Bentley Motors has unveiled the fourth generation of the Continental GT Turbo, building on the 21-year legacy of the Continental GT family, redefining the ultimate blend of supercar performance, artisanal luxury and everyday practicality. The exterior and interior have been completely redesigned with clean, modern details that follow the new design DNA established by the Bentley Bacalar and Batur Custom Coaches. The new ultra-high-performance hybrid powertrain delivers outstanding performance, with a 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a 190 PS electric motor producing 782 PS of power and 1,000 Nm of torque. With a 0-60 mph acceleration of just 3.1 seconds and an all-electric range of 50 miles (81 km) (EU driving cycle) for a total range of 534 miles (859 km), the result is an everyday supercar.
The powertrain's performance is complemented by the all-new chassis system, with new dual-chamber air springs and new dual-valve shock absorbers, as well as Bentley's Dynamic Driving System (48V Active Anti-Roll Control), eLSD and Torque Vectoring. Excellent body control and the best Continental GT ride comfort to date are the result, supported by a 49:51 rear offset weight distribution for the first time in automotive history.
Inside, a range of modern innovations deliver class-leading performance, making every journey a seamless experience in terms of driver assistance, infotainment systems, and connected car services. The new exterior continues Bentley's design revolution in the future, the biggest change to the Continental GT front in two decades, and the first mainstream Bentley to feature a single headlight since the '50s.
Bentley continues to adopt world-leading interior cabin design, materials, quality and craftsmanship, introducing further healthy seating technology, new air ionization, three-dimensional leather textures, new modern quilting and new dark chrome finishes. The new 400-volt electrical architecture enables today's luxury car brands to offer a state-of-the-art powertrain technology package that achieves 29 g/km CO2 emissions and 50 miles/81 km of electric range in the WLTP drive cycle.
For the first time in Continental GT history, the convertible version of the Continental GTC was launched at the same time as a coupe – offering maximum flexibility for customers who appreciate both open-top and closed-roof driving. Both the coupe and convertible will be hand-built at Bentley's DreamWorks in Crewe, UK. Production and deliveries will begin in the third quarter.
1. New ultra-high-performance hybrid system
The all-new Continental GT Speed features a state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 4.0-litre V8 engine and an electric motor. The V8 engine delivers 600 PS (584 bhp) and the electric motor delivers 190 PS (187 bhp) for a total system output of 782 PS (771 bhp). The system has a peak torque of 1000 Nm (738 lb ft), an 11% increase over the soon-to-be-discontinued W12 engine version. The system allows the Continental GT Speed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h), making it the most powerful Bentley ever built, surpassing the second-generation Supersports and Batur.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), guaranteeing excellent power transmission and reliable traction in all driving conditions. The system uses active torque vectoring to distribute torque from front to rear and precise control of each axle via brakes. The V8 engine features a system with a fuel injection pressure of 350 bar (up from 200 bar) for cleaner combustion, eliminating the need for traditional vacuum systems and cylinder deactivation hardware, and dual single-scroll turbochargers reducing complexity and emissions.
2. Advanced electric motor and battery system
The Continental GT Speed's electric motor is located in the gearbox housing and is capable of delivering 190 PS and 450 Nm (332 lb ft) of torque, especially at low rpm to provide torque filling, as well as extra smoothness when shifting gears. The 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle, which not only helps balance the weight of the vehicle, but also allows the use of up to 85% of the battery capacity, providing good power reserve and range.
In pure electric mode, the electric motor can output 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque separately, reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h), and the battery can be fully charged in 23/4 hours with a peak charging power of 11 kW. The system can manage the flow of energy according to different driving modes, including pure electric vehicle mode, electric boost mode, regenerative braking mode, and engine mode to drive the wheels and charge the battery.
3. Excellent performance and driving experience
The new Continental GT Speed combines the strengths of the V8 engine and electric motor to deliver more power and torque across the rev range. The electric motor provides strong acceleration at low and medium speeds, while the V8 engine exhibits excellent performance at high speeds. The exhaust system has been carefully designed to emphasize cross-plane quality, providing a natural sound without the use of artificial electronic enhancements. At the same time, the driving experience in electric mode is quiet and smooth.
Launched at the same time as the coupe, the convertible Continental GTC Speed accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 3.2 seconds, 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and is electronically limited to a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h). Equipped with Bentley's seven-bow fabric roof system, the convertible is available in seven exterior colors (including tweed) and deploys in under 19 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
4. Luxurious interiors and advanced technology
The interior of the Continental GT series has always been a model for luxury cars. The seats and doors of the new model feature a new precision quilting pattern inspired by modern and sleek design. The 20-way adjustable seat offers the ultimate in comfort and refinement, and the optional Wellness seat with posture adjustment and automatic climate minimizes driving fatigue.
The interior also comes with dark chrome specs, offering a modern aesthetic design for door handles, switches, grilles, and other areas. The Mulliner division offers a range of personalisation options to make the vehicle even more unique.
5. Premium sound system and mood lighting
The Continental GT offers three sound systems: a standard 10-speaker system, a 1,500-watt 16-speaker system from Bang & Olufsen, and a 2,200-watt 18-speaker system from Naim. The Naim system features an active bass sensor built into the front seat and eight sound modes to provide audiophiles with a top-of-the-line listening experience. Laminated acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows reduces external noise by 9 decibels.
The vehicle is also equipped with an innovative Bentley Rotary Display, which includes a 12.3-inch HD display on three sides, three elegant analogue dials and a full hand-finished finish, offering a variety of display options. The mood lighting around the cabin is combined with the sculptural shapes of the seats and doors to create a cocoon effect, and the user can choose the lighting color from 30 options to provide a different atmosphere for each drive.
These highlights showcase the performance, luxurious interiors and advanced technology of the all-new Continental GT Speed, making it one of the most powerful models in Bentley's history, offering the perfect combination of power, luxury and modern technology.