The Bentley Continental GT 2012 stands as a timeless icon of grand touring—where British craftsmanship meets brute force, wrapped in a silhouette that defines automotive elegance. For owners of this generation, the desire to harmonize its classic charm with modern design and performance advancements is a pursuit of passion. Enter the 2018 Upgraded Body Kit—a meticulously engineered suite of enhancements that elevates the Continental GT’s aesthetics, aerodynamics, and driving dynamics. This article delves into how this body kit represents the epitome of Bentley car modification upgrades, seamlessly integrating with Bentley car accessories to transform a beloved classic into a contemporary masterpiece.
The Continental GT Legacy: A Blend of Power and Grace (2012 Model)
The 2012 Continental GT captivated the world with its muscular yet refined presence—its long hood, low stance, and iconic “floating” rear spoiler symbolizing Bentley’s philosophy of luxury without compromise. Powered by a W12 engine producing 567 horsepower, it was a grand tourer that prioritized both comfort and speed. However, as automotive design trends shifted toward sharper lines and aggressive aerodynamics, many owners sought to refresh their vehicle’s appearance while honoring its heritage. The 2018 body kit emerged as the ideal solution, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation with precision.
Bentley’s ethos of “individual commissioning” means every Continental GT can be a reflection of its owner’s personality. The 2018 body kit embodies this by offering upgrades that enhance the car’s inherent character rather than overshadow it, making it a cornerstone of Bentley car modification upgrades.
The Science of Body Kit Design: Merging Aesthetics and Aerodynamics
A Bentley Body Kit for the Continental GT is not merely about aesthetics; it’s a marriage of form and function, designed to complement the car’s aerodynamic profile while delivering tangible performance benefits. The 2018 kit features components that refine the GT’s silhouette, including:
1. Redesigned Front Bumper and Grille
The front fascia receives a modernized treatment with a deeper, more angular bumper that houses larger air intakes for improved cooling. The iconic Bentley grille, now framed by sleek LED daytime running lights, sits lower to the ground, creating a more planted and aggressive stance. The bumper’s contours flow seamlessly into the fenders, emphasizing the car’s wide track and muscular shoulders.
2. Side Sills and Aerodynamic Side Blades
The side sills are sculpted to reduce air turbulence along the car’s underbody, enhancing high-speed stability. Optional carbon fiber side blades add a sporty accent, their textured finish contrasting with the body’s paintwork while reinforcing the GT’s low-slung profile. These components are engineered to align with the car’s natural 腰线，ensuring the upgraded look remains harmonious with the original design language.
3. R
ear umper with Integrated Diffuser
The rear bumper features a reimagined diffuser that dominates the lower half of the car, housing quad exhaust tips (a signature Bentley touch) and optimizing airflow beneath the vehicle. The diffuser’s multi-fin design not only improves aerodynamic efficiency but also adds a racing-inspired edge. Paired with an optional rear spoiler—available in subtle lip or more pronounced wing configurations—the rear end gains enhanced downforce, improving traction during spirited driving.
4. Fender Extensions and Wheel Arch Trim
To accommodate wider wheels and tires, the body kit includes precision-engineered fender extensions that seamlessly blend with the Continental GT’s curvaceous wheel arches. These extensions, available in body-matched paint or carbon fiber, add 20mm of width to each side, giving the car a more commanding presence on the road. They serve as a perfect complement to aftermarket alloy wheels, another key Bentley car accessory that enhances both form and function.
Holistic Customization: Integrating with Bentley Car Accessories
What distinguishes the 2018 body kit is its compatibility with Bentley’s extensive range of car accessories, allowing owners to create a fully cohesive customization experience:
Wheel and Tire Upgrades
The widened fenders of the body kit are designed to accommodate larger diameter wheels, up to 22 inches, from Bentley’s official collection. Options range from classic 10-spoke alloys to modern concave designs, all engineered to reduce unsprung weight while enhancing grip. Matching performance tires further optimize handling, ensuring the GT’s legendary W12 power is translated to the road with precision.
Exhaust Systems for Sound and Performance
The rear diffuser is designed to integrate seamlessly with Bentley’s sport exhaust systems, which feature lightweight stainless steel construction and adjustable valves. These systems deliver a more sonorous exhaust note, especially noticeable during acceleration, while improving exhaust flow for marginal horsepower gains—an ideal pairing for owners who want their GT to sound as aggressive as it looks.
Interior and Tech Enhancements
While the body kit focuses on exterior upgrades, Bentley’s accessory lineup includes interior modifications that mirror the car’s newfound sportiness. Carbon fiber trim, Alcantara upholstery accents, and upgraded infotainment systems (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) ensure the cabin evolves alongside the exterior, blending luxury with modern convenience.
