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2005 Bentley Genaddi Continental GT/LM Preview

More Power and 1,000 Pounds Less Weight Transform the Grand Tourer to Supercar Status

If a tuner were to remove 1,000 pounds from most any other sports coupe, no doubt it could be considered a lightweight model, but starting at 5,258 pounds for Bentleys Continental GT puts the lightweight version in BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class territory, hardly lightweight.

Nevertheless, the Bentley Continental GTs 551 horsepower 6.0-L, 48-valve, DOHC, twin-turbocharged W12 powerplant with 479 lb-ft of torque moves it along briskly even at its stock curb weight, achieving zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. Remove 1,000 pounds

The Genaddi Design Group has produced the Bentley Continental GT/LM, over 1,000 pounds lighter than the stock model. (Photo: Genaddi Design Group)

and sprints to 60 will no doubt be approaching the high 3- or low 4-second range.

The Continental GT/LM isnt a skunkworks project from Crewe, Bentleys manufacturing plant, nor a one off from Mulliner Park Ward, the firms customizing division, similar in theory to BMWs M and Mercedes-Benz AMG, albeit with a much greater history in specialized

Seeing that the stock Continental GTs 551-hp engine can propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, the even more powerful 1,000 pound lighter tuner version should break the 4.0 second mark. (Photo: Genaddi Design Group)

coach building. Rather, this unorthodox Bentley comes from the Genaddi Design Group, a U.S. firm under the direction of master coach builder Mark Gerisch.

What makes the GT/LM so lightweight in comparison to the stock Continental GT? It doesnt sport a tubular chassis or anything, but instead makes use of the stock framework set out by Bentley, which is one of the strongest unitized chassis in the industry. The suspension,

The Genaddi Design Group is a U.S. firm under the direction of master coach builder Mark Gerisch. Here, Genaddi craftsmen reconstruct a Bentley Arnage into an Arnage Shooting Brake (wagon). (Photo: Genaddi Design Group)

brakes and internal engine components are also untouched, the thought being if they were good enough to carry, stop and power a 5,258 pound car theyd be easily up to the task of doing so when 1,000 pound ballast was removed from the scale.

Instead, Genaddi Design enhanced the Continental GT theme to include carbon fiber body panels, a steel roof panel, a radically redesigned front carbon fiber air splitter, rear carbon fiber diffuser with rear under tray, a unique roof vent, and 20X11 BBS lightweight wheels wrapped with Pirelli low profile P Zero tires.

The GT/LM uses the stock framework, suspension, brakes and internal engine components set out by Bentley. (Photo: Genaddi Design Group)

Inside the GT/LM features a roll cage, carbon fiber Sparco racing seats with 5-point harnesses, a shorter carbon fiber center consol, carbon fiber inner and outer door skins, Lexguard quarter windows with brake and differential cooling lines, and a fire suppression system. To further remove weight, Genaddi removed and then replaced the rear seat with a shelf, took out the insulation and carpets, plus any other product that took up space and weight, and added pressed aluminum floor pans.

Just because Genaddi Design didnt mess with the engines internals, didnt mean they refrained from doing anything to improve power. Picking up the pace are new larger flow turbos, a more efficient fuel delivery system, larger air corrector and throttle body, more

The Bentley GT/LM isnt Genaddi Designs first redesigned upscale cruiser. This Maybach 62 convertible looks superb, but just dont ask how much. (Photo: Genaddi Design Group)

advanced ECU/ECM electronics, and higher-flow air cleaner than stock, plus Borla stainless steel hi-flow mufflers and 2 ¾ stainless steel exhaust tubes, finished off with stainless steel exhaust tips. The 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift actuated manual-mode remains untouched, as does the cars advanced all-wheel drive system.

The final piece de resistance is a special green and silver racing paint scheme, that makes the GT/LM appear ready to tackle the GT class at Le Mans. Of course, Bentley is already a Le Mans winner, many times over, but the prospect of the massive Continental GT taking on the lightweight Porsches and BMW M3s is intriguing.

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