Continuing a 21-year legacy, Bentley Motors unveiled the new Continental GT Speed – a fusion of supercar performance, luxurious craftsmanship and everyday practicality.
The new Continental GT Speed features a complete redesign inside and out, showcasing a clean, modern aesthetic. Its all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain combines a 4.0-litre V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor, delivering an impressive 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in approximately 3.1 seconds. The vehicle offers up to 81 km of electric-only range (when tested in the European Union) and a total range of 859 km.
The driving experience has been further enhanced by a new system which features two-chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), and torque vectoring. These advancements provide body control and a comfortable ride that fares well compared to earlier Continental GTs.
Beneath its surface, the Continental GT Speed integrates a suite of cutting-edge technologies ensuring top-tier capabilities in driver assistance, infotainment systems, and connected car services, ensuring every journey is seamless and enjoyable.
Significant Redesign
Single headlamps have been used for the first time in a mainstream Bentley since the 1950s. The exterior of the Continental GT Speed marks the most significant redesign in twenty years. Inside, Bentley’s signature cabin design and craftsmanship are accompanied by wellness seat technology, new air ionization, 3-D leather textures, modern quilting, and updated dark chrome finishes.
The Continental GT Speed’s design continues Bentley’s heritage, featuring a muscular yet refined look with single front headlamps, inspired by a tiger’s focused expression. The front now includes a new horizontal ‘eyebrow’ and matrix LED lamps with advanced illumination technology. The rear redesign includes a cleaner bumper, wider taillight graphics, and a streamlined boot lid.
Inside, the Continental GT boasts a precision quilt pattern, optional Wellness seating with advanced features, and a new Dark Chrome Specification for a contemporary look. The cabin includes a choice of three audio systems, laminated acoustic glass, and Bentley’s Rotating Display with a 12.3” screen. Ambient mood lighting offers 30 colour options. New colours for the GT include Gravity Grey with metallic accents and Tourmaline Green.
The Powertrain
The powertrain system of the new Continental GT Speed comprises three key elements:
600 PS V8 Engine produces 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque and features advanced 350 bar fuel injection (up from 200 bar) for cleaner combustion and better emissions. It eliminates traditional vacuum systems and uses twin single-scroll turbochargers to reduce complexity and minimize emissions. The engine can be completely shut off when using the electric motor, avoiding the need for cylinder deactivation.
190 PS Electric Motor is located within the transmission housing, providing a torque fill at low engine speeds and smoother gear shifts.
25.9 kWh Battery: Positioned behind the rear axle for optimal weight distribution, this battery offers up to 85% usable capacity.
The Continental GT Speed’s powertrain features modes for pure EV, electric boost, regenerative braking, and charge mode (where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery simultaneously.
This system delivers top performance with increased horsepower and torque, cutting CO2 emissions and fuel consumption to about one-tenth of traditional petrol engines. It offers both powerful acceleration and quiet electric luxury.
The car also introduces a new 400-volt electrical system. This setup offers impressive performance with CO2 emissions of 29 g/km and an electric range of 81 km on the WLTP cycle.
Achieving High Hybrid Performance
The V8 engine and electric motor together enhance performance across all speeds. The electric motor boosts low-speed acceleration and mid-range power, while the V8 engine excels at higher speeds. The exhaust note is uniquely developed without artificial enhancement.
In full-electric mode, the motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm, sufficient for most driving needs, and operates up to 140 kph with 75% throttle. The battery charges fully in as little as 2¾ hours with 11 kW peak charging power.
The new Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models feature the advanced Bentley Performance Active Chassis, including Active All-Wheel Drive, an electronic limited-slip differential, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, and updated ESC control software. A new dual-valve damper system and dual-chamber air springs offer enhanced performance and comfort.
The twin-valve damping system improves road surface isolation and body control, while the balanced 50:50 weight distribution, thanks to the hybrid battery placement, enhances driving dynamics. The advanced ESC system offers both full engagement and a Dynamic Mode for controlled rear axle slip, with the option to turn off ESC for more dynamic driving.
Braking options include ventilated iron brakes with 10-piston front and four-piston rear callipers and Carbon-Silicon-Carbide brakes with larger discs. The new chassis system provides improved comfort and body control in both comfort and sport modes.
The Continental GTC Speed, launched alongside the coupe, features a seven-bow fabric roof deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 48 kph. It offers a performance with a 0-100 kph time of approximately 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 285 kph.
Technology
The fourth-generation models feature advanced electrical architecture with improved infotainment and driver assistance technologies. This includes Intelligent Park Assist, air quality monitoring, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote vehicle controls, and the My Bentley app studio for additional vehicle and third-party apps. Applications include music, video, gaming, navigation, parking, and charging.
To showcase the GT Speed’s capabilities, Bentley established an unofficial speed record by running the car through Norway’s Ryfylke Tunnel, the world’s longest subsea road tunnel. The car reached 335 kph in 33 seconds, demonstrating its remarkable performance in a unique setting.
Bentley Bahrain is hosting exclusive private previews of the vehicle in Dubai and London during the summer. The vehicle will be officially launched in Bahrain towards the end of 2024. For more information, contact Bentley Bahrain at +973 17459111 or email bentleybahrain@behbehani.com.bh
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