Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

2 4 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Moving to the rear of the car, we find a new, more aerodynamic lip on the decklid, which also immediately distinguishes the 2016 from any other generation of Continental GT before it. Giving the car the appearance of a lower, more hunkered-down look, the rear bumper has been reshaped and widened and blessed with full-width brightware. The V8 S and GT Speed models also gain a new rear diffuser design to further differentiate them as the performance-focused members of the Continental family. Cabin As stunning as the exterior changes of the 2016 Continental GT are, perhaps the best bit is the cabin, which, too, has received some minor but visually distinctive changes. The first, and perhaps my favourite, is the new contemporary straight- fluting pattern that adorns the four generous seats, while the Mulliner Driving Specification gains a tightened, small-diamond quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket. If you’re aiming for a more sporting Continental GT than simply straight luxury, Bentley now offers a new, more ergonomic sports-oriented steering wheel backed by larger gear-shift paddles that now feature Bentley’s signature knurled metal finish – a fantastic detail you’ll never see but will feel each time you reach to change gear. Like the exterior, the cabin now features new and improved brightware, which accents the refreshed dials and graphics of the instrument panel. Highlighting the modernity and brightness of the improved interior is LED illumination. Models fitted with the W12 engine can also be draped in a new, softer semi- aniline hide for the seat cushions and backrests that represent the highest quality of leather available in the automotive market and give an evenmore comfortable, luxurious and natural feel. And on the sportier V8 S and GT Speed models, Alcantara can be specified on the headlining. Finally, a black gear lever surround in the centre console grounds the visual motif of the cabin.