CONTINENTAL GT: Bentley’s innovative engineering prowess garners acclaim from the discerning panel of the French Automobile Awards, bestowing recognition upon the unique attributes of the rotating exhibit. A patent shields the distinctive mechanism, meticulously crafted by Bentley to withstand a tolerance range of +/-0.3mm. The multifaceted display seamlessly transitions between an infotainment screen, traditional analog features, and a refined veneer, all accessible at the mere push of a button. Achieving this level of precision demands a meticulous orchestration of components and a dedicated electronic control unit, ensuring flawless operation of the rotation system. This accolade arrives at a pivotal juncture in Bentley Motors’ history, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Bentley Continental GT.
In a ceremony held at the esteemed Automobile Club de France on Place de la Concorde in Paris, the Bentley Rotating Exhibit, initially conceived for the Flying Spur and Continental GT models, clinched the prestigious Dashboard of the Year award. Since its inception, the Bentley Rotating Exhibit (BRE) has emerged as a coveted option, with nearly 70% of clientele opting for this innovative feature to adorn their dream vehicles.
Throughout the development phase, designers and engineers meticulously fused Bentley’s ethos of unparalleled craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology, seamlessly embodied within the rotating exhibit. Over three years, the team assembled 153 individual components to form a tri-sided rotating display. Notably, a patent safeguards this mechanism, ensuring the precise alignment of each facet within a +/-0.3mm threshold.
The Automobile Awards adjudicators, comprising a panel of 20 esteemed professionals, journalists, and industry partners, scrutinized the centerpiece, which offered customers the choice between a 12.3” infotainment touchscreen and a trio of analog gauges, encompassing external temperature, a compass, and a chronometer.
Three distinct yet interconnected motions are imperative to facilitate rotation while maintaining exceedingly tight clearances (each side measuring less than 0.5mm). The initial motion retracts the unit into the dashboard, clearing the path for the subsequent rotational stage before seamlessly repositioning the unit forward. This unparalleled precision is facilitated by a bespoke mechanism incorporating 40 moving components, including tailor-made rotational and linear gearbox drive units and refined motors controlled by a dedicated electronic control unit (ECU).
This triumph holds particular significance for Bentley Motors, coinciding with the commemoration of the Continental GT’s 20th anniversary, symbolizing two decades of unrivaled performance propelled by Bentley’s iconic 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine. With the cessation of W12 engine production slated for April 2024, a mere four months remain before assembling this iconic powertrain and paving the way for Bentley’s electrified future.
Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Motors Europe, expressed his delight at receiving this esteemed accolade, underscoring the remarkable feature embedded within the quintessential Grand Tourer, the Continental GT, and the world’s premier luxury four-door Grand Tourer, the Flying Spur. This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary innovation spearheaded by Bentley’s cadre of engineers, designers, and artisans in Crewe, epitomizing the fusion of precision engineering and technological finesse synonymous with Bentley Motors.
