Bentley has just unveiled the most powerful road-going car the luxury automaker has ever built. It is the 2025 Continental GT Speed. It is a plug-in hybrid that comes with 782 horsepower and an electric range of up to 50 miles.
For the fourth generation of the Continental, the Brits have come up with 68 percent new components compared to the outgoing third generation. Bentley redesigned the Continental but kept the "resting beast" stance that the model has accustomed us to, since the arrival of the legendary R-Type Continental in 1952.
The carmaker cleaned up the surfaces, giving up creases and breaks for more muscularity. The new headlights are the biggest change for the model for the last two decades. They now feature a new horizontal "eyebrow," a deep crystal cut diamond effect, and an illuminated lower pattern. Each of the matrix LED lamps integrates 120 separate LEDS, digitally controlled.
Bentley reshaped the rear bumper, taillights, trunk lid, and exhaust tailpipes as well. The car rides on 22-inch wheels with tiger claws-inspired design, available in gloss black or silver.
New colors are available in the lineup. The new Bentley Continental GT is launched in the Tourmaline Green, while the Gravity Grey is the other new paint option.
Photo: Bentley Motors
The high-tech luxurious cabin hosts 20-way adjustable seats, featuring a new precision quilt pattern and fading perforations, inspired by fashion design. Customers can choose one of the three audio systems available, while the innovative Bentley Rotating Display integrates the 12.3-inch high-definition display, three analog dials, and a side of handcrafted veneer.
The all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed is set in motion by an electrified Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, which integrates a V8 engine with 591 horsepower (600 metric horsepower) and an electric motor of 187 horsepower (190 metric horsepower).
The system pumps out a total output of 782 horsepower (771 metric horsepower) and 738 pound-feet (1,000 Newton meters) of torque, which is above what the non-electrified powertrains were able to provide.
The plug-in hybrid setup propels the luxury car from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 3.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 208 mph (335 kph). For the first time in the history of the Continental GT, the convertible is launched at the same time as the coupe. The drop-top variant completes the 0 to 60 run in 3.2 seconds and goes all the way to 177 mph (285 kph).
Photo: Bentley Motors
A battery pack with a capacity of 25.9 kW stores enough energy for an electric drive of up to 50 miles (81 kilometers). It takes the battery up to two hours and 45 minutes to fully charge when connected to an 11 kW outlet.
The all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed is equipped with all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, all-wheel steering, and an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Bentley also installed a 48-volt active roll stabilization system.
The Continental GT Speed rides on a newly developed two-chamber air suspension with adaptive dampers. Bentley put the fourth generation through a diet, gaining 423 pounds (192 kilograms) over the third.
Ten-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, with either ventilated iron brakes or carbon-silicon-carbide brakes, provide the stopping power.
The model will go into production later this summer at the brand's Dream Factory in Crewe, England. The British automaker will kick off deliveries in the third quarter of 2024.
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