Bentley's Most Powerful Road Car Yet: The New Continental GT Goes Hybrid
Get ready, because the new Bentley Continental GT is set to debut next month, and it's bringing something revolutionary to the table. This isn't just a minor update—Bentley is rolling out big changes under the hood. The fourth-generation Continental GT will introduce Bentley’s new Ultra Hybrid Performance powertrain, a plug-in hybrid system that promises remarkable performance enhancements.
Raw Power Meets Sustainability
The new Ultra Hybrid Performance powertrain combines a V8 engine with an electric motor to deliver an astounding 771 horsepower and around 738 pound-feet of torque. These numbers don’t just make it the most powerful Bentley road car ever; they take it leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors. Just to put things into perspective, the existing Continental GT with its W12 engine offers 650 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, capable of hitting 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The V8 variant sits at 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque.
Although Bentley hasn’t disclosed the acceleration metrics for the new hybrid model, it's safe to say it will be quicker than anything we've seen from the brand before. The hybrid GT promises an electric-only range of 50 miles and carbon dioxide emissions of less than 50 grams per kilometer, making it not just a powerhouse but also a more environmentally considerate option.
Next-Level Dynamics
Performance isn’t just about straight-line speed, and Bentley knows this well. The Continental GT’s power will continue to be transmitted to all four wheels, featuring torque vectoring and an electronic limited-slip differential to optimize how that power is deployed. Additionally, Bentley’s trick technology like four-wheel steering and a 48-volt electronic active anti-roll control will make their way into this new model, further elevating its dynamic capabilities.
These advanced systems aim to make the new Continental GT as agile as it is powerful, ensuring that whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling twisty roads, the driving experience will be nothing short of exceptional.
Flexible Offering
Bentley has yet to confirm whether a conventional gas V8 will still be available as an entry-level option. Nonetheless, the introduction of this hybrid model signifies an important step in Bentley's strategy to balance luxury, performance, and sustainability. With the Continental GT representing nearly a third of Bentley’s overall sales and close to 100,000 units sold over its 20+ years in the market, it's a proven favorite among luxury car enthusiasts.
The popularity of the Continental GT is reflected in the variety of offerings, and the addition of the hybrid model will only enrich the lineup. As for the pricing, expect it to start around $250,000 and possibly soar up into the mid-$300,000 range for top-tier configurations.
The Road Ahead
With the world increasingly leaning towards sustainable options, Bentley's move to introduce a high-performance hybrid in the form of the new Continental GT is both timely and impactful. It shows the brand's commitment not only to luxury and performance but also to the future of automotive design. Keep an eye out for this game-changing model when it debuts next month—it's set to rewrite the rules of luxury performance cars.
The integration of hybrid technology does not compromise the essence of what makes a Bentley a Bentley. Instead, it enhances it, blending raw power with advanced technology and sustainable practices. This is luxury that doesn't just look forward but also paves the way.