Bentley Continental GT Speed Goes Hybrid With V8 Power And Electric Assist

Bentley has just debuted the fourth generation of its high-end, athletic grand tourers, the Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed. The amazing hybrid system of the new Conti, which combines an electric motor with a potent V8 engine, consigns the W12 to oblivion.

The new Continental GT extends Crewe's heritage into the electric era with its high-end cabin and Bacalar-inspired appearance. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine under the long hood delivers 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels in tandem with a 187-horsepower electric motor.

This allows the new Continental GT Speed to reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, with a peak speed of 208 mph. Electronic limited-slip differential and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox are standard features of the new Continental. The new electrified V8 outperforms the previous engine by 19% in power and 11% in torque, even though it has four fewer cylinders than the W12. The new Continental GT Speed is thus the most powerful Bentley ever.

The Continental GTC Speed has a top speed of 177 mph and a 3.2-second sprint time from 0 to 60 mph. Meanwhile, Bentley claims the Continental GT Speed has a WLTP-estimated 50-mile all-electric range thanks to its unique 400-volt electrical design. Though we anticipate more accurate EPA numbers when this electrified aristocrat arrives in the US, that's astounding for a vehicle of this kind. Bentley also points to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Two hours and forty-five minutes can completely charge the 25.9 kWh battery pack. You can use the all-electric mode at speeds of up to 87 mph, with throttle inputs of up to 75%. Bentley's new sophisticated Performance Active Chassis is beneficial to the GT Speed and GTC Speed alike. All-wheel steering, torque vectoring, all-wheel drive, an active anti-roll system, and a new generation of electronic stability control software are all part of the system.

The manufacturer also installed a sophisticated air suspension system and a new dual-valve damper system in the vehicle. The Speed must excite dramatically, even while comfort is crucial. Bentley believes the new Continental is a pleasure to drive because of its ideal 50:50 weight distribution. The Continental GT and GTC Speed stay rooted in different driving modes, which reduces oversteer and maintains the car's controllability.

The ability of the driver to release the rear end in Dynamic mode makes driving more interesting and engaging. Highly skilled drivers have the potential to completely disable the ESC system. A vented 16.5/14.9-inch iron disc at the front and back provides stopping force. Bigger carbon-silicon carbide brakes are an optional addition.

And the styling? Although Bentley says the 1952 Continental R-Type served as inspiration for the new Continental, it is evident at first glance that the ultra-exclusive Bacalar provided design cues. The single headlights are proof of this; the Batur and Bacalar custom cars have since adopted them, but the '52 R-Type was the last non-coach-built Bentley to use them. The front-to-back lines of the profile are elegant and muscular at the same time. The luscious back haunches are particularly seductive. Even when it's not moving, the car has the presence of a Bentley.

The manufacturer claims that the "upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse," a very unusual source of inspiration, inspired the front fascia. The back end also features a new bumper, taillights, and tailgate design. Bentley has introduced a new spoiler that boosts rear downforce without the need for an active spoiler. This results in a more harmonious design; active aero works well on a supercar but not so well on a sophisticated grand tourer.

The projecting taillights are a visual treat; they have an expensive-looking diamond pattern that resembles crystals.Tiger claws inspired the new 22-inch alloys, available in black, silver, or dark tint paint with polished highlights.  Although Bentley provides a wide range of paint finishes, it will expand the Continental GT color palette with additional shades. Two of them are Gravity Gray, which also serves as the leather upholstery color, and Tourmaline Green, a modern interpretation of Bentley Green. The GTC's buyers can choose from seven different colors for the powered cloth roof.

Operating speed is up to thirty miles per hour. As expected, the interior offers unparalleled luxury. A new, high-fashion-inspired, precise quilt design is on the newest Continental GT. Applying it to the doors and seats, Bentley claims, gives the passengers a cocooning atmosphere. Standard power chairs are 20-way adjustable, but clients may choose a wellness seating package that gives the front seats temperature control and posture adjustment. Thank goodness, the bundle still includes the creative revolving display and 30-color ambient mood lighting.

Three sound systems are available for customers: the flagship Naim 2,200-watt 18-speaker audio system with eight sound modes and Active Bass Transducers; an optional 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen 1,500-watt arrangement; and a regular 10-speaker, 650-watt system. There's an interior Dark Chrome Specification package available, and the Mulliner custom department intends to provide the cabin with a ton of other distinctive touches.

There is also plenty of technology to be excited about. The new Continental GT Speed comes with Intelligent Park Assist (self-parking), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an air conditioner that prioritizes health with an air ionizer and particle filter matter, and over-the-air updates.

Furthermore, customers may operate certain functions with their mobile phones, and the My Bentley App Studio has expanded the infotainment system to include third-party applications. Using the grand tourer, Bentley has broken a speed record to highlight the performance potential of the Continental GT Speed.

With 208 mph via the Ryfylke Tunnel in Rogaland County, Norway, the car officially holds the underwater speed record. We will have more information on the new Continental GT Speed's pricing and availability soon.

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