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.

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Bentley’s iconic W12 engine will be succeeded by an all-new, performance-focused V8 hybrid powertrain. Producing the highest power output ever offered in a Bentley, the new powertrain is also said to be the most dynamic, responsive and efficient system in Bentley’s history.

A look back into Bentley’s history shows supercharging being added in the 1920s to boost performance. Turbocharging has been a Bentley mainstay since the 1980s.

Now, Bentley is introducing ‘electrocharging’ to further increase performance. The new system builds on Bentley’s existing hybrid powertrains, but goes even further in the level of performance and efficiency, with more than 750hp and a 80km electric-only range.

This means an increase of at least 91hp over the W12 powerplant offered in the Flying Spur and GT W12 Speed models.

As Bentley’s iconic six-litre twin turbo W12 engine heads towards retirement this summer, with 105,000 engines built over the last two decades, the new Ultra Performance Hybrid will take on the mantle as Bentley’s leading powertrain.

While developing more power than the W12 and at least 1,000Nm of torque over a wider plateau, the Ultra Performance Hybrid is also said to deliver a WLTP drive cycle CO2 figure of under 50 g/km.

More details on Bentley’s new electrified powertrain, which will drive the next phase of its Bentley’s Beyond 100 journey and deliver the promise of every car in the range being available as a hybrid, will be released over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, customers can continue to enjoy the final few remaining examples of Bentley’s W12 and non-hybrid V8 engines, available through Bentley’s global retailer network.

Here’s a sample of what the ultra performance V8 hybrid will sound like:

Photo Credits: Bentley

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The limited edition model is available for four models – Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible – and features several unique design enhancements.

Silver brake callipers are featured on each car, which are not available for any other Bentley model. Continental GT and Convertible models feature Speed Edition 12 badges on the front fender, while Bentayga and Flying Spur models carry Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter together with the existing Speed badge.

On the inside, all models are available with Bentley’s Speed colour splits. The main colour, Beluga black, can either be chosen as the sole upholstery colour or complemented by Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen, or Orange. 

Unique features of this limited edition include seats with Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 stitching. The upper seat areas and door sills are quilted, and contrast stitched in a graduated three-color ‘fade’ from Anthracite through Porpoise to Stratos. The organ stop air vents are also unique, featuring the numeral ‘12’ machined from solid on the face of the control.

Other trinkets include a numbered engine plaque and a fascia in Grand Black veneer with the engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge.

The W12 engine has been the powertrain for Bentley’s cars for over two decades, and over time it has seen a 37% increase in power and a 54% increase in torque, along with a 25% reduction in emissions.

In the Speed Edition 12 models, the W12 engine develops up to 650 bhp @ 5000-6000 rpm, and a peak of 900Nm of torque is reached at just 1500 rpm, continuing unabated through to 5000 rpm.

As a final touch, customers will receive a precise 15% scale model of the Bentley W12 block as a commemorative artefact for display. The scale model W12 engines are cast using aluminium from a full-size W12 engine block and will serve as a permanent memento of one of Bentley’s most significant and powerful engines.

Only 120 of each of the four Bentley Speed Edition 12 models will be produced, so expect these to be a rare sight.

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