Bentley Motors’ first car, known simply as the 3-Litre when it made its debut in 1921, had a 4-cylinder 2996 cc petrol engine. Technically very advanced for its time, it had 4 valves per cylinder, dry-sump lubrication and an overhead camshaft. Its power output was around 70 ps.
Over the years, the company has produced fine cars with a blend of high performance, handcrafted luxury and everyday usability. As technology advanced, so too did the engine outputs. And 103 years later, the new fourth generation of the Continental GT Speed has an Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. Its output of 782 ps and 1,000 Nm makes it the most powerful road-going Bentley ever created.
The hybrid powertrain consists of a 4-litre V8 which works in tandem with a 190 ps electric motor, giving the Continental GT Speed a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h. However, with the electrified powertrain, there is also the possibility to travel on just the electric motor alone up to 81 kms, extending the range to 859 kms.
The advanced powertrain, with 400V electrical architecture, is just one of the highlights of the new Continental GT Speed which has a 21-year history. A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean modern detailing follow the new design DNA established by the coachbuilt Bacalar and Batur.
The performance of the powertrain is matched by a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), eLSD and torque vectoring.
Bentley claims incredible body control and the best Continental GT ride comfort to date as the results, supported by a 49:51, rear-biased weight distribution for the first time in the car’s history.
The new exterior continues the design revolution for Bentley’s future journey, with the biggest revision to the face of the Continental GT in 2 decades, and the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s. The form is visually cleaner, with fewer breaks in the surfaces giving more muscularity and a more refined shape.
The rear has also been redesigned and the bootlid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic form to provide rear downforce without the need for a deployable rear spoiler. The taillights have a dramatic new appearance with a deep 3-dimensional diamond pattern across their form. When illuminated, the tips of the diamonds accentuated creating a molten lava-like visual effect.
Inside, the new Grand Tourer features a new precision quilt pattern taking inspiration from modern fashion design to the seats and doors. With sculptured quilting, fading perforations and a new quilt embroidery, the cabin provides the ultimate cocooning environment.
The 20-way adjustable seats in the Continental GT have long set industry standards in comfort and refinement. New interior features include the optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate to the front seats, minimizing fatigue and providing a level of relaxation that is truly unique.
The innovative Bentley Rotating Display is retained, the 3-sided display featuring a 12.3-inch high-definition display, three analogue displays, and an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer.
A new Dark Chrome Specification provides a more contemporary aesthetic and gives a more understated character to the cabin. This applies to door handles, switches, speak grilles and many other areas around the cabin. Bentley’s bespoke division – Mulliner – will also be offering a collection of unique features enabling further personalisation to the latest model.
Customers can choose from 3 audio systems is offered in the Continental GT. The standard system has 10 speakers and 650W, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500W, 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 eight8ned for the windscreen and side windows, resulting in a 9-decibel reduction in exterior noise versus non-acoustic glazing.
Bentley introduces personalised light technology in the Batur