Bentley unveil all-new Continental GT - their most powerful yet
Bentley have lifted the covers on the all-new Continental GT, and it’s the most powerful road-going car ever created by the brand. The updated flagship is the first Bentley to receive the brand’s ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain’, a V8 plug-in hybrid that replaces the iconic 6.0-litre W12, an engine that has sat at the top of the Bentley range for over 20 years.
The electrification of the Continental GT brings a huge step-up in performance, with the GT Speed now putting out 771hp and completing the 0-96km/h (0-60mph) sprint in just 3.1 seconds, on its way to a staggering top-speed of 334km/h.
There is also 80km (WLPT) of electric-only motoring available from the rear-axle mounted 25.9kWh battery pack.
There is also a new chassis system to ensure customers get the best from the powertrain’s increased performance. This includes trick active anti-roll control that has been dubbed ‘Bentley Dynamic Ride’, an eLSD, and a torque vectoring system.
Bentley has taken inspiration from the design DNA of the ultra-exclusive Mulliner-built Bacalar and Batur for the exterior of the new Continental GT. This is most obvious in the new single-element matrix LED headlights, and Bentley are keen to point out that this is the first mainstream model to have single-element headlights since the 1950s.
The slimmer taillights and subtle ducktail on the rear boot lid are also reminiscent of the coach-built specials, with Bentley saying that the clever ducktail design negates the need for an extendable spoiler.
Bentley approached the Continental GT’s already stunning interior with an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality. Much of the design remains untouched, but there is new finishes and options available to enhance the luxury, including an updated precision quilting pattern and three-dimensional leather textures.
Customers can also spec a ‘wellness seat’ that aims to support posture and regulate your body temperature to reduce fatigue on long trips. A new ‘Dark Chrome’ interior finish for many of the metal touchpoints inside the car can now be ordered, while the iconic rotating display remains.
Bentley has celebrated the launch of the new Continental GT in a truly unique fashion, by setting the unofficial Underwater Speed Record.
Before you ask, no, unfortunately Bentley haven’t added submarine capability to their flagship. Instead, the Crewe-based team took the car to the worlds longest subsea road tunnel in Norway and shot from 335km/h in just 33 seconds.
Pricing for the Bentley Continental GT Speed will start from $515,900, while the convertible Continental GTC Speed will start from $567,500. Both are available to order from Bentley Auckland.