EIGHT months after making its world debut at the Paris motor show in September 2010, the second-generation Continental GT coupe has arrived in the Antipodes, with a regional launch in New Zealand ahead of first deliveries to Australian showrooms in the coming weeks.

This time around, the Conti has not created the waves of sensation the first generation brought when it was hailed as the first all-new car from the hallowed British brand in seven decades.

But drawing on the Conti GT’s already considerable strengths, Bentley has made some fundamental changes with this new generation – more power, revised chassis and a redesigned cabin among them – that boost the car’s appeal and make it even more inspiring to drive.