As previously predicted by Bentley, the next-generation Continental GT Speed, which will become the most commercially available car in Bentley's history, debuted on June 25 European time. Powered by a new generation of Plug-in Hybrid powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, the facelifted Continental GT Speed delivers 782 hp and 102 kg-metre torque, as well as a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h.
The focus of the new Continental GT Speed is the new generation PHEV powertrain developed by Bentley, which is also the starting point for the Continental GT to say goodbye to the W12 engine. The powertrain is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine with 600 hp and 81.6 kgm torque, mated to a 190 hp and 45.9kgm electric motor, a 25.9 kWh battery pack and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic manual gearbox and a full-time all-wheel drive system with integrated active vector torque distribution, producing 782 hp and 102 kgm of torque.
According to Bentley, the new Continental GT Speed can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 335 km/h. In pure electric mode, it can also drive continuously at a speed of 140 km/h, with a maximum charging power of 11 kW, which can be charged in just 2.75 hours. In addition, the Continental GT Speed also set a top speed record of 335 km/h in the 14.4-kilometer-long Ryfylke Tunnel in Norway, making it the fastest production car on the market today.
To match this performance, Bentley moved the battery behind the rear axle to create a 49:51 front and rear counterweight. Active AWD, Performance Active Chassis, Electronic Limited-Slip Differential, Rear Axle Steering Assist, Vector Torque Distribution, Bentley Dynamic Ride Anti-roll System, and Active Air Suspension with Twin Chambers and Twin Valve Cylinders are standard across the variant.
Continental GT Speed owners can also choose between two different braking systems, one with 420 mm front and 380 mm rear cast iron ventilated discs, and the other with 440 mm front and 410 mm rear ceramic carbon fibre brakes. Regardless of the configuration, the 10-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers are all set, giving the Continental GT Speed the best braking performance. Combined with a powerful power delivery and a host of chassis controls and electronic assistance, the Continental GT Speed is a great driving pleasure.
The new generation of the Continental GT Speed maintains the same elegance and elegance that Bentley has always had, as the representative of Bentley's coupe, the Continental GT Speed is inspired by the "stallion", creating a calm attitude and ready to go with tension, and the use of an unbounded hood hints at the power performance of the new generation Continental GT Speed. Not only that, the Continental GT Speed introduces a new "light eyebrow" design, coupled with a delicate crystal-cut diamond effect and a matrix LED headlamp composed of 120 sets of light-emitting modules, which simultaneously enhances the lighting effect and visual texture.
The rear of the car has also been rebuilt, including the bumper, taillights, trunk lid, exhaust pipes, etc., all of which combine aerodynamic design with elegant styling, so that the body is naturally part of the aerodynamic design, and the rear wing does not need to protrude from the surface of the body to provide enough shrimp pressure. In addition, the tail lights are also added with a delicate diamond pattern, and there is an animation effect like lava flowing when the car starts, which effectively adds to the sense of honor. In order to make the Continental GT Speed even more imposing, Bentley even equips it with 22-inch wheels as standard, which are like tiger claws.
The interior of the Continental GT Speed of course continues the British luxury that Bentley should have, and adopts a new generation of quilting technology that is currently used in top boutique fashion, improving the texture of leather and other coverings in the car, and further emphasizing the comfort. In addition to the standard 650W and 10 speakers, the Bang & Olufsen sound set with 16 speakers and a Bang & Olufsen sound set with 1,500W power, and even a Naim premium speaker with 22 speakers at 2,200W and 22 speakers are available for audiophiles to choose from.
The 12.3-inch fully digital virtual instrument cluster, the three-sided flip-up centre console with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an analogue three-ring analogue and a refined hand-finished finish make the Contunental GT Speed not only meet the expectations of a new generation of buyers, but also retain the luxury it deserves. Even semi-autonomous driving assist, automatic parking assist, air quality detection and air purification, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, plus OTA remote map update, remote parking assist, air conditioning remote control and remote vehicle status monitoring and other networking functions are also included in the list.
Bentley is even offering a convertible version of the Continental GTC Speed. Compared to the two-door version, the Continental GTC Speed is equipped with a soft-top convertible mechanism that can be opened and closed electrically at speeds of 48 km/h, allowing it to be switched between opening and closing in just 19 seconds, while maintaining the original British luxury. However, due to the integration of the electric convertible mechanism and the strengthening of the body structure, the 0-100km/h acceleration is slightly regressed in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is also controlled by the electronic speed limit at 285km/h.
Bentley said that the next-generation Continental GT Speed and Continental GTC Speed will be hand-assembled by top technicians in a factory in the UK, and production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024 and deliveries will begin sequentially.