The new, fourth-generation Continental GT is set to debut in June, showcasing Bentley’s groundbreaking Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain. This innovative powertrain delivers an impressive 782 PS and 1000 Nm of torque, coupled with an electric-only range of 50 miles (80 km) and a CO2 emission figure (WLTP) under 50 g/km.
This model represents a significant advancement for Bentley, combining unprecedented power and dynamic capabilities with sustainability, all while maintaining the brand’s hallmark handcrafted luxury.
The latest Continental GT features state-of-the-art chassis technology, including active all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, 48V electric active anti-roll control, and advanced dual-valve dampers. Alongside these technological enhancements, the new design and suite of technologies mark the next generation of the car that epitomizes the modern Bentley.
First introduced in 2002, the Continental GT initiated Bentley’s revival, driving a ten-fold increase in sales and redefining the brand for the contemporary era. Inspired by the 1952 R Type Continental the fastest four-seat car of its time, which established the luxury Grand Tourer concept the Continental GT embraced key design elements: the power line, the haunch, and the sloping roofline. The impact of the original Continental GT was very transformative, to say the least.
It boosted Bentley’s annual sales from around 1000 cars to over 10,000 within four years. The second generation, revealed in Paris in 2010, initially launched with a W12 engine, followed by a new 4.0-litre V8 option in 2012. The third generation, introduced in 2018, featured a new platform, engine, suspension, electrical architecture, and both interior and exterior designs, setting a new standard in the competitive luxury GT market.
Over the past two decades, Continental GTs have broken speed records, won championships, and excelled in endurance races worldwide. Globally, the Continental GT is Bentley’s second most popular model, with one in every three Bentleys sold as a Continental GT. Early next year, Bentley will celebrate the production of the 100,000th Continental GT at its Dream Factory in Crewe, England, marking a milestone for this iconic Grand Tourer.