June 26, 2024

Bentley Launches 782-Horsepower Continental GT Speed With Plug-In Hybrid V8


Bentley launches the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed—a definitive grand tourer that packs a striking modern design, artisanal craftsmanship, and a new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain.

At the heart of the 2025 Continental GT Speed is an electrified 4.0-liter V8 providing a combined 782 horsepower and 1,000 Nm, up 19 percent and 11 percent, respectively compared to the W12-powered Continental GT. This makes it the most powerful Bentley ever made.

Power is delivered through an 8-speed dual clutch with an electronic limited slip differential to all four wheels.



Bentley has now removed the complex cylinder deactivation hardware and in its place, the 190 horsepower, 450 Nm electric motor—housed within the transmission—propels the new Continental GT Speed at lower speeds—up to 140 km/h (with 75 percent throttle application). It also helps it achieve excellent emissions. The 400-volt system employs a 25.9-kWh battery, mounted behind the rear axle, to give it an electric range of 81 kilometers. It can be charged in less than 3 hours using the onboard 11-kW charger.

The Continental GT Speed benefits from Bentley Performance Active Chassis which bundles not just Active All Wheel Drive, torque vectoring, and e-LSD, but all wheel steering and adaptive dampers. A dual valve air suspension system is an available option too.

Design-wise, the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed continues the overall theme that started with the R-Type Continental of 1952. The two-door coupe and convertible (called the Continental GTC) takes on the stance of a resting beast—muscular but relaxed, and confident with strong, well-defined haunches indicating the power beneath.



The whole car has been visually cleaned, with fewer breaks in the surfaces. Even the body kit is now body-colored—a big change given the last two decades. The matrix LED headlamp features a new horizontal ‘eyebrow,’ with a deep crystal cut diamond effect to the top of the lamps, and an illuminated lower pattern.

Meanwhile, at the back, the rear of the car has also been redesigned including the bumper, taillights, boot lid and exhaust tail pipes. The taillights have a wider graphic with the same deep three-dimensional diamond pattern. Aero elements have also been integrated to provide downforce without the need for a deployable spoiler.

For the open-top Continental GTC, the convertible features Bentley’s seven-bow fabric roof system, available in a range of seven exterior colors (including tweed) and deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 48 km/h.

Inside, it showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship with a new precision quilt-pattern on its 20-way power adjustable seats. An optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate to the front seats, minimizes fatigue and provides a level of relaxation that is truly unique.



A choice of three audio systems is offered in the Continental GT. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650 Watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500 W, 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers. A Naim 2,200 W, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats and eight sound modes is offered for the true audiophile.

The new Continental GT continues to feature the innovative Bentley Rotating Display—the three-sided display featuring a 12.3-inch high-definition display, three elegant analogue dials, and an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer. The three sides are selectable at the touch of a button.

In terms of convenience, it comes with Intelligent Park Assist, a climate control system with built-in ionizers and a particulate matter filter (it can even synchronize with the GPS system knowing when it might be necessary to improve cabin air quality), wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and OTA software updates.

1 comment:

  1. What a complex machine! V8 + twin-turbo + plug-in hybrid

    ReplyDelete

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