Bentley Continental GT Speed is the most powerful road car they’ve ever produced

The new Bentley Continental GT Speed is here with a gob of power and enough luxury to make a Russian oligarch to blush. They’re calling the powertrain the “Ultra Performance Hybrid” with it’s 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 paired with a 187-horsepower electric motor, making this big lady capable of hitting 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds. Did I mention it weighs around 5500 pounds?!

While the weight and speed are nothing new for Bentley, the 400-volt hybrid drivetrain is. There will be approximately 50 miles of all-electric range (EU drive cycle) and a total range of 534 miles before gasoline is needed—no range anxiety here. The torque output from this newer and less W12-powered version is 11% higher at 738 lb. ft. This officially makes it the most powerful Bentley ever.

To get the power to the ground there is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronic LSD to power all four wheels. It has active torque vectoring front to rear via a center differential. Vectoring is enhanced further to each axle by braking individual wheels. 

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In addition to the trick drivetrain, Bentley has mounted the 25.9kWh battery behind the rear axle for near-perfect weight distribution. Up to 85% of the battery is “useable” energy for the hybrid drivetrain. Fully electric driving allows for speeds up to 87 miles per hour and 75% of the throttle is useable during the sprints before the V-8 wakes back up.

The Continental GT Speed and GTC models have the Bentley “Performance Active Chassis.” All-wheel drive, eLSD, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, and new electronic stability control software round out the package to make this car ride smooth and blitz corners in luxury. The braking system uses 10-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

On the outside… well look at it! The Bentley Continental language is still present, yet it has been refreshed for its hybrid drivetrain. Few cars come to mind more obviously than a Bentley Continental when you think of ‘Grand Touring.’ 

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