The first-generation Bentley Continental GT was unveiled in 2003, marking a completely new era for the British luxury marque under the ownership of Volkswagen Group. Built on the corporate D1 platform shared with the Volkswagen Phaeton, the model debuted as a fastback grand touring coupe, joined in 2006 by the Continental GTC convertible. Power came from a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 560 horsepower, mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and a permanent Torsen-based all-wheel-drive system. The combination of massive power, adaptive air suspension, and four-wheel traction gave the heavy luxury cruiser effortless high-speed continent-crossing capability. Throughout its production run, Bentley introduced higher-performance variants including the Continental GT Speed with 610 horsepower and the track-inspired Continental Supersports producing 630 horsepower with flex-fuel capability. The first-generation Continental GT became an unprecedented commercial success worldwide across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.