Don’t expect radical reboots or spaceship aesthetics. Bentley knows its clientele, so instead of chasing fads, the latest Continental GT and Flying Spur models double down on what makes the brand iconic.

The Continental GT looks like it’s been on a tailored diet; sleeker, tauter, with cleaner lines that speak of wind tunnel sessions and Savile Row finesse.

The Flying Spur, on the other hand, continues to be the road-going equivalent of a five-star suite: elegant, stately, and with enough presence to make lesser limousines bow out quietly.

Bentley’s range of Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur models has now doubled with the addition of a second V8 plug-in hybrid option, dubbed the High Performance Hybrid, with an output of 680 PS and 930 Nm. This engine is offered across all body styles in a choice of new core or new Azure variants.

Though the Ultra Performance Hybrid of the Speed remains the most extreme powertrain in Bentley’s range, it is significant that the new High Performance Hybrid outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque, and performance parameters, whilst also being capable of up to 80 km in pure electric mode.

What’s new is Bentley’s “Advanced Chassis System”, now standard across the range. That includes Bentley Dynamic Ride, a 48V active anti-roll control system that keeps things flat. Couple that with all-wheel steering and torque vectoring, and you’ve got a grand tourer that’s surprisingly nimble for its size.

And yet, it never loses that hallmark waft; the effortless surge of torque, the hushed cabin silence, the slight growl that says, “Yes, I’ve arrived.”

Inside, it’s a familiar symphony of leather, metal, and wood veneers, now paired with Bentley’s latest infotainment suite. You get crisp displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a fully digital driver’s cluster that still manages to feel analogue in its charm.

What’s perhaps most impressive is that Bentley’s retained physical controls for most essential functions. There are new customisation options too. Want open-pore Koa wood or deep pile overmats made from sustainable wool? You got it.

As Chris Craft, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at Bentley Motors, aptly puts it: “This new range encapsulates our vision of luxury performance for the future.”

In a world where many premium brands are trying to be everything to everyone, Bentley doubles down on being quintessentially Bentley. Quiet confidence, timeless craftsmanship, and the kind of performance that feels less like a sprint and more like a statement.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Showcased at the exclusive W Residences’ Marina View Gallery, this fourth-generation model is the first Continental GT Speed to feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, pushing the envelope of performance and sustainability.

At first glance, the new Continental GT Speed retains the striking silhouette that has become its hallmark. The muscular rear haunches, inspired by the classic R-Type Continental, remain firmly in place.

However, there are subtle yet significant updates. Gone are the iconic twin headlamps, marking this as the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s.  

These new headlamps feature an innovative crystal-cut diamond effect, framed by sleek “eyebrows.” The matrix LED system boasts 120 individually controlled LEDs, and Bentley describes the GT’s design as resembling a “tiger at rest”; poised, muscular, and exuding quiet determination.  

At the rear, the car forgoes a retractable spoiler thanks to an aerodynamically shaped boot lid. The three-dimensional diamond-patterned tail lamps stretch wide, creating a mesmerising molten-lava effect when illuminated.

The interior design focuses on creating a “cocooning” effect, with sculpted quilting and fading perforations accentuating the luxurious atmosphere.

For those seeking ultimate comfort, the optional Wellness Seating promises to reduce fatigue during long journeys.

The personalisation options are practically endless. With Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, clients can tailor their interiors with unique leather hues, intricate stitching, and exclusive materials.

The audio experience is equally customisable, with three options ranging from a 650-watt, 10-speaker standard system to an audiophile-grade Naim system with 18 speakers and eight distinct sound modes.

To elevate the experience further, the cabin features a 30-colour ambient lighting system that highlights the contours of the seats and doors, enhancing the enveloping design.

Under the bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre cross-plane V8, delivering a robust 592bhp and 800Nm of torque. But what truly sets this GT Speed apart is its hybrid system; a 187bhp electric motor paired with a 25.9kWh battery.

Combined, the system produces 771bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. Power is seamlessly delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.  

