- The Bentley Continental GT Speed and Continental GTC Speed Convertible are updated
- Bentley ditches the outgoing W-12 engine in favor of a V-8 plug-in hybrid for key variants
- Bentley hasn’t said when the updated Continental GT lineup will arrive in the U.S.
Bentley embarked on a new era on Tuesday with the reveal of updated versions of Continental GT Speed It is Continental GTC Speed convertible.
The updated flagships of the Continental GT range are the first variants to receive the new V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrainwhich replaces the venerable car manufacturer 6.0-liter W-12 with twin turbocharger.
W-12 was first used in the original Continental GT more than two decades ago and ceases production this summer. Bentley launched the built bus Batur and Batur convertible models to commemorate the operation of the engine.
His replacement, known as Ultra-performance hybrid powertrain, delivers 771 hp in the Continental GT Speed, 31 hp more than the W-12 manufactured in its most powerful specification. The hybrid setup consists of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 paired with a single electric motor. The electric motor is integrated into an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that directs torque to all four wheels through an all-wheel drive system with an electronic limited-slip differential.
Bentley Ultra Performance hybrid powertrain
The V-8 delivers 592 hp on its own, while the electric motor has 187 hp. A 25.9 kWh battery mounted behind the rear axle (for better weight distribution) allows for a short electric range. Bentley quotes 50 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas, although a lower number would result in the more stringent EPA cycle being used.
Performance quotes for the coupe include a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. The convertible needs 3.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and has a top speed limited to 177 mph.
To improve ride and handling, Bentley installs an electronic anti-roll system, rear-wheel steering and a suspension with new dual-chamber air springs and dual-valve shock absorbers. Shock absorbers allow for rebound and compression adjustment, resulting in a wider bandwidth between comfort and handling control.
Braking force comes from a brake system with 10-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston calipers at the rear. Iron rotors are standard, but buyers can opt for carbon-silicon-carbide rotors measuring up to 17.3 inches in diameter.
New Bentley Continental GT Speed
New Bentley Continental GT Speed
New Bentley Continental GT Speed
Changes to the exterior styling complement the new mechanical parts. New single-element matrix LED headlights similar to those used in the Bacalar Bus Built Speedster Replace the previous model’s dual element lights. The oval taillights have also been made longer and thinner and feature new jewel-shaped details, and a ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid eliminates the need for an extendable spoiler, Bentley said.
Inside, Bentley has left the impressive cabin design of the previous model relatively untouched. Instead, the automaker has refined details such as introducing new precision quilting patterns for the seat and door trims, including faded perforations and three-dimensional surfaces.
Dark chrome can also be ordered instead of the usual bright, and buyers can also opt for so-called wellness seats, which help with posture and temperature to reduce fatigue levels on long journeys. Bentley’s signature rotating display is still present, with the driver able to switch between a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a trio of dials or a seamless instrument cluster at the touch of a button.
U.S. availability and pricing of the updated Continental GT Speed and Continental GTC Speed convertibles will be announced at a later date. Bentley has not yet revealed details about additional variants planned in the updated Continental GT lineup.