Bentley's Electrifying Surprise: The Continental GT Unleashes 771 HP with a New V-8 Hybrid
Bentley enthusiasts, brace yourselves. The iconic British automaker has just divulged tantalizing details about its revamped Continental GT, expected to debut this June. And let’s be clear—this is no ordinary upgrade. Spearheading this transformation is Bentley’s revolutionary V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, a fitting successor to the legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12.
A Glorious Farewell to the W-12
As the W-12 engine gracefully bows out of Bentley's lineup this summer, it does so with heads held high, delivering a peak 740 hp in exclusive models like the Batur and Batur Convertible. But with the introduction of the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, Bentley is essentially saving the best for last. This new V-8 setup packs a staggering 771 hp, an unprecedented power boost that sets a new benchmark for the Continental GT.
Bentley Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain
Bentley hasn’t merely thrown in more horsepower to wow the masses. The brand has also infused this hybrid marvel with a purely electric 50-mile range, seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability.
Engineering Marvels and Performance Tweaks
The upcoming Continental GT isn’t stopping at electrification. Buckle up for a series of innovative performance tweaks aimed at elevating the driving experience to uncharted territories. Among the headliners is a revised all-wheel-drive system, which now features torque vectoring to distribute power more efficiently across the wheels. Throw in rear-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip differential, an electronic anti-roll system, and dual-valve dampers that enable the adjustment of both rebound and compression, and you’ve got a luxury coupe that redefines the concepts of comfort and control.
Subtle Yet Significant Aesthetic Overhauls
While the new mechanical upgrades arm the Continental GT with unyielding performance, Bentley has ensured the revamped model is easy on the eyes. Spy shots of camouflaged prototypes have surfaced for over a year, but the teaser images Bentley released recently offer a peek into the aesthetic refinements. Expect to see new single-element headlights, initially introduced in the Bacalar coachbuilt speedster, replacing the dual-element lights of the current model. On the rear, the oval taillights have been elongated and slimmed down, giving the new Continental GT a sleeker and more streamlined appearance.
An Exciting Future on the Horizon
The current iteration of the Continental GT first hit the market in 2018 as a 2019 model. With the introduction of these cutting-edge upgrades, Bentley is setting the stage for a 2025 U.S. model launch that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. This revamped marvel won’t be riding solo either; an updated Continental GT Convertible is also set to make its debut shortly.
Bentley’s commitment to fusing opulence with innovation is evident in this latest rendition of the Continental GT. By blending a V-8 plug-in hybrid heart with advanced engineering and refined aesthetics, Bentley continues to push the envelope, setting a gold standard that other luxury automakers will strive to meet.