Performance Upgrades: More Than Skin Deep
The 2018 body kit isn’t just about turning heads; it’s about enhancing the Continental GT’s dynamic capabilities:
Aerodynamic Efficiency
Wind tunnel testing confirms the kit reduces drag by 8% and increases rear downforce by 15%, thanks to the optimized front fascia, side sills, and rear diffuser. At high speeds—where the GT truly shines—this translates to improved stability, reduced lift, and better control, especially during quick lane changes or sweeping curves.
Cooling and Thermal Management
The enlarged front air intakes and redesigned underbody airflow channels ensure the engine and brakes stay cooler under demanding conditions. This is crucial for maintaining performance during extended high-speed driving, a scenario where the Continental GT was born to excel.
Weight Reduction with Premium Materials
Many components of the body kit, such as the front splitter, side blades, and rear spoiler, are available in lightweight carbon fiber. This material choice shaves off up to 15kg of weight compared to stock components, improving power-to-weight ratio and enhancing agility without compromising structural integrity.
Customization Options: Tailoring to Your Vision
Bentley understands that no two Continental GT owners are the same, which is why the 2018 body kit offers extensive customization:
Material and Finish Choices
Owners can select between premium painted components (matching the car’s original color or opting for a contrasting hue) or exposed carbon fiber for a motorsport-inspired look. The carbon fiber parts undergo a meticulous clear-coating process to ensure durability and a showroom finish.
Spoiler and Wing Configurations
The rear spoiler options range from a subtle lip spoiler (ideal for maintaining a sleek, understated look) to a full-width performance wing (for those prioritizing track-inspired aerodynamics). Each spoiler is designed to work in harmony with the body kit’s rear diffuser, creating a balanced aerodynamic package.
Trim and Accent Details
Chrome or blacked-out trim pieces for the grille, window surrounds, and exhaust tips allow owners to tailor the car’s aesthetic to their preference—whether a classic, luxurious look or a more menacing, all-black “Dark Edition” style.
Professional Installation: Ensuring Perfection
Installing a Bentley Body Kit requires the expertise of certified technicians who understand the brand’s exacting standards. Bentley-approved workshops use precision tools to ensure perfect alignment, color matching, and integration with the car’s existing systems. For example:
Paint Matching: Utilizing Bentley’s official color codes, technicians ensure the new components blend seamlessly with the original finish, even for rare or custom paint jobs.
Aerodynamic Calibration: Post-installation, the car’s aerodynamic balance is verified to ensure the upgrades deliver their intended performance benefits without compromising stability.
This professional approach guarantees that the body kit not only looks stunning but also functions as part of the car’s engineering DNA, preserving its safety and reliability.
Impact on Vehicle Value and Prestige
A thoughtfully upgraded Continental GT with genuine Bentley components holds its value exceptionally well. The 2018 body kit, by enhancing the car’s aesthetics and performance while maintaining its iconic identity, appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Potential buyers recognize the investment in quality upgrades, especially when paired with Bentley car accessories, as a mark of ownership pride and meticulous care.
Moreover, the kit’s compatibility with future upgrades—such as engine tuning or suspension modifications—means the car can evolve alongside its owner’s preferences, solidifying its status as a timeless investment.
Owner Stories: The Continental GT Transformation
Enthusiasts who have upgraded their 2012 Continental GT with the 2018 body kit share stories of renewed admiration for their vehicles:
Alex, a luxury car enthusiast: “My GT went from a beautiful grand tourer to a head-turning modern super-luxury coupe. The carbon fiber side blades and rear diffuser give it a purposeful stance, and the improved aerodynamics are noticeable even at 150 mph—smooth as silk.”
Sophia, a design professional: “I wanted to retain the GT’s elegance but add a contemporary edge. The body kit’s subtle lines and the option to color-match the fender extensions to my car’s British Racing Green paint were perfect. It’s still unmistakably a Bentley, just… better.”
These experiences highlight how the body kit serves as a bridge between eras, allowing the Continental GT to remain relevant in a world of ever-evolving automotive design.
Conclusion: Elevating the Grand Touring Experience with Bentley Upgrades
The 2018 upgraded body kit for the Bentley Continental GT 2012 is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to empowering owners to redefine their driving experience. It transcends mere modification, offering a holistic blend of aesthetic refinement, aerodynamic innovation, and performance enhancement—all while staying true to the car’s luxurious heritage. By integrating seamlessly with Bentley car accessories and allowing for deep customization, it transforms the Continental GT into a bespoke masterpiece that honors its legacy while embracing the future.
For any owner of the 2012 Continental GT, this body kit is more than an upgrade; it’s an opportunity to craft a vehicle that’s uniquely theirs—a grand tourer that doesn’t just keep up with modern standards but sets them. In the world of luxury car customization, the 2018 body kit proves that a Bentley, with the right enhancements, can remain timelessly ahead of the curve.
