Within the period of EVs, a 0-100 km/h time of beneath 4 seconds isn’t just commonplace, it may be bought for effectively beneath RM200k. Such ranges of propulsion was the protect of European exotics; now, a small hatchback from China can do the benchmark dash in 3.8 seconds – energy and velocity has been democratised by electrical motors.
Fortuitously for the institution, uncooked velocity alone doesn’t make a terrific automotive. There are lots of methods to go quick – the way you get there, the sensations you are feeling whereas getting there, and the ‘I’m already there’ satisfaction while you personal the automotive and admire it from afar, are all very important.
The previous-generation Bentley Continental GT ticked all these bins. This new additionally does all of it, after which some. The largest change to what was already a profitable mixture improves on the GT’s greatest power and distinctive high quality – its duality.
It’s a departure from the norm {that a} new Bentley mannequin is making its debut in high-performance Velocity type. Usually, the common variants floor first, earlier than the efficiency flagship crowns the vary at a later date. This time, the Velocity leads the road for the fourth-generation Continental GT from kick-off. Likewise, the GTC convertible was fashionably late, however now you may select between coupe and tender prime at launch.
There’s a lot new concerning the Continental GT Velocity, however the greatest information is that it’s now a plug-in hybrid using on a contemporary 400-volt electrical structure. On the coronary heart of the ‘Extremely Efficiency Hybrid’ powertrain is a 4.0-litre V8 engine with 600 PS and 800 Nm of torque. The ICE isn’t a carryover – with no conventional vacuum system and 350 bar gas injection stress (from 200 bar), it offers cleaner combustion and improved emissions.
Now that it has an electrical motor to cancel out turbo lag, the engine makes use of twin single-scroll turbochargers, which reduces complexity and permits them to run hotter, minimising emissions. Additionally, there’s now not want for cylinder deactivation {hardware}, because the ICE could be switched off completely when the electrical motor is operating.
The V8’s easy accomplice in crime is a 190 PS/450 Nm electrical motor that resides within the transmission housing. Able to powering the massive GT by itself, the e-motor additionally delivers torque-fill at low engine velocity and through gear shifts for further smoothness. The motor is juiced by a 25.9 kWh battery mounted behind the rear axle, which places extra weight on the again for a 49:51 distribution – a ratio that Crewe says is ideal.
The GT comes alive silently, and the system manages vitality circulation based mostly on the mode chosen – pure EV, electrical enhance, regenerative braking and cost mode, the place the engine drives the wheels and costs the battery on the similar time. Plugged-in, the max AC charging price is 11 kW and the pack could be absolutely replenished in underneath three hours.
Apart from blessing the Continental GT Velocity with 81 km (WLTP) of pure electrical drive – good in city areas – the e-motor brings whole system output to 782 PS and 1,000 Nm. In comparison with the outgoing W12-powered GT Velocity, that’s 19% extra energy (from 659 PS) and 11% extra torque (from 900 Nm), making this automotive probably the most highly effective Bentley ever, surpassing even the second-generation Supersports and Mulliner’s Batur.
It didn’t take lengthy for the GT’s hybrid-derived enhancements to return to the fore. The Asia Pacific launch was held on the Magarigawa Membership in Chiba, Japan, and the circuit’s pit constructing is a ‘home’ with lounge seating flanking the street. It’s an enclosed house, however there have been no fumes and noise because the vehicles glided out and in, due to EV mode. In reality, it was serene sufficient for the product presentation to be performed roadside as completely different teams swapped vehicles.
The non-public members-only membership’s 3.5 km course is solely gorgeous. Magarigawa seems to be cradled by the hills of the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula (they lopped off a hill’s head for this) and the Tilke-designed circuit is a mix of lengthy straights and clusters of technical corners.
Drama is provided by the elevation – with a most ascent of 20% (max descent of 16%), you’ll discover blind crests (