TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES – Restyling time for the Bentley Continental GT who after introducing us to his new plug-in hybrid system which will replace the W12 (here our first impressions) is revealed in all its details. The proportions have remained the same as always, with the passenger compartment “crouched” over the rear wheels, muscular sides and the long bonnet, but many details have changed: starting from the front where the cooling needs of the V8 and the electrical part have given shape to an even more prominent grille and where the two pairs of circular headlights have given way to new headlights which integrate the position light with an original eyelash design. A stylistic element that is also taken up at the rear inside the headlights, again oval in shape.
ELEGANCE REIGNS – The passenger compartment of the Bentley Continental GT Speed it is sumptuous, with fine leather upholstery in every corner and metal details, where plastic parts are found on most cars. Lots of on-board technology, with a highly customizable digital dashboard and a modern multimedia system, but on this grand tourer the screens have not taken over: all the most important functions are still controlled via the physical keys – many of which are arranged on the central tunnel near the gear lever – and when the infotainment display is not strictly necessary it can rotate to make room for elegant analogue meters. The space it is abundant for those sitting in front with extensive electric adjustments of the seats; the trunk, however, has lost some capacity compared to the past due to the presence of the 25.9 kWh hybrid system battery.
WELL BALANCED WEIGHT – Battery which, according to the company, guarantees up to 80 km of autonomy in electric mode where the car is powered by a 190 horsepower engine and 450 Nm of torque. Giving life to Twin-turbo V8 4.0 with 600 HP, the maximum combined power reaches 782 HP (the highest value ever for a production Bentley) and 1000 Nm of torque which allow the Continental GT Speed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds (3 tenths less than in the past) and reach a top speed of 335 km/h. Performance from supercars also made possible by the four-wheel drive and the fast 8-speed dual-clutch robotized gearbox. And thanks to the arrangement of the hybrid system components with the battery in the rear area, weight distribution has also been greatly improved compared to the previous model equipped with the W12.
SOPHISTICATED MECHANICS – Several changes have then affected the suspension system with the introduction of new electronically controlled shock absorbers with double valve to offer better ride comfort on imperfections in the asphalt, but at the same time better contain the roll of the car between the curves. In this regard, the active anti-roll bars at 48 volts, while the rear axle steering increases agility in the tightest mixed terrain, also guaranteeing more stability when tackling bends at high speed. Of considerable size thebraking system which includes optional carbon-ceramic discs measuring 440 mm at the front (with 10-piston calipers) and 410 mm at the rear with 4-piston calipers.
