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Continental R
(Introduced 1991)

This 1986 drawing was the turning point of the coupe's styling

The Continental R
was the sensation of the 1991 Geneva Salon

In March 1991,Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd launched the Bentley Continental R.

As a sleek and stylish two-door car it filled a space in the range left by the

1986 departure of the Camargue.

With the resurgent interest in the Bentley marque from the early 1980's came thoughts of an exclusive body style

and Peter Ward, then Chief Executive, is known to havefavoured this approach to the marque's future.

As had been the case with the original Bentley Continental 40 years before,
the Continental R body shape was wind-tunnel proven, the well-contoured form
and carefully raked windsceen proving their worth with notably
lower Cd (drag coefficient)than the current cars. This also brough benefits
in reduced fuel consumption and enhanced performance.
It is worth recording that when the Continental R was unveiled at Geneva,
it was one of the few occasions on which the assembled throng has
broken into spontaneous applause at the first sight of a new car.

The Continental R interior styling was reassuringly familiar, with similar seating
to that of the Turbo R and a basically similar layout to the instruments
and control panels, except that the centre console extends into the rear compartment.
The electric gear range selector is mounted in the centre console - the first time
that this has been anywhere other than on the steering column on an automatic Bentley.
The automatic transmission itself is also new, having four forward speeds with
direct drive in third and an overdrive fourth speed for even more effortless
low rpm cruising and improved fuel economy.

The responsiveness and performance of the Continental R models ,
which were already remarkable by any standards, were further improved by the development of
Electronic Transient Boost Control.

This temporarily overrides the turbocharger's normal maximum boost when full load acceleration is required,
effectively over-boosting the engine during the initial stages of heavy acceleration, such as when overtaking.

On 7 March 1995, at the Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce unveiled a convertible version of the Continental R,
which it called the Bentley Azure.

**Technical Information**
Maximum Power 385 bhp at 4000 min-1
Maximum Torque 553 lbft between 2000 and 3450
Maximum Speed 155 mph
Acceleration (0-60 mph) Under 6 seconds
Fuel Consumption Urban 11.0 mpg Highway 21.7 mpg Combined 16.0 mpg
Dimensions Wheelbase 120.5 in Overall Length 17ft 6.3in Overall Width 6ft 9.0in Overall Height 4ft 9.0in Turning Circle 39ft 10.7in

The latest Continental R now adds a tilt adjustable steering wheel and new style alloy wheels to what must already

rank as one of the most comprehensive of specifications; a list that includes full two-level air conditioning,

eight-speaker in-car entertainment system and programmable memory, linking seat position, mirrors and steering

wheel settings. From the outside one notes that the new alloy wheels perfectly complement its lines, svelte, imposing

and already acknowledged as classic.

A viscous control differential is standard on the Continental R, to help the driver to harness the

engine's prodigious power, now 385bhp with 553lbft of torque thanks to the liquid-cooled charge cooler on the

6.75 litre V8 engine and to the new Zytek EMS3 engine management system.

The higher power and tourque outputs make themselves felt in increased performance
acceleration from 0-60mph is now achieved in under 6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 155mph
and yet fuel economy has been improved. The Continental R is the grand tourer par excellence, its
combination of effortless overtaking ability, comfort and stamina making it possible to despatch the miles
with beguiling ease.
The grand tourer par excellence, with a sporting, cockpit-like interior that nonetheless accommodates
four in great comfort. The turbocharged and intercooled engine, in its latest guise providing 385bhp and
553lbft of torque, is both more powerful and more economical, giving this long-striding coupe true
continent-covering ability. Detail refinements, inside and out, increase still further the pleasures of owning
this rare and beautiful sporting motor car.

STYLE

Distinctively styled two-door fixed-head coupe with accommodation for four adults.
Modern, contoured body style with wrap-around and colour-matched bumpers.
The spare wheel, now mounted within the luggage compartment, further improves the appearance of the
rear of this beautiful motor car.

TECHNOLOGY

Automatic ride control provides computer control of the suspension dampers to optimise ride comfort

and handling.

Transmission shift energy management and adaptive shift control provide computer control of the gearbox

to produce smooth gear changes under all conditions.

Dynamic shift pattern (DSP) modifies the gear change points in "normal" mode according to driving style.
Zytek EMS3 engine management system provides high density 32x32 site bit-maps for fuelling and ignition,

enabling more accurate engine mapping, so providing greater efficiency, power and almost instant throttle

response.

CFC-free air conditioning system.

PERFORMANCE

6.75 litre V8 engine with exhaust driven turbocharger and liquid-cooled charge cooler.
Digital boost control system.
7.5Jx17 aluminum alloy wheels fitted with directional 255/55WR17 tyres provide responsive steering

and sure-footed roadholding especially in wet conditions.

Viscous control differential provides optimum sharing of the engine's power output between the

driven wheels for optimum traction and control.

Centre console-mounted gearshift with sport/standard gear change pattern selector.
Four speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox with torque converter lock-up.

DURABILITY

Underside of the bodyshell is zinc-coated and undergoes a ten-stage metal pre-treatment

process prior to cathodic electro-priming. Multi-stage painting process with the latest "clear over base"

paint technology.

Flexibilised polymer clearcoat lacquer applied to the front surfaces of the motor car

provides increased stone chip protection, yet is almost invisible to the eye.

Elastomeric stone-chip protective coating is applied to the sill and wheel arch areas prior to painting.

SAFETY

Commanding view of the road ahead.
Fully powered braking system with four channel electronic anti-lock system and anti-dive geometry.
Full-sized driver and front seat passenger airbags.
Triple anti-side intrusion beams to doors.
Dual level air conditioning designed to maintain driver alertness.
Orthopaedically designed seating system helps to reduce occupant stress levels.
Careful attention to weight distribution under all loading cases, together with full-length lever

arm front suspension and semi-trailing arm rear suspension with Panhard rod provide a

safe and progressive handling characteristic at all times.

APPOINTMENTS

Tilt-adjustable steering column enables the ideal driving position to be reached, improves instrument

visibility and has "easy entry-exit" feature.

Memory facility allows the positions of the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel of

four different drivers to be recalled.

Front passenger seat fitted with four memories for seat position.
Air conditioning outlets for rear seat passengers permit individual control of the rear cabin

environment.

Distinctive and attractive sports style seat for exceptional comfort and support.
4x30 Watt tuner-cassette audio system, with 6 CD autochanger mounted in centre console

armrest for ease of access, playing through an eight speaker system.

Remote control of in-car entertainment system for rear seat passengers.
Full hide upholstery, Wilton carpet and lambswool rugs provide a unique interior ambience.
Burr walnut veneer with straight grained walnut cross-banding.
Two stage front seat heating.
Bi-level lumbar support system to front seats.