The all-new fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed has just made its debut. For the first time in the model’s near history, the coupe variant (GT Speed) and its convertible counterpart (GTC Speed) have been introduced simultaneously.
Bentley says its all-new Continental GT Speed sports 68% new components as compared to its predecessor. Its face has received the biggest revision it has gotten in two decades.
Gone are Bentley’s iconic four-rounded headlights, replaced with the pair of single rounded units found here, making the fourth-gen Continental GT Speed the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s. This new look has been inspired by the brand’s coach-built models such as the Bentley Bacalar and Batur.
The new LED headlights feature a deep crystal cut diamond effect at its top and an illuminated lower pattern. These matrix LED lights contain 120 separate LEDs that are digitally controlled with differing responsibilities for low beam foreground to high beam power boost.
RELATED: Bentley replaces its W12 engine with a V8 “Ultra Performance” hybrid powertrain
On the outside, the all-new Bentley Continental GT is designed to look muscular yet relaxed, just like a tiger at rest. Bentley describes this as “calm and collected, but ready to unleash incredible force.” The front of the car is inspired by the upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse.
Its rear has also been redesigned, including its bumper, taillights, boot lid, and exhaust tailpipes. The new taillights now sport wider graphics, featuring a deep three-dimensional diamond pattern, which when illuminated is said to create a molten lava-like visual effect. Also, the boot lid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic form to provide rear downforce without the need for a deployable rear spoiler.
Fitted to the all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed is a set of 22-inch wheels whose design is also inspired by the tiger. The wheels’ “claws” are described to look like they’re digging into the road, and can be finished in either dark tint paint with polished accents, gloss black, or silver.
Powering the fourth-gen Bentley Continental GT Speed is a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system which the brand calls the “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain, replacing the iconic twin-turbo W12 mill. This system is similar to the ones found in Volkswagen Group’s high-end plug-in hybrid models, such as the Porsche Panamera, Cayenne Turbo, and the Lamborghini Urus SE which made its launch in Malaysia earlier this month.
The “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor. The engine produces 600 hp (metric) and 800 Nm by itself, while the electric motor pushes out 190 hp (metric) and 450 Nm. Combined, the powertrain’s system output is rated at 782 hp (metric) and 1000 Nm, making the all-new Continental GT Speed the most powerful road-going Bentley ever made.
Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), power is sent to all four wheels via the brand’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This enables the Continental GT Speed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 355 km/h. The Continental GTC Speed convertible on the other hand can perform the century sprint in 3.4 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 285 km/h.
The Bentley Continental GT Speed has also set an unofficial “underwater speed record” of 355 km/h through the deepest tunnel in the world at Ryfylke Tunnel, Norway. The tunnel spans 14.4 km in length, and is the deepest tunnel of any kind in the world, descending to 292 metres below sea level. The GT Speed went from a standstill to its 355 km/h top speed in just 33 seconds.
RELATED: Bentley Continental GT Azure launched in Malaysia, from RM3 million
Thanks to a 25.9 kWh battery pack mounted behind the rear axle, the all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed can travel in pure electric mode as far as 81 km. Its placement also resulted in the car’s rear-biased 49:51 weight distribution, a first in the model’s history.
You can also travel in silence in the pure EV mode at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, as long as there’s enough juice left to do so. If there isn’t, charging the battery can be done at a maximum AC charging rate of 11 kW, which can top up the battery in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Inside, the all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed comes with four seats with a 2+2 configuration. It features 20-way powered seats with 3D leather and new quilting. There is also a new dark chrome finish which can be applied to the door handles, switches, speak grilles and many other areas around the cabin.
Customers can have their luxury two-door sports car with a choice of three audio systems. This includes the standard system that sports a 650 W 10-speaker sound system, a 1,500 W Bang & Olufsen 16-speaker setup, and a Naim-branded 2,200 W 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats.
In terms of equipment, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed is fitted with the brand’s rotating display, sporting a three-sided display that features a 12.3-inch display, three analogue dials, and an unbroken side of the handcrafted veneer. Wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android auto connectivity are supported as well.
The fourth-gen Bentley Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed will be crafted entirely by hand at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Production and deliveries are set to begin in Q3 this year.
RELATED: This is the last Bentayga Speed in Malaysia, as Bentley bids farewell to the iconic W12 engine
GALLERY
