Bentley to launch Korea limited edition Continental GT

Bentley Motors Korea has introduced a limited edition of the Continental GT, in collaboration with Korean contemporary painter Ha Tae-im. Only 10 units will be made.

Christian Schlick, head of Bentley Motors' Korean operation, speaks during a press event held in eastern Seoul on Thursday. [BENTLEY MOTORS KOREA]

A sophisticated blend of luxury and performance, or tradition and disruption, is what defines Bentley’s century-old heritage, says its regional director in Korea.

“Back in 2003 when the car [Continental GT] was introduced, it was a shock because at that time, there were only two categories of cars existing: there was a luxury car, and there was a performance car,” said Christian Schlick, head of the British luxury car brand’s Korean operation.

“But not a single car combined all these attributes in one,” said Schlick, stressing that “this car has actually created a completely new space in the automotive [industry].”

The comment was made during a press conference held on Thursday in eastern Seoul, hosted by Bentley Motors Korea.

The British carmaker under Volkswagen Group highlighted its 104-year design heritage as the global automotive industry undergoes a rapid shift toward electrification.

Bentley Motors' Korea limited edition Continental GT, first unveiled on Oct. 26 [BENTLEY MOTORS KOREA]

With the Mulliner team’s unique bespoke design capabilities being one of Bentley’s core strengths as a luxury brand, the carmaker recently introduced a Korea limited edition of the Continental GT in collaboration with Ha Tae-im, a Korean contemporary painter.

It is Bentley’s first artist collaboration for a limited edition model in Korea.

“What is really different [about Korean customers] is they, first of all, know exactly what they know, and secondly, they have a great sense of aesthetic,” said Schlick.

“And this is exactly what we have also been trying to incorporate into this limited edition.”

Only 10 units of the Korea limited edition will be made, and will be rolled out in the first half of next year.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]