● Exterior revisions cloak plug-in system with 771bhp ● Up to 50 miles of EV range, with CO2 emissions of 29g/km
Jordan Katsianis Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk
IT hasn’t taken long for Bentley to get used to life after consigning its iconic W12 engine to the history books. This is the new Continental GT Speed, and it ushers in a new age for the brand with an ‘Ultra Performance’ V8 plug-in hybrid.
Both the GT coupé and convertible GTC use the same MSB platform as the old car, but Bentley says they have been thoroughly enhanced, with nearly 70 per cent of components being brand new. The plug-in hybrid powertrain produces a combined 771bhp and 1,000Nm – 121bhp and 100Nm more than the outgoing W12-powered GT.
A large proportion of that (584bhp) is generated from a heavily revised version of Bentley’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. The rest comes from an electric motor mounted between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Energy for the electric motor is drawn from a 25.9kWh battery mounted behind the rear seats, which Bentley says gives the Speed an EV range of up to 50 miles, and helps reduce the CO2 figure to 29g/km.
The new plug-in powertrain also gives the Continental GT Speed some even more impressive performance figures, such as a 3.2-second 0-62mph time and a 208mph top speed. The revised Continental GT tips the scales at 2,495kg.
To help contain all that mass, Bentley has adopted dual-valve damper tech, here paired with dual-chamber air suspension that should give an even wider range of comfort and control. A 48V active anti-roll system is also included.
Bentley’s electronically controlled limited-slip differential is also fitted as
