The new generation of the Bentley Continental GT Speed has been unveiled, now as a plug-in hybrid with 782 CV of power

It has been 21 years since the first Bentley Continental GT saw the light of day, and now another new generation arrives, the fourth, to enter the new era of mobility that will bring the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology, all accompanied by a new exterior and interior design as well as technologies for the enjoyment of its occupants. Moreover, for the first time, the Continental GT Speed is presented at the same time as its convertible version, the Continental GTC Speed.

The exterior styling of the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed remains imposing: a two-door coupé now with cleaner lines, partly thanks to the use of fewer contrasting inserts, which are now painted in the same color as the bodywork. This does not prevent the lines it carries from remaining perfectly visible and well defined, giving it a muscular presence.

In terms of design, it features significant and important changes. Since the S2 of 1959, every Bentley produced has carried a twin headlight arrangement at the front, a break with tradition that the new Continental GT now presents with a single headlight to which an LED horizontal element is added, while the Matrix LED headlights consist of 120 LEDs that provide perfect vision at night, avoiding the appearance of “black holes” in the field of vision. The characteristic large grille is still present, along with a bumper that slightly reduces the size of the side air intakes in favor of the central one, which is now wider.

On the sides, the widened wheel arches indicate that this is a vehicle of great distinction, perfectly framing the enormous 22-inch wheels with a new design. The rear has also been completely redesigned, starting with the new boot lid, which has been given an aerodynamic shape to provide luggage capacity without the need for an active spoiler, along with a bumper with new lines that integrate the trim of the exhaust outlets as well as the light cluster, which now protrudes from the bodywork and features a new diamond-pattern graphic. All of this is complemented by a wide palette of colors, which has even been expanded with new shades.

Bentley’s interiors have always been a good example of this, and the outgoing Continental GT was proof of it, so well made that for this new generation the design remains practically intact, even in its center console, where it still features the beautiful center console in which the 12.3-inch screen rotates to reveal, on its opposite side, three analogue dials that suit it perfectly. The seats adjustable in 20 directions are so well executed that they remain the same, although now with upholstery featuring a new pattern and new features such as the optional Wellness seats, with new adjustments and automatic climate control.

The perhaps most significant and important element of the new Bentley Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed lies under its bonnet, where the Ultra Performance Hybrid plug-in hybrid system is found. It consists of a 4.0-litre V8 engine delivering 600 CV together with a 190 CV electric motor, achieving a combined output of 782 CV and 1,000 Nm of torque, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 335 km/h.

All this power and enormous torque are transmitted to all four wheels through the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). We must not forget another important part of its hybrid system, the 25.9 kWh battery capacity, with which it can travel 81 kilometres in fully electric mode without exceeding 140 km/h. Once depleted, the battery can be recharged in 2 hours and 45 minutes with a maximum charging power of 11 kW.

Both models also benefit from the Performance active chassis by Bentley, which, in addition to all-wheel drive and the eLSD differential, also includes all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, the Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, and a new generation of software for ESC control. In terms of brakes, ventilated discs of 420 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear are fitted as standard, with optional silicon carbide and carbon discs of 440 mm at the front and 410 mm at the rear available, although in both cases the calipers will be 10-piston at the front axle and 4-piston at the rear.