Bentley Continental R - Continental R

Continental R

The 6.75 L Garrett-turbocharged engine from the Bentley Turbo R was chosen for use in the Continental R. Power output of 325 hp (242 kW) and torque of 450 lb·ft (610 N·m) was estimated, as Rolls-Royce refused to supply official figures.

The car used the new 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and featured ventilated disc brakes in the front wheels. Top speed was 145 mph (233 km/h), and Rolls-Royce estimated a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds. The Continental R was priced at US$271,780 in 1992.

The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model made in 1994 and 1995 with an intercooler added. Only thirty seven were produced, after which the intercooler was made available in the Continental R. This engine had an estimated 385 horsepower, up 60 from the non-intercooled version, and 0-60 times improved to 6.1 seconds.

The Continental R California Edition was a limited edition of 6 wide body coupes produced in 1998 only. Other than the California Editions one other wide body was made in 1998. Number six only was fitted with the full-spec Continental T engine that just became available in 1998 with some 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 lb·ft (881 N·m). This car was the first Continental R fitted with the 420 engine, and the only one under English ownership. The larger dual-caliper brakes were also fitted to number six as well as numerous other features that later were incorporated into the 2000-2003 Continental R420 including push button start, eight gauges, and other unique features. Perhaps number six was the inspiration for the later R420, both of which performed similarly to the Continental R Mulliner.

The Continental R Mulliner model range, offered from March 1999, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. The Bentley Continental R Mulliner was equipped with the most powerful engine after the Continental T. This engine had a power output of 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 lb·ft (881 N·m). The car could be pushed to a top speed of some 170 mph (274 km/h). 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times dropped to 5.6 seconds with the computer nannies left on, and if an owner was willing to shred their tires for 50 or more yards, capable of 5.1 second times with the traction control off and abusive driving practices.

Under German ownership (1999–2003), several other special editions were made with at least some of them fitted with the 420 engine including the Le Mans and Continental R420 and Millenium. A total of 194 Continental R motor cars had the 420 engine—some of which were also wide body cars. The 420 engine was achieved with the replacement of the air-to-air charge cooler with an air-to-water unit, as well as software changes to take advantage of the greater cooling to allow more boost for a longer period.