79 lbs, from 5,259 lbs to 5,180 lbs (from 2,385 kg to 2,350 kg)
-Trip computer, Bluetooth, analog dashboard clock all revised
-Satellite radio now standard equipment
-Rearview camera and 3-spoke steering wheel now options; carbon ceramic brakes available as stand-alone option
-Exterior styling changes include more upright, squared-off center grille, wider front air intake, and chrome around the headlights
2009
-Mostly cabin tech upgrades
-Optional adaptive cruise control
-Native iPod adapter (old one treats iPod songs as CD tracks)
-Optional upgraded 13-speaker Naim audio system
-Park distance control becomes standard
-Diamond Series no longer available; Speed version introduced
2010
-Supersports and Series 51 versions introduced
2011
-Completely reworked model with new exterior styling, interior design, and cabin tech
-Output increased from 552 to 567 bhp and 479 to 516 lb-ft torque
-Curb weight reduced from 5,180 lbs to 5,115 lbs (2,320 kg)
-Will be available with a V8 as well as the traditional V12 engine
FYI, I'm coming off of a 2009 Audi S5 (lease is up later this year), also considering an Audi RS5 or Mercedes CL550. I like the AWD 4-seat coupes.
Cheers!
#26
02-10-2011, 09:24 PM
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 13
Rep Power: 0
Thanks - made the change on the OP. Looks like GT Speed was MY 08, and GTC Speed was MY 09.
You have an awesome garage btw (past and present).
You have an awesome garage btw (past and present).
#27
03-24-2012, 08:51 PM
Hey guys, Sorry to bump an old thread.
Just saw this thread from Google and I had to post a correction.
I believe for the 2005MY, the electronic boot opener/close was standard and optional on the 2004 model.
Just saw this thread from Google and I had to post a correction.
I believe for the 2005MY, the electronic boot opener/close was standard and optional on the 2004 model.
#28
03-25-2012, 02:58 PM
Couldn't you just swap it out for an aftermarket navi/dvd unit for a couple grand
#29
04-04-2012, 09:24 PM
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 13
Rep Power: 0 I made the change that you recommended. Hard to believe you could get a $150k car in 2004 with no electronic trunk switch. We have come a long way since then!
#30
04-04-2012, 09:39 PM
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 13
Rep Power: 0
Based on my research, it is not that simple, because the nav screen is also used to control heat/AC, car setup options, phone, etc. You would need a custom unit, and it would be an expensive installation.