The new Bentley Continental GT Speed

A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean, modern detailing follows the new design DNA established by the coach-built Bentley Bacalar and Batur. Outstanding performance is brought by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm from a 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor. 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds is the result, with the benefit of 50 miles (81 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle) and a total range of 534 miles (859 km) - creating an everyday supercar.

A new chassis system matches the powertrain's performance, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), eLSD, and torque vectoring. The results are incredible body control and the best Continental GT ride comfort to date, supported by a 49:51 rear-biased weight distribution for the first time in the car's history.

Under the skin, a suite of modern innovative technology delivers class-leading capability in terms of driver assistance, infotainment systems, and connected car services so that every journey is seamless. The new exterior continues the design revolution for Bentley's future journey. It is the biggest revision to the face of the Continental GT in two decades and the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s. 

World-leading Bentley interior cabin design, materials, quality, and craftsmanship continue with the introduction of further wellness seat technology, new air ionization, three-dimensional leather textures, new modern quilting, and technical finishes such as new dark chrome. A completely new 400-volt electrical architecture enables the most advanced suite of powertrain technology offered by a luxury automotive brand today. It delivers emissions of 29 g/km of CO2 and an electric range of 50 miles/81 km on the WLTP drive cycle.

For the first time in the Continental GT's history, the convertible Continental GTC is being launched concurrently with the coupe, providing ultimate flexibility for customers who appreciate both open-topped and closed-roof motoring. Bentley's Dream Factory in Crewe, England, will craft both coupe and convertible models entirely by hand. Production and deliveries are due to begin in Q3 2024.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid
A brand-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain has been developed for the new Continental GT Speed. The new powertrain combines a new 4.0-litre V8 engine capable of producing 600 PS (584 bhp) with a 190 PS (187 bhp) electric motor. Peak system output is 782 PS (771 bhp) - enough for a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). 

System torque increases by over 11 percent compared to the outgoing W12-powered Continental GT Speed, from 900 Nm to 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft). System power has also increased by 19 percent, from 659 PS to 782 PS. This makes the new Continental GT Speed the most powerful Bentley ever, beyond the levels of the second-generation Supersports and the Batur.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically limited-slip differential (eLSD) for exceptional power delivery and reliable traction in all conditions. The system uses active torque, vectoring front to rear through a center differential and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes.

There are three key powertrain system elements: 
1. The new 600 PS, 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) V8 engine - with no traditional vacuum system and 350 bar fuel injection pressure (raised from 200 bar) provides cleaner combustion and improved emissions. With the e-motor negating turbo lag, twin single-scroll turbochargers have been used, reducing complexity and allowing them to run hotter, minimizing emissions. Therefore, no cylinder deactivation hardware is required, as the engine can be switched off entirely when using the electric motor.

2. The 190 PS, 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) electric motor within the transmission housing delivers torque-fill at low engine speed and does the same during gear shifts for extra smoothness.

3. The 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle. This helps achieve a perfect weight distribution, and up to 85 percent of the battery capacity is usable.

The system manages the energy flows dependent upon the mode chosen - with pure EV, electric boost, regenerative braking - and, most importantly for this new GT Speed, a charge mode, where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery at the same time. 

The new class-leading powertrain delivers extreme performance and sets the latest Continental GT apart from other competitors. It has more horsepower and torque and significantly lower CO2 and fuel consumption, around one-tenth of equivalent conventional petrol powertrains. This provides extraordinary driving capabilities, from extreme performance to silent and effortless electric luxury.

Due to the combination of the V8 engine and electric power, Bentley's engineers have delivered improved power and torque across the full rev range. This includes a vital boost from the electric motor for strong acceleration from low speeds and throughout the mid-range, combined with increased performance from the V8 engine at higher speeds. A significant amount of development has also been invested in the exhaust note, emphasizing the cross-plane quality - and without the use of artificial, electronic enhancement.

Equally impressive are the electric modes, allowing customers to enjoy silent and seamless motoring. In full-electric mode, the electric motor alone can deliver 190 PS and 450 Nm, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations. Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph/140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 percent. Thanks to significant improvements in charger and battery capacity, the battery can be fully replenished in as little as 2¾ hours, with 11 kW peak charging power.

The Performance Active Chassis
The new Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models benefit from the Bentley Performance Active Chassis. This includes Active All Wheel Drive, an electronically limited-slip differential, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring (front to rear and across the axles), Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, and a new generation of ESC control software. In addition, the car is fitted with a new dual valve damper system and dual chamber air springs, which enables more sophisticated tuning options. The result is that the new cars can achieve an even more impressive combination of performance, handling, and comfort.

