New Bentley Continental GT Speed Revealed With Supercar Performance, But No W12

By
SAN
-
0
20


Key Takeaways

  • New Bentley Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed arrive with an electrified V8 engine.
  • The turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and electric motor produce combined outputs of 771 hp/738 lb-ft.
  • Most powerful Bentley yet, with 19% more power and 11% more torque than the outgoing W12.
  • 68% new components compared to the outgoing Continental GT.


Bentley has revealed the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed, the latest in a long line of sporting, high-class grand tourers. With the W12 relegated to the history books, the new Conti gains motivation from a remarkable hybrid system, which pairs a mighty V8 engine with an electric motor. With Bacalar-inspired styling and a high-class interior, the new Continental GT carries Crewe’s legacy into the electrification era.


Under the lengthy hood lives a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that, together with a 187-horsepower electric motor, channels 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. As a result, the new Continental GT Speed can sprint to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, while the top speed is rated at 208 mph. The new Continental receives an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronic limited-slip differential. Despite having four fewer cylinders than the W12, the new electrified V8 produces 19% more power and 11% more torque than the outgoing engine. As a result, the new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful Bentley yet.



Most Powerful Bentley Offers 50 Miles Of All-Electric Range

The Continental GTC Speed is slightly slower, with a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.2 seconds and a 177 mph top speed. Equipped with a new 400-volt electrical architecture, Bentley claims the Continental GT Speed has a (WLTP-estimated) all-electric range of 50 miles. That’s impressive for a car of this ilk, but we expect more realistic EPA figures once this electrified aristocrat touches down in the US. Bentley also notes a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel use. The 25.9 kWh battery pack can be fully charged in two hours and 45 minutes. The all-electric mode can be used at speeds of up to 87 mph with throttle inputs of up to 75%.


google news icon large

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

Both the GT Speed and GTC Speed benefit from Bentley’s new advanced Performance Active Chassis. The system comprises all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, a new generation of electronic stability control software, all-wheel drive, and an active anti-roll system. The Crewe-based brand has also fitted the car with a new dual valve damper system and advanced air suspension system. Although comfort is essential, the Speed needs to thrill dynamically. With a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, Bentley says the new Continental is a joy to pilot.


More Fun To Drive, Without Sacrificing Comfort

Depending on the drive mode, the Continental GT and GTC Speed remain planted, mitigating oversteer and keeping the vehicle controllable. In Dynamic mode, the driver can get the rear end loose, allowing for a more engaging and exciting experience behind the wheel. For talented drivers, the ESC system can also be switched off entirely. Stopping power comes from ventilated 16.5/14.9-inch iron discs at the front/rear. Larger carbon silicon carbide brakes are also available as an optional extra.

Extraordinary Journeys Collection - 1 - New Mexico

Related

Take A Trip Around The World With This Bentley Bentayga Mulliner Lineup

The Extraordinary Journeys lineup is inspired by five unique locations.

But that’s enough about the performance. What about the styling? At first glance, it’s clear that Bentley has borrowed styling cues from the ultra-exclusive Bacalar, although the automaker states that the 1952 Continental R-Type inspired the new Continental. This is evident in the single headlights; the ’52 R-Type was the last non-coachbuilt Bentley to feature this, although this has been applied to the Batur and Bacalar bespoke vehicles. The overall profile is muscular yet effortless, with graceful lines flowing from the front to the rear. The voluptuous rear haunches are particularly beguiling.


Exquisite Styling Takes Inspiration From Classic Bentleys And Animals

The vehicle looks dynamic, even when stationary, providing the presence befitting a Bentley. The automaker says the front fascia has been inspired by the “upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse,” which is a rather unique thing from which to draw inspiration. The rear end has also been restyled with a new bumper, taillights, and tailgate design. Bentley has integrated a new spoiler that increases rear downforce without requiring an active spoiler. This makes for a more harmonious design; active aero is fine for a supercar, but it looks out of place on an elegant grand tourer. The protruding taillights are a visual delight and have a crystal-like diamond-pattern effect that looks expensive.


Aside from the thoroughbred horse, Bentley also looked to big cats for wheel design. The claws of a tiger inspired the new 22-inch alloys, which are available in black, silver, or dark tint paint with polished accents. Bentley offers myriad paint finishes, but it will add new hues to the new Continental GT color palette. These include Tourmaline Green (pictured), a modern interpretation of Bentley Green, and Gravity Gray, which will also be available for the leather upholstery. GTC customers can choose from seven colors for the power-operated fabric roof. It can be operated at speeds of up to 30 mph.


Leather-Lined Interior Is Packed With Tech

As expected, the interior is a masterclass in luxury. The latest Continental GT boasts a new precision quilt pattern inspired by high fashion. Applied to the seats and doors, Bentley says it creates a cocooning environment for occupants. 20-way adjustable power seats are standard, but customers can specify a Wellness seating package that adds postural adjustment and a climate function to the front seats. Thankfully, the innovative rotating display remains part of the package, along with 30-color ambient mood lighting. Customers can choose from three sound systems: a standard 10-speaker, 650-watt system, an optional 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen 1,500-watt setup, and the premier Naim 2,200-watt 18-speaker audio system with eight sound modes and Active Bass Transducers.


Bentley Satin Paint Options

Related

Bentley Adds 15 New Ways To Customize Your Luxury Car

The brand says 75% of Bentley customer’s opted for personalized options like this last year.

A Dark Chrome Specification package is available for the interior, and the Mulliner bespoke department plans to offer many more unique features for the cabin. There is plenty of technology to get excited about as well. The new Continental GT Speed receives Intelligent Park Assist (self-parking), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an air-conditioner that emphasizes wellness – with an air ionizer and particulate filter matter – and the ability to receive over-the-air updates. Customers can also control certain features via their mobile phones, while the infotainment system can now accommodate third-party apps, thanks to the addition of the My Bentley App Studio.


Already A Speed Record Holder

Bentley has set a new speed record with the grand tourer to demonstrate the Continental GT Speed’s performance capabilities. The vehicle officially holds the “underwater speed record” with a speed of 208 mph through the deepest tunnel in the world, the Ryfylke Tunnel in Rogaland County, Norway. The automaker plans to release additional details and a behind-the-scenes video at a later date. Bentley has not published pricing or availability for the new Continental GT Speed, but we expect these details (and lesser-powered models) to arrive at a later date. The newcomer will be produced at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England.



Source link

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here