- The Bentley Continental GT Velocity and Continental GTC Velocity Convertible get refreshed
- Bentley drops the outgoing W-12 engine in favor of a V-8 plug-in hybrid for the flagship variants
- Bentley hasn’t mentioned when the up to date Continental GT lineup will arrive within the U.S.
Bentley launched into a brand new period Tuesday with the reveal of up to date variations of the Continental GT Velocity and Continental GTC Velocity convertible.
The refreshed flagships of the Continental GT vary are the primary variants to obtain Bentley’s new V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which replaces the automaker’s venerable twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12.
The W-12 was first used within the unique Continental GT greater than 20 years in the past, and ceases manufacturing this summer time. Bentley launched the coach-built Batur and Batur Convertible fashions to have fun the engine’s run.
Its alternative, generally known as the Extremely Efficiency Hybrid powertrain, delivers 771 hp within the Continental GT Velocity, which is 31 hp greater than the W-12 made in its most potent specification. The hybrid setup consists of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 paired with a single electrical motor. The electrical motor is built-in with an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission that directs the drive torque to all 4 wheels by way of an all-wheel-drive system with an digital limited-slip differential.
Bentley Extremely Efficiency Hybrid powertrain
The V-8 delivers 592 hp by itself whereas the electrical motor has a 187-hp score. A 25.9-kwh battery mounted behind the rear axle (for improved weight distribution) makes a small electrical vary doable. Bentley quotes 50 miles on the WLTP take a look at cycle used abroad, although a decrease determine would end result utilizing the stricter EPA cycle.
Efficiency quotes for the coupe embrace a 0-60 mph time of three.1 seconds and a high pace of 208 mph. The convertible wants 3.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph and has a high pace capped at 177 mph.
To boost the experience and dealing with, Bentley installs an digital anti-roll system, rear-wheel steering, and a suspension with new twin chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers. The dampers allow adjustment of each rebound and compression, leading to a wider bandwidth between consolation and dealing with management.
Stopping energy comes from a brake system with 10-piston calipers up entrance and 4-piston calipers on the rear. Iron rotors are commonplace however consumers can go for carbon-silicon-carbide rotors measuring as much as 17.3 inches in diameter.
New Bentley Continental GT Velocity
New Bentley Continental GT Velocity
New Bentley Continental GT Velocity
Adjustments to the outside styling complement the brand new mechanical bits. New single-element matrix LED headlights much like these used on the Bacalar coach-built speedster change the outgoing mannequin’s dual-element lights. The oval taillights have additionally been made longer and slimmer and have new jewel-like detailing, and a ducktail-like spoiler on the trunk lid negates the necessity for an extendable spoiler, Bentley mentioned.
Inside, Bentley has left the spectacular design of the outgoing mannequin’s cabin comparatively untouched. As an alternative, the automaker has refined particulars like introducing new precision quilt patterns for the trim on the seats and doorways, together with fading perforations and three-dimensional surfaces.
Darkish chrome can be ordered as an alternative of the same old brightwork, and consumers may go for so-called wellness seats that assist with posture and temperature to cut back fatigue ranges on lengthy journeys. Bentley’s distinctive rotating show continues to be current, with the motive force in a position to swap between a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a trio of dials, or an unbroken sprint panel on the swap of a button.
Availability and pricing for the up to date Continental GT Velocity and Continental GTC Velocity convertible within the U.S. will probably be introduced at a later date. Bentley has but to disclose particulars on further deliberate variants within the up to date Continental GT vary.
