New Bentley Continental GT: PHEV Power, Advanced Tech, and a Fresh Look

 



Bentley has once again redefined luxury and performance with the unveiling of the new Continental GT. This fourth-generation model is not only the most powerful road-going Bentley ever but also marks a significant leap towards a more sustainable future with its innovative plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, cutting-edge technology, and design cues inspired by the Bentley Batur.



Unmatched PHEV Powertrain

The Continental GT Speed's new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a 190 PS electric motor, delivering a combined 782 PS (771 bhp) and a staggering 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. This potent combination allows the GT Speed to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). The electric motor alone provides a substantial 50-mile (81 km) range, enabling silent, zero-emission driving for short trips and city commutes​.

Revolutionary Design Inside and Out

The exterior of the new Continental GT embodies Bentley's future design language with bold, clean lines and modern detailing. For the first time in over six decades, the car features single headlamps, giving it a distinctive and aggressive front end. These new headlamps incorporate a deep crystal cut diamond effect and an illuminated lower pattern, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The rear of the car has also been redesigned, with new taillights featuring a dramatic, three-dimensional diamond pattern that creates a molten lava-like visual effect when illuminated​.

Inside, the Continental GT continues Bentley's tradition of unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury. The cabin offers a world-leading four-seat configuration with a host of advanced features, including wellness seat technology, air ionization, and innovative materials like 3D leather and dark chrome finishes. The new electrical architecture supports a seamless integration of modern infotainment systems and connected car services, making every journey a luxurious and technologically advanced experience​.

Advanced Chassis and Driving Dynamics

Bentley has equipped the new Continental GT with its most sophisticated chassis system to date. The car features new two-chamber air springs, dual-valve dampers, and the Bentley Dynamic Ride system, which includes 48V active anti-roll control. This setup ensures exceptional body control and the best ride comfort ever seen in a Continental GT. The car also benefits from a rear-biased weight distribution of 49:51, enhancing handling and stability, especially during dynamic driving​.

The new Performance Active Chassis includes Active All-Wheel Drive, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), all-wheel steering, and torque vectoring, both front-to-rear and across each axle. These advanced systems work together to provide exceptional traction, agility, and cornering performance. The new dual-valve damper system allows for a more refined ride, with better isolation from road imperfections and improved body control during high-speed maneuvers​.

Sustainable Luxury and Craftsmanship

Bentley's commitment to sustainability is evident in the new Continental GT. The PHEV powertrain significantly reduces CO2 emissions to just 29 g/km while offering a versatile range of driving modes, from silent electric motoring to high-performance hybrid driving. The 25.9 kWh battery can be recharged in as little as 2.75 hours, thanks to improvements in charging technology and battery capacity. This ensures that the Continental GT is not only powerful and luxurious but also environmentally responsible​.

Handcrafted at Bentley's Dream Factory in Crewe, England, the new Continental GT and its convertible counterpart, the GTC, will be available in virtually limitless configurations. Customers can choose from a wide range of bespoke options to create a car that reflects their personal style and preferences. Production and deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of 2024, marking the start of a new chapter in Bentley's illustrious history​.

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