HAMANN IMPERATOR Images, Video and Details Released - Based on Bentley Continental GT Speed

Power and widebody kit information released

By Christopher Jackson
April 7, 2009 5:22 PM
Filed Under: Bentley, European, Tuners

Hamann has released a video and the details of its Imperator widebody kit for the Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed. This "refining programme," as Hamann calls it, offers exterior, interior and performance upgrades to the big grand touring coupe. Although hysterically expensive modified Continental GTs are getting so common as to become a joke among auto enthusiasts, there's no denying the cool factor of making a fast automobile faster.

The modified body ensures that the Imperator lives up to its name on the street. Its face is unmistakably that of a Continental GT, but closer inspection reveals that Hamann has tweaked every part of the front fascia. Larger air intakes with daytime running lights give the car a more sinister look, while the extended wings and chin spoiler help to reduce lift at the front. The side skirts help to clean up airflow along the sides of the car as well as emphasizing the widened body and choice of 21- or 22-inch wheels. At the rear, a spoiler is mounted on the trunklid and rear skirting has been added. Hamann claims that all of the body modifications have been made in the name of improved high-speed aerodynamics. The Imperator rides on a lowered suspension as well.

A new exhaust and tweaked engine management are responsible for a 40 horsepower (29 kW) boost in the Continental GT-based Imperator, and adds 70 horses (52 kW) to the Continental GT Speed. The exhaust system consists of a sport muffler and new oval exhaust tips.

If you like what you see so far, keep reading. If Hamann's Imperator is not to your taste, however, you'll want to avoid the interior. A wide range of leather and carbon-fiber trim choices enables Imperator buyers to outfit the interior in just about any way. Two-tone seating, logo-embossed leather and a new three-spoke steering wheel set the Imperator's passenger cabin apart from stock.

Source: Hamann

Press Release (Click to expand)

HAMANN-IMPERATOR

The stylish refining programme for the Bentley Continental GT and Continental GT Speed

All over the world, the company HAMANN-Motorsport is renowned for refining luxury cars. With the new programme for the Continental GT and Continental GT Speed by the English manufacturer Bentley, the company located in Laupheim once again confirms that it is the first choice when it comes to sportive accessories and breathtaking body design for luxury car models.

Optimised aerodynamics in perfect quality

Sportive elegance is the hallmark of the HAMANN-IMPERATOR design: In order to meet the high expectations in its appearance and aerodynamics, the HAMANN -designers completely reconstructed the front of the four-seater. Larger air inlets in connection with perfectly integrated daytime running lights give the Bentley an even more dynamic face. Additionally, the newly designed front optimises the air flow and therefore reduces the lifting forces at the front axle. Impressive extensions at the front and rear wings broaden the IMPERATOR by 70 millimetres and are contribute significantly to the powerful overall impression of the HAMANN modification. The HAMANN side skirts were modelled in such a way that they calm the air flow at the sides and make the noble sports car look even lower and more elongated. In order to reduce the lifting forces at the rear axle, the HAMANN technicians fitted an elegant spoiler on the original boot lid of the Bentley and combined it with a diffuser rear skirt for additional downthrust.

Impressive in terms of dimension and design - the new light alloy wheel ANNIVERSARY RACE ´´ANODIZED´´

Matching the striking appearance of the IMPERATOR, HAMANN uses new rims of the type ANNIVERSARY RACE ´´ANODIZED´´ in the dimension 22 inches. The exceptionally light, multi-part forged wheel has a high-gloss polished rim flange and a black anodized rim star. The recommended wheel/tyre combination for the front is 10.5Jx22 inches with tyres measuring 265/35 R 22. At the rear, 11.0Jx22 inch rims are used with tyres measuring 305/30 R 22.

HAMANN even offers a 21-inch alternative. Under the designation DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED the refiner offers an ultra-light forged wheel which unites sportiness and elegance in its design. The black rim star and the titanium bolts emphasise the dynamics of the wheel while the high-gloss polished rim flange confirms the noble look. HAMANN offers the 21-inch wheel with tyres sized 295/30 R 21.

The new aluminium wheels are especially put in the limelight with the special chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity of the Continental GT by 30 millimetres at the front and 20 at the rear axle. At the same time, the handling of the sports car is significantly enhanced.

Perfected technology for superior performance enhancement

With a powerful performance enhancement, HAMANN offers the core part of the refining programme. The upgrade includes a sports end muffler with oval stainless steel end pipes and a new engine management. The result for the Continental GT Speed engine is an extra output of approx. 40hp /29kW and a torque increase by 90 Newton metres. The aggregate of the Continental GT even improves by 70hp/52kW and advances its torque by an additional 90 Nm. In addition, the maximum speed for both engines rises by approx 5km/h compared to their serial counterparts.

Noble or sportive - HAMANN offers the suitable interior

An interior highlight is the ergonomically newly designed 3-spoke sport steering wheel. Due to its new shape it lies much better in the hand and still offers all functions of the serial steering wheel. In the HAMANN upholstery, the wheel is covered with most precious leather and enhanced with applications made of carbon fibre - this perfectly goes with the multi-part interior set made of same material. No matter if you are looking for black piano finish, leather or ultra-suede - we have everything that makes your heart beat faster. From the personalised floor mat set to a complete leather trim, everything is produced with artisan precision. Individually designed and fitted in the car by expert hand.