The numbers are staggering: a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h.

For those moments of serenity, the GT Speed offers an 80km range on electric power alone. Charging is straightforward too; an 11kW charger tops up the battery in 2.75 hours.  

Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis ensures the Continental GT Speed handles with grace and precision. Equipped with all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and an electronic limited-slip differential, the car is as agile as it is powerful.

Dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air springs provide a fine balance between sporty responsiveness and refined comfort.

The suspension’s advanced ECU independently adjusts compression and rebound damping, delivering a smooth yet engaging ride.

Bentley’s official agent, Wearnes Automotive, has already secured a handful of orders for the new Continental GT Speed.

Prices start at $1,538,000 before COE, options, or insurance. Fully loaded, the car is expected to cost around $1.9 million.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Bentley has revealed its new Continental GT, a grand tourer that ditches the famed W12 and V8 engines for a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Dubbed the ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid,’ this new powertrain is nothing short of impressive.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a 187bhp electric motor, together delivering 771bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. For context, Bentley’s outgoing W12 engine offered up to 650bhp and 900Nm of torque.

This hybrid setup propels the Continental GT from 0 to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 335km/h. The power is managed by an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential.

The Continental GT’s 25.9kWh battery, strategically placed behind the rear axle, not only aids in achieving a balanced 49:51 weight distribution but also provides an impressive 81km of electric-only range, reaching speeds of up to 140km/h. Charging the battery is efficient too, with a maximum capacity of 11kW.

On the road, Bentley promises enhanced performance, handling, and comfort thanks to a new dual-valve damper system and dual-chamber air springs.

Visually, the new Continental GT embraces a cleaner, more muscular design.

Gone are the quad-headlights, a feature absent from a non-coach-built Bentley since the S2. In their place, new headlamps with a horizontal element and a deep crystal cut diamond effect at the top provide a more determined front end.

These Matrix LED units utilize 120 separate LEDs, ensuring a clear and natural reading of the road. The rear of the car sports redesigned taillights, a new bumper, and an updated boot lid, all contributing to a cohesive and refined look.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by 20-way adjustable seats that can now include posture adjustment and auto climate features, designed to minimize fatigue on long drives.

Bentley’s signature Rotating Display remains a highlight, offering a choice between a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen, three elegant analogue dials, or an unbroken panel of handcrafted veneer.

Audiophiles are well-catered for with three audio systems to choose from. The standard setup includes 10 speakers delivering 650W. For those wanting more, a Bang & Olufsen 1,500W system with 16 speakers and illuminated grilles is available.

For the ultimate sound experience, the Naim 2,200W system boasts 18 speakers, Active Bass Transducers in the front seats, and eight sound modes.

As a first, the new Continental GT is being launched alongside the open-top GTC. This convertible features a seven-bow fabric roof available in seven exterior colours (including a chic tweed option), deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 48km/h.

Both the coupe and convertible models will be handcrafted at Bentley’s renowned factory in Crewe, U.K., with production and deliveries slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Today marks the end of an era for Bentley Motors in the Asia Pacific region, as they bid farewell to the venerable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been the beating heart of the Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur model lines.

The shift is part of Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 strategy, steering towards a future where every model line will feature a hybrid variant by 2024.

The journey towards electrification reflects a rising demand for more sustainable luxury vehicles, as seen with the popularity of the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid models.

Introduced back in 2012, the 4.0-litre V8 engine quickly became synonymous with Bentley’s blend of luxury and performance, powering more than 53,000 vehicles across the Continental and Flying Spur ranges.

Crafted meticulously by hand in Bentley’s Crewe headquarters, each V8 engine improved efficiency and reduced emissions compared to its predecessors.

Today’s V8s boast a robust 542 bhp and a hefty 770 Nm of torque, available from as low as 2,000 rpm, sustaining this output to 4,500 rpm.