The new twin-valve damping brings several benefits. The system allows increased force spread between soft and firm settings, resulting in a reduced compromise between road surface isolation and body control. The damper control ECU now has complete control over independent compression and rebound damping, delivering better body control during compression/rebound directional changes.

Overall dynamic ability and steering feel have both been improved by the car's now perfect weight distribution of 49:51, achieved thanks to the intelligent positioning of the hybrid battery. The weight split allows a car to be inherently balanced during dynamic driving, allowing a range of driving styles to be accessed. With the car's fully engaged advanced ESC system, the new Continental GT Speed is entirely planted and controls traction to inhibit oversteer. In Dynamic Mode, the car allows some rear axle slip, allowing the driver to control the cornering attitude of the car while maintaining a safety net to bring the car back in line if required. The ESC system can also be completely turned off; at this point, the Continental GT Speed's cornering stance can be balanced on-throttle by the driver for the most dynamic Bentley driving experience yet.

The braking system continues to utilize Bentley's established pair of options, both using 10-piston front calipers and four-piston rears:
- Ventilated iron brakes, with 420 mm front / 380 mm rear disc
- Carbon-Silicon-Carbide brakes, with 440 mm front / 410 mm rear discs

The overall customer benefit of the new chassis system is simple - comfort mode is even more comfortable, and sport mode has even better body control than before.

A Muscular and Contemporary Design Statement
The new Continental GT Speed continues the three key design aspects seen through Bentley's heritage since the iconic R-Type Continental of 1952. The fourth generation follows the form of the modern two-door Bentley in that it has the stance of a resting beast - muscular but relaxed and confident with solid and well-defined haunches indicating the power beneath the skin. The favored image of Bentley's designers is a tiger at rest - calm and collected but ready to unleash incredible force.

The front of the car is inspired by the upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse - reinforcing the status of this exceptional luxury grand tourer. Finally, the "endless bonnet" creates a strong horizontal line through the car, indicating the high-performance engine and pure speed.

The whole car has been visually cleaned, with fewer breaks in the surfaces, giving more muscularity and a more refined shape. The complete front aspect of the car is new, from the body-colored integrated body kit to the biggest change in the last two decades for the Continental GT - single front headlamps. Not since the S2 of 1959 has a mainstream, non-coach-built Bentley with single front lamps, but the change brings a more determined expression to the face of the GT, again inspired by the focused expression of a hunting tiger.

The headlamp features a new horizontal "eyebrow," a deep crystal cut diamond effect to the top of the lamps, and an illuminated lower pattern. The matrix LED lamps contain 120 separate LEDs that are digitally controlled with differing responsibilities for low beam foreground to high beam power boost. This increases the lamp's capability, with the main beam widening the illumination field and improving fade out, which gives a more gradual transition from lit to unlit areas. This makes reading the road more natural and offers a more relaxing driving experience by avoiding the perception of "black holes" in the field of vision.

The car's rear has also been redesigned, including the bumper, taillights, boot lid, and exhaust tailpipes. The boot lid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic form to provide rear downforce without the need for a deployable rear spoiler, and the bumper is much more dramatically styled, emphasizing the width of the car while being cleaner with less embellishment. 

The taillights have a dramatic new appearance with a much wider graphic stretching into the boot lid. The lamps protrude out from the boot, and internally, they feature a deep three-dimensional diamond pattern across their form. When illuminated, the tips of the diamonds are accentuated, creating a molten lava-like visual effect.

The new 22" wheels have a strongly directional design, again inspired by the tiger, with the wheel's "claws" digging into the road. The new wheel style is offered in dark tint paint with polished accents or gloss black or silver paint.

The Benchmark Interior
The Continental family already features some of the most beautifully executed interiors in the world and showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the skilled team at Bentley's carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England.

The new grand tourer features a new precision quilt pattern on the seats and doors inspired by modern fashion design. With sculptured quilting, fading perforations, and a new quilt embroidery, the cabin provides the ultimate cocooning environment for an extraordinary journey.

The 20-way adjustable seats in the Continental GT have long-set industry standards in comfort and refinement. New interior features include the optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate for the front seats, which minimize fatigue and provide a truly unique level of relaxation.

The new Dark Chrome Specification provides a more contemporary aesthetic and gives the cabin a more understated character. This applies to door handles, switches, speaker grilles, and many other areas around the cabin. Bentley's bespoke division, Mulliner, will also offer a collection of unique features enabling further personalization of the latest model.

