Bentley is about to reveal its fourth-generation Continental GT. It is the first car to get the brand’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. That means much more power, much less fuel use.
With output of 575kW and 1000Nm of torque, the latest Conti GT will be capable of travelling 80km on the motor alone. Its CO2 figure (WLTP) will be less than 50g/km. Bentley is claiming the new GT will be the most powerful and dynamically capable car in the company’s 105-year history. Furthermore, it will be the most sustainable.
Helping with dynamics is the latest generation of chassis technology. That includes active all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, and an electronic limited slip differential. There’s also 48V active roll control and new dual-valve dampers. A fresh body design and interior technology round out the fourth-gen Continental GT.
The original debuted in 2002, and kicked off the rebirth of Bentley. It led to a ten-fold increase in sales and redefined the brand for the modern era. Using design cues from the R Type Continental of 1952 this was Bentley’s first attempt at a luxury Grand Tourer. The name hinted at its long-distance cruiser capabilities.
Within four years, Bentley’s annual sales climbed ten-fold to over 10,000 units. Then a second-generation launched in 2010, with the W12. This was followed by a new 4.0 litre V8 option. After that, the third generation arrived in 2018, based on a new and purpose-built platform and with a fresh engine, suspension, electrical architecture, technology and interior and exterior designs.
During its two decades, Continental GTs have broken speed records, and won championships and endurance races around the world. The Continental GT was its most popular model until the arrival of the Bentayga. One in every three Bentleys sold is a Continental GT.
In the near future, the 100,000th example of the Continental GT will be built. The new fourth-gen version will go on sale early in 2025.
