Bentley Continental GT

"The brief was to make the car appear to have gone on a fitness training programme to lose weight and define its muscles," explained the Bentley Continental GT's interior designer, Robin Page.

Outside, it is initially difficult to pinpoint exactly what has changed. Thematically, it's virtually identical to the outgoing car, yet its character has changed beyond the impression given by photographs.

The DRG gains a sharper-edged, more upright grille, flanked by more expressive headlamps, the inner pair now significantly larger than the outer. It gives the impression of more plan shape although it has to be said that the lamp units themselves have crossed the line from 'jewellery' into the spangly waters of 'bling'.

Its front fenders are now huge one-piece hydroformed panels, incorporating the front bumper. The result is much cleaner thanks to the removal of the part line, which ran through the lamps on the outgoing car. Running the start of the shoulder line from the top of the radiator casing rather than from the lower air intake cheats the corner of the car further back, helping to alleviate it of its rather unfortunate front-drive proportions.

Its rear fender haunch is much more defined, with a tension that's evident throughout. Much of the bloatedness has been removed.

Inside, Page explains that the aim was to "increase technology and space for both oddments and rear passengers."

The former is catered for by a VW Group touch-screen infotainment screen, for which Bentley has developed its own graphics package, including a dubious knurled button graphic in certain functions. The latter is taken care of by the new 'Cobra' seat which is lighter and slimmer, therefore liberating more rear legroom.

Like the exterior, the interior sticks thematically to the original, but its forms have been resculpted, adding a little more expression to what was already a very successfully resolved grand touring cabin. The addition of a layer of scrim foam behind every leather-faced surface, further increases the perceived quality.

While it would be fair to describe this latest version of the Continental GT as a very thorough reworking rather than an all-new model, we can't help wishing for a little more progression in its redesign.