(September 8, 2010) Bentley unveiled the successor Tuesday to the Continental GT coupe that revitalized the luxury brand when it was introduced in 2003.

The all-new 2012 Continental GT bears a close resemblance to its predecessor, but features interior and exterior refinements, redesigned headlamps and an updated touch-screen navigation and entertainment system.

Powered by a 6-liter W12 engine developed by the Volkswagen Group, the Continental GT accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

Power from the twin-turbo is lifted from the current  engine's 560 horsepower to 575 horsepower and torque is up from 479 pounds-feet to 516 pounds-feet, partly thanks to increased turbo-boost pressure, and peaks at 1,750 rpm. Because ZF's new eight-speed auto doesn't have sufficient torque capacity for this output, the GT sticks with today's excellent six-speed transmission and its quick-shifting program.

"It drives like a supercar, but without the usual sacrifices in ride or practicality," said Franz-Josef Paefgen, chairman and chief executive of Bentley. "It is a car that you can enjoy every moment of every day."

A new eight-cylinder engine will be available next year, offering 40 percent less emissions than the W12. Both engines are coupled to an all-wheel-drive system designed to deliver even better handling.

Initially dubbed the Baby Bentley, the $180,000-plus Continental GT rolled out seven years ago was one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful luxury cars developed during the past decade.

The GT will be revealed at the Paris motor show late this month