The Continental GT offers a choice of three audio systems. The standard system features ten speakers and 650 Watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500 W, 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers. A Naim 2,200 W, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats and eight sound modes is offered for the true audiophile. Laminated acoustic glass is retained for the windscreen and side windows, resulting in a nine-decibel reduction in exterior noise versus non-acoustic glazing.    

The new Continental GT continues to feature the innovative Bentley Rotating Display - a three-sided display featuring a 12.3" high-definition display, three elegant analog dials, and an unbroken side of the handcrafted veneer. The three sides are selectable at the touch of a button. Mood lighting around the cabin works the sculptural shapes of the seats and doors to create a cocooning effect, allowing the user to choose the color of the lighting from the 30 options.

Bold Colours
For the next generation of GT, new colors are being added to the already extensive palette, updating the world-class offer of virtually unlimited paint and interior trim combinations. This includes a new modern Gravity Grey hide, also offered with a matching sophisticated metallic exterior paint that looks solid until the sunlight hits it, revealing metallic copper accents. The new Continental GT will be launched in Tourmaline Green, a vivid and modern interpretation of the iconic Bentley green and a striking statement for any new Bentley.

Technology
The fourth-generation Continental GT and GTC Speed benefit from the latest electrical architecture, enabling a significant step forward in infotainment and driver assistance technology. This technology is the most advanced in the luxury segment and extremely competitive for customers coming to Bentley from premium brands.

The environment display (shown in the driver's instrument panel) supports and enables driving in semi-assisted mode, providing feedback on how the car responds to other vehicles. The vehicle's understanding of the surrounding environment allows for Intelligent Park Assist - the latest generation self-parking system with speed control. The technology is not just limited to driving aspects. The air conditioning system has been revised to increase cabin wellness, including air ionizers, a new particulate matter filter, and displays showing air quality outside and inside the vehicle. The new convenience features will make every journey a more relaxed experience and can be tailored to reflect customers' personal preferences. The system also synchronizes with the car's satellite navigation, knowing when it might be necessary to improve cabin air quality (for example, by recirculating the cabin air when in a tunnel).

Improvements have been made to essential features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and over-the-air map updates. Beyond these features, customers who choose to pair their mobile phone will enjoy connected car services, including:

- Remote charging status, allowing monitoring and control of vehicle charging when plugged in
- Remote Park Assist - enabling the possibility for a customer to park or summon their vehicle remotely from their phone
- Remote cabin pre-conditioning - ensuring the climate in the car is set before a drive starts, including seat heating 

New features will become available each year, such as green traffic light prediction, which is increasingly activated in major US and European cities and allows a "magic carpet" drive through the city center. 

The fourth-generation Continental will also benefit from introducing the My Bentley app studio. The new My Bentley App Studio is the next addition to Bentley's digital ecosystem for customers. Customers can gain access to a wide variety of vehicle and third-party applications, which can be downloaded directly, independent of a smartphone to the infotainment system. Applications include Music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging, etc. The applications are seamlessly implemented in the infotainment system and can be used safely and reliably even while driving. The application portfolio is explicitly adapted to each market.

The Continental GTC Speed
For the first time in Continental family history, the new open-top GTC is being launched at the same time as the coupe. The Convertible features Bentley's seven-bow fabric roof system, available in seven exterior colors (including tweed) and deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h). 

The Continental GTC Speed's performance is breathtaking for an open-air Grand Tourer. 0-60 mph takes 3.2 secs, and 0-100 km/h takes 3.4 secs. The top speed is electronically limited to 177 mph / 285 km/h.

The Underwater Speed Record
To prove the performance of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley set out to establish a new speed record - one not formally attempted before. The authentic sound of the cross-plane V8 exhaust note inspired the idea of running the car above 200 mph through a tunnel - and a project lasting 18 months set out to achieve exactly that.

With the incredible support of the Norwegian highways authority (Statens Vegvesen) and the Norwegian police, the Ryfylke Tunnel in Rogaland county in Norway was secured for the attempt. At 8.9 miles/14.4 km long, it is the world's longest subsea road tunnel and the deepest tunnel of any kind, descending to 292 meters below sea level.

Engineering analysis and simulation rounds evaluated the airflow around the car at high speed in an enclosed tube to ensure safety. Then, in April, a team from Bentley and supporting suppliers headed to Norway to run the new Continental GT Speed through the tunnel as part of the creation of a launch film for the new car. Running on renewable second-generation biofuel and charged with electricity from fully renewable sources, the car went from a standstill to its 208 mph / 335 km/h top speed in just 33 seconds. Several runs were completed for filming, and in so doing, a new unofficial speed record for a car in a tunnel was established.

More details on the Underwater Speed Record project, including a behind-the-scenes film, will be released soon.