Unveiling the 771bhp Bentley Continental GT Hybrid: Power Meets Efficiency
In a move that redefines the luxury automotive landscape, Bentley has just revealed the next-generation Continental GT, boasting an awe-inspiring 771bhp courtesy of a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain. This new model represents a significant evolution, positioning itself as Bentley's most powerful vehicle to date.
The magic behind this remarkable power output lies in a meticulously engineered 'ultra-performance hybrid' system. Integrating an enhanced 4.0-litre V8 engine with a singular electric motor, likely nestled within the gearbox, this hybrid concoction delivers a staggering 771bhp and 738lb ft of torque to all four wheels. The sheer potency of this setup surpasses even the W12 engine used in the exclusive Batur, suggesting a performance leap that fans have eagerly anticipated.
Although Bentley has yet to release precise performance metrics, industry insiders believe the new hybrid GT will achieve a 0-62mph sprint in less than 3.6 seconds, outpacing the previous 650bhp Continental GT Speed. Such rapid acceleration, coupled with an extensive array of performance enhancements, places the hybrid GT in a league of its own.
But power isn't the only story here. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system offers an impressive 50 miles of electric-only driving range between charges, significantly reducing CO2 emissions to under 50g/km. This environmental efficiency places the vehicle in the highly favorable 8% benefit-in-kind tax bracket for the 2024-25 financial year, making it an attractive proposition for eco-conscious luxury car buyers.
Weight considerations, often a point of concern with hybrid systems, remain under wraps. However, it's worth noting that the outgoing V8 GT Speed weighed in at 2279kg, a figure that gives some context to the hybrid GT's potential heft. Nonetheless, Bentley's engineers have gone to great lengths to maintain the car's dynamic character, introducing new dual-valve dampers, tweaked active anti-roll bars, as well as upgraded torque vectoring and four-wheel steering systems.
This groundbreaking PHEV setup heralds a new era for Bentley, effectively replacing the brand's previous V8 and W12 powertrains across its lineup. Future updates to the Continental GTC cabriolet and the Flying Spur saloon are expected to feature similar hybrid technology later this year, signaling a comprehensive shift towards electrification.
It's also noteworthy that the Bentley Bentayga will continue to offer a pure-combustion engine until 2026, at which point it, too, will transition to hybrid-only options. Meanwhile, the V6-based PHEV systems in the Bentayga and Flying Spur remain available for those not yet ready to embrace the full hybrid experience.
In summary, the new 771bhp Bentley Continental GT Hybrid stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to blending unparalleled luxury with cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness. With an eye on both high performance and reduced emissions, Bentley is clearly paving the way for a new chapter in automotive excellence.