One of Bentley’s most popular models, the powerful new Continental GT Speed is an instant classic.
There are only a few cars that illicit a sign as they pass by. The Continental GT, with all that unassuming yet pent up power and rich heritage, is just such a whip, which is probably why its a model that’s driven by everyone from Idris Elba (who broke an 88 year-old UK speed record in his GT Speed in 2015) and Robert Downey Jr to Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Now the Continental story only gets better with the newest chapter, which sees this iconic Continental GT Speed coupe given its comprehensive exterior and interior redesign in two decades, resulting in clean modern detailing that follows a new design language for the British marque.
The fourth generation GT Speed, the most powerful road going Bentley ever created, 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 strong, well-defined haunches indicating the power beneath the skin. The favoured image of Bentley’s designers is a tiger at rest – calm and collected, but ready to unleash incredible force.
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That outstanding performance is brought by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, with its 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor to leap this thrilling ride from 0 to 100 km/ph in just 3.1 seconds, and up to a top speed of 335 km/ph.
In addition, three energy modes including pure EV, electric boost (that sounds fun), regenerative braking, and for the GT Speed, a charge mode, where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery at the same time. That’s right, it’s a road demon in a sustainable Saville Row suit.
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Of course, you’re unlikely to even know how fast you’re going thanks to a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll controls, and torque vectoring. This smooth-as-silk performance is also supported by a 49:51, rear-biased weight distribution (thanks to a hefty 25.9 kWh battery) for the first time in the car’s history.
The luxury of the hand-crafted Continental GT Speed and the Continental GT coupe and convertible, which are being launched concurrently for the first time, extends to the interior, where wellness seat technology, including Postural Adjust and Auto Climate features; new air ionisation; three-dimensional leather textures; new quilting that takes inspiration from modern fashion design; and technical finishes such as new dark chrome, have all been added to ensure a cruising experience like no other.
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The environment display (shown in the drivers instrument panel) supports and enables driving in semi-assisted mode, providing feedback to the driver, while the latest version of Intelligent Park Assist includes speed control, and the revised air conditioning system, linked to the car’s satellite navigation system, features air ionisers and a new particulate matter filter and will improve cabin air quality when required – drive into a tunnel and it will automatically turn begin recirculating the cabin air.
In addition, the Bentley Rotating Display – a three-sided display that’s about as James Bond as you can get without breaking an arms embargo – features a 12.3-inch high-definition display, three elegant analogue dials, and an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer, while mood lighting around the cabin works the sculptural shapes of the seats and doors to create a cocooning effect, with the user able to choose the colour of the lighting from 30 options.
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You’ll also be able to enjoy a suitable soundtrack for your driving moments thanks to an optional Naim 2,200 W, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers.
Because what’s driving without the right tunes?
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