Bentley Continental GT Speed

Gone is the W12, in comes the electrified V8

The Bentley Continental GT Speed stands out as the most powerful road car in the brand's history. With 782bhp and 1,000Nm of torque, it outperforms all previous models, including the Supersports, Batur and GT3. We at WOT are already interested in this technological marvel, which shares many similarities with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid we are currently working on.

A 782-horsepower hybrid engine

At the heart of the Bentley Continental GT Speed is an exceptional 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged hybrid powertrain, combined with an electric motor powered by a 25.9 kWh battery. The combustion engine develops 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque, similar to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, but slightly less than the 620 hp of the Urus SE. The electric motor adds a further 190 bhp and 450 Nm of torque.

This combination gives the Bentley Continental GT Speed an impressive total output of 782 horsepower and a massive 1,000 Nm of torque. This torque is 50 Nm more than that of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid and the Urus SE, although the power output is 18 hp less than that of the Urus SE.

It is interesting to note the subtlety with which the VAG group differentiates its ranges: 739 hp for the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, 782 hp for the Bentley Continental GT Speed, and a peak of 800 hp for the Urus SE. This precise hierarchy perfectly illustrates VAG's approach to offering distinct levels of performance while maintaining consistency in sportiness and technological innovation across its brands.

As with the other models, the GT Speed's battery, mounted at the rear for better weight balance (49:51), can be recharged at a maximum power of 11 kW. This arrangement contributes not only to the car's dynamic performance, but also to its energy efficiency and optimised weight distribution.

Unrivalled performance

Thanks to this hybrid configuration, the Continental GT Speed accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 334 km/h. In pure electric mode, it can travel up to 80 kilometres emission-free, a significant advance on previous V8 models. Initial dyno tests show that real-world power exceeds the claimed figures, suggesting even more impressive performance after reprogramming at WOT (still under development).

Innovation and aerodynamics

The GT Speed boasts a muscular, contemporary design with unique front headlamps and a front bumper influenced by the Batur model. New Matrix LED headlamp units, with 120 LEDs each, offer enhanced visibility. Aerodynamic improvements include a redesigned rear diffuser that increases downforce by 35% at high speeds and an optimised airflow management system that supplies 15% more oxygen to the engine and 30% to the braking system.

Personalised suspension and handling

The Bentley Continental GT Speed features advanced technologies in its active performance chassis. Dual-valve dampers and twin-chamber air springs borrowed from the Cayenne provide enhanced handling and comfort. The damper control system can independently manage each corner of the vehicle, offering greater body control in compression, rebound and steering changes. The electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), all-wheel steering and torque vectoring are also present, complemented by an active anti-roll system and new ESC software for enhanced dynamic intervention.

Customisation and technology

Bentley's Continental GT Speed interior is an example of luxury and technology. With the introduction of My Bentley App Studio and Remote Park Assist, personalisation features abound. The 20-way adjustable seats with Postural Adjust wellness option, 30-colour ambient lighting and 2,200W Naim audio system with 18 speakers and active bass transducers deliver an exceptional driving experience. The famous Rotating Display remains a key feature of this sumptuous interior.

Conclusion

The Bentley Continental GT Speed redefines performance standards for hybrid luxury cars, combining an impressive 782 horsepower with cutting-edge technologies and a meticulously optimised design to deliver an unrivalled driving experience. At WOT, we are proud to be working now on the homologated reprogramming of this V8 hybrid engine. Thanks to our reprogramming expertise, we promise even more spectacular improvements on these new engines.