Bentley is preparing to reveal the fourth-generation Continental GT. Before its debut in June, the company has given us a sneak peek at the new grand tourer. It will come with a powerful new plug-in hybrid V8 engine that can produce an impressive 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
This is a significant improvement over the previous W12 engine and even surpasses the power of the 739-horsepower twelve-cylinder in the Batur Convertible. Bentley states that its new Ultra Performance Hybrid drivetrain will offer remarkable performance while providing an electric range of 50 miles and emitting less than 50g/km of CO2. It’s essential to note that these figures are calculated using the WLTP cycle, so there might be variations on the EPA cycle.
The new Continental GT will feature advanced technology to enhance its ride and handling. It will have active all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, an electronic limited-slip differential, and four-wheel steering. It will benefit from active anti-roll control and advanced dual-valve dampers, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Bentley aims to make the new Continental GT “the most sustainable” road car in its history, suggesting an increase in eco-friendly and recycled materials. However, fans of Bentley need not worry, as the new GT will maintain the luxurious materials and high-class feel associated with Crewe-built vehicles.
In terms of design, the front fascia will draw inspiration from the facelifted Bentayga and the Bacalar, featuring circular headlights and a slim horizontal strip extending towards the wheels. The overall elegant profile of the predecessor will be retained, with some subtle styling updates both inside and out.
While enthusiasts may lament the discontinuation of the W12 engine, the new electrified V8 promises exceptional performance. The exact displacement of the engine is yet to be revealed, but it may be a variation of the 4.0-liter engine used in the latest Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Bentley plans to offer exclusively electrified engines, discontinuing the standard V8 and transitioning to options like the V6 PHEV available in the Bentayga and Flying Spur.
