Bentley has just said farewell to the old Continental GT with its final pure V-8 version, the Edition 8. A week later, the British luxury brand is previewing its new model, which appears to be a facelifted version of the 2017 launch.
Nevertheless, the company has released early images and technical details of the “new” Continental. As anticipated, the upcoming Conti features Bentley’s “Ultra Performance Hybrid” with a V-8 engine. The combustion engine and electric motor together generate a total of 771 horsepower and a substantial 738 pound-feet of torque. These figures surpass the W-12 in the Batur, which produces 740 hp and 737 lb-ft.
The unspecified battery pack will provide a 50-mile range in the WLTP cycle, which will be slightly lower in the EPA test. Bentley’s most powerful production car ever will feature four-wheel steering and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. Additional features include dual-valve dampers, a limited-slip differential, and 48-volt electric anti-roll technology. These enhancements will make the new Continental GT the “most dynamically capable Bentley road car in the company’s 105-year history.”
The performance figures remain a mystery, but it might surpass the previous Continental GT Speed. The discontinued W-12-powered model took three and a half seconds to reach 60 mph from zero and could hit a top speed of 208 mph. Regarding the twin-turbo 6.0-liter engine, production is concluding with the last units of the ultra-rare Batur. If a new Continental GT Speed emerges, it will not feature twelve cylinders.
Though the weight isn’t stated, common sense suggests it’s heftier than the old V-8 model due to the added hybrid components. The previous model weighed almost 4,800 pounds, so it wouldn’t be shocking if it exceeds 5,000 pounds, similar to the old W-12. This shouldn’t be a worry, though, since the Continental GT is more of a luxurious cruiser than a nimble sports car for track antics.
The next-gen Continental GT makes its debut in June as a coupe, with the convertible expected to follow soon after.
Source and Images: Motor1