With a 21-year legacy of its definitive grand tourer, Bentley Motors ups its game with the all-new Continental GT Speed. Here’s what we know so far
Blending supercar-worthy performance and handcrafted luxury with everyday usability, Bentley Motors’ fourth generation of grand tourers now belong in a league of their own.
Following the footsteps of the Bentley Balacar and Batur, the new Continental GT sports the same two-door, four-seater configuration, albeit with subtle styling that imparts a bold and modern touch to the GT’s design DNA. Manifested in an overall appearance that evokes a sharper and more muscular stance, the new Continental GT is, in the words of the Bentley designers, “a resting tiger”: calm, collected, yet ever-ready to unleash its incredible force.
Under the hood of the Continental GT Speed, the top-spec trim of the range, you’ll find that Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre W-12 engine is no longer there. In its place sits Bentley’s first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which comprises of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V-8 working in tandem with an electric motor. Peak system output figures show figures of 771 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque; a zero to 100 km/h sprint takes a mere 3.2 seconds. There’s no wonder why the Continental GT Speed is hailed as the most powerful street-use Bentley that’s been produced to date.
An explosive drive can surely be expected, but on days when a more refined and leisurely cruise is desired, the GT will have that covered just as well. Cocooned in opulent seats that are heavily cushioned and peppered with a quilt embroidery patterns, with soothing beats emanating from the speakers of your choice audio system (Bentley is offering three bespoke options), long drives will surely feel far less dreadful.
Performance and luxury elements aside, Bentley has also ensured a car that keeps up with the times. An unparalleled user experience is promised with the myriad of built-in technology. From intelligent driver assistance functions, to infotainment systems that allows direct downloading of applications without a smartphone, Bentley boasts of significant improvements to its electrical architecture and promises for even more to follow in the coming years.
The cherry on top could very well be the enhanced connectivity program: in addition to a wireless connection between your phone and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, some new features unveiled include remote cabin pre-conditioning and remote park assist, enhancing urban manoeuvrability–unless you’re one who takes pride in relying on your own parking skills, that is.
Undoubtedly, Bentley’s latest grand tourer checks all the boxes for moneyed buyers who take both luxury and performance seriously. With enhancements to aesthetics, performance specs, and reduced environmental impacts to boot (think cleaner combustion and reduced emissions), it’s no wonder this luxury supercar is touted an ‘everyday supercar’ by the discerning.
Production for the convertible and coupe iterations is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024, catering to varied tastes with a choice between an open-top wonder or a cosy closed roof. Each example will be meticulously handcrafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England, a perfect exemplification of Bentley’s deep-rooted dedication to exclusivity and artisanal craftsmanship.
