Bentley has revealed the new Continental GT with a new V8 hybrid powertrain replacing the great W12. Does it have what it takes?
Nearly 70% of the components are new according to Bentley. The overall body is the same so this is more of a facelift than a new model. We do get Bentleys new design language though with a new headlight design intersected with a horizontal bar. The grill is also shallower than before and the lower bumper has been simplified. This gives the car a cleaner and more modern as well as a luxurious look. Round the back the taillights have a new thinner look as too have the exhaust pipes and there is also new 22 inch Alloy wheel design and new colour options for the GT.
Inside the changes are less noticeable. There is new hardware and software for the infotainment system which makes it easier to use and quicker to use too. The centre console has also changed with different switchgear and less high-gloss finished reducing the likeliness of it scratching.
The powertrain is the main talking point though with an all new V8 plug in hybrid setup. The power output sits at 771 bhp and 1,000Nm of Torque (121 bhp and 100Nm of Torque more than the old Speed model). 0-62 is delt within 3.2 seconds and it goes all the way to 208 mph. This is impressive considering the GT tips the scale at 2,495 kg. 584 bhp is from the revised twin turbo V8 from Bentley whilst the rest comes from an electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox. The power of the electric motors is drawn from a 25.9 kWh battery pack mounted behind the rear seats which gives the GT Speed 50 miles of electric only driving. Charging speeds are quoted at 11kW but there is no DC fast charging for now.
Prices are expected to start from £236,600 at the moment as the base model has ceased production along with the W12 engine.
Comments