While the V8 will continue to roar within the Bentayga lineup, the final V8-powered Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur models are making their last bow in markets including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

With production wrapping up and final deliveries scheduled for June, this transition honours a legacy of performance that has defined the brand for nearly a decade.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Singapore is gearing up to be the next big thing in the realm of future mobility. We had Hyundai set up shop with its Innovation Centre, Volvo planted a tech hub flag, and now, Volkswagen and Continental are joining the party, hand in hand with Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Their mission? To cook up some smart energy management systems that’ll supercharge electric vehicle charging. You see, with the world shifting towards electric vehicles faster than you can say “zero emissions,” the game is all about making these EVs juicier, cleaner, and more efficient.

Think of it as the power to flex the charging rates of your electric vehicle, depending on when you plug in. Sounds pretty neat, right? Well, it gets even better. By playing around with these pricing models, we’re talking about potentially reducing carbon emissions and giving existing power systems a bit of a breather.

This dream team also wants to encourage you to charge your EV during those blissful off-peak hours or when the sun’s rays are charging solar panels. Imagine a world where you get extra incentives to plug in when Mother Nature is in a good mood.

And there’s more, because NTU is putting on another show in town. They’ve teamed up with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). These folks are on a mission to make your EV more eco-friendly.

Ever wondered what happens to those circuit boards inside your car when it’s time for retirement? Well, they want to make sure it’s all good for the environment. They’re diving into eco-designs to make it easier to take apart used circuit boards and sort their components. And there’s some intelligent tech like machine learning in the mix.

NTU is also sharing the stage with Pylon City, an urban sustainable energy solutions developer. They’re crafting a fancy algorithm that schedules your EV’s charging at special stations. They want to keep your EV’s battery in tip-top shape and make sure the service level for electric vehicle fleets is always on point.

What’s even cooler is they’re setting up two electric vehicle charging stations at Continental Singapore’s office. And it’s not just any charging station – these babies come with a solar canopy. That means the energy they collect from the sun goes straight into your EV’s battery. Plus, they’re collecting a bunch of data from these stations to fine-tune the whole process.

The charging stations will be up and running by the fourth quarter of 2023. Get ready for a greener, cleaner, and more electrifying Singapore – because the future is electric, folks.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

Porsche is celebrating 75 Years, Lamborghini is reining in their 60th. Now, Bentley wants to join in on the global festivities.

The Bentley Continental GT is getting a cake for being 20 years in production. Yes, it’s already been 2 decades. This all started when a Cypress Green Continental GT, flashing VIN number 20001, rolled off the production line in Crewe, England, back in December 2003.

That coupe also introduced the world to the now-legendary 6.0-litre W12 engine. In 2003, it was making 550 bhp and 649 Nm of torque, back when the Ferrari 456M was handling a measly 442  bhp and 550 Nm from its V12, Even the Ferrari 575M was making “just” 508 bhp and 588 Nm from the same engine.

Of course, with an anniversary means an anniversary model, and Bentley has decided to launch it at the Shanghai Auto Show. It’s a special one too; a one-off celebration in the form of a Bentley Continental GT S.

This unique spec comes in Magnetic Dark Grey Metallic, sitting pretty on 22-inch black chrome and black wheels. Red accent lines highlight mirror caps and form an outline around the base of the coupe. 

Inside, specialty division Mulliner was roped in to produce a unique arrangement of Beluga (black) and Hotspur (red) leather against gloss piano black trim. The bi-finish fascia puts Granite Stone above Grand Black veneer, separated by red pinstriping.

Special badging and laser etching are prominent in places like the treadplates, centre console, and veneers. You know, so you have ample opportunity to brag to others you have something truly special.

This isn’t the only one-off Bentley will be producing either. After celebrating with months of themed events, ranging from the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and a global relay of Continental GTs crossing three continents to pass a custom Bentley baton, there will also be drive hubs at the HQ in Crewe and in Geneva, Switzerland where invited guests can drive all three Continental generations.

After all of that, another one-off Continental GT inspired by the aforementioned first unit produced will debut during Monterey Car Week.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!