- The new generation of the Bentley Continental GT and GTC Speed debut with evolutionary styling.
- The highlight is the new plug-in hybrid V8, producing a combined 771 hp and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque.
- Besides the electrified powertrain, the 2+2 grand tourer and convertible benefit from a revised chassis setup.
Bentley unveiled the fourth generation of the Continental GT and GTC in the flagship Speed trim. The models add more technology and come fitted with a significantly more powerful new plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain, replacing the old W12 engine.
Every new generation of the Continental GT since the original from 2003, has been getting sleeker while retaining similar proportions and several signature styling cues. The new model is instantly recognizable as a Bentley, although it swaps the quad headlight arrangement of its predecessors, for a new pair of matrix-LED single-unit lights.
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The new face brings to mind the more exclusive Bentley Batur, but the headlights are bigger, the grille smaller, and the bumper intakes are similar to the outgoing Continental GT. The profile does without the over-designed side gills of its predecessor, while the taillights are more elongated with jewel-like LED graphics. The rest of the bodywork looks quite familiar, retaining the muscular fenders and swooping character lines which are strongly associated with the Crewe brand.
The same applies to the interior which appears to be largely carried over from the third-gen Continental GT, proving that the fourth-gen is more of an extensive facelift. Still, Bentley engineers improved the sound insulation, added a new electrical architecture, the latest ADAS, and a more advanced infotainment system compatible with wireless connectivity and over-the-air updates. The model retains the Bentley Rotating Display, with the 12.3-inch screen being attached on one of its three faces.
Interior highlights include the new quilt pattern on the upholstery, the 20-way adjustable seats, and the three available audio systems crowned by the flagship Naim unit with 18 speakers and 2,200 Watts. As with all models from the Crewe factory, the Continental GT Speed offers high-quality materials in different colors and finishes. If these are not enough, owners can gain access to more sophisticated personalization options from the Mulliner department.
Bentley Continental GT Speed
The highlight of the new Continental GT / GTC Speed is what lies under the hood. The new “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain is rated at a combined 771 hp (583 kW / 782 PS) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, surpassing the figures of the discontinued non-electrified V8 and W12 engines. In fact, the new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful Bentley ever made, proving that electrification has its merits.
The setup comprises a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 591 hp (441 kW / 600 PS), and a single electric motor, which is integrated within the eight-speed dual clutch transmission and contributes another 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). This is very similar to the PHEV powertrain of the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, although in the Bentley, it’s even more powerful.
The battery pack has a capacity of 25.9 kWh and is mounted behind the rear axle for optimum weight balance. According to the WLTP cycle, the grand tourer has an EV range of 81 km (50 miles), and a combined range of 859 km (534 miles). A full charge takes 2 hours and 45 minutes from an 11 kW outlet.
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The new Bentley benefits from an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, and an electronically limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Furthermore, the more sophisticated Bentley Performance Active Chassis includes the 48V active roll stabilization system, a new two-chamber air suspension dual-valve adaptive dampers, a new generation of ESC control software, and four-wheel steering, making sure the driving dynamics are on par with its performance. Overall, Bentley claims that the chassis offers more comfort and better body control compared to the the previous iteration.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
As for the stopping power, Bentley offers two options – the standard ventilated iron brakes or an even larger set of carbon-silicon carbide brakes. Both use ten-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the back.
Despite the 192 kg (423 lbs) weight gain over its predecessor, the new Continental GT Speed accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). This makes it 0.4 seconds quicker than the previous-generation W12-powered model, while matching its top speed figure. On the other hand, the topless Continental GTC Speed completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 3.4 seconds and has a limited top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).
In order to prove the performance credentials of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley took it at the Ryfylke Tunnel in Norway. The model reached its top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph) from a standstill in 33 seconds, striking an “unofficial” speed record for a car inside a tunnel. Note that the Ryfylke Tunnel in Rogaland county is the longest and deepest subsea road tunnel in the world, measuring 14.4 km (8.9 miles) long and descending to 292 m below the seal level.
Deliveries of the new Bentley Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed will start in the third quarter of 2024. The models will be manufactured at the company’s Crewe headquarters in the UK, with pricing set to be announced at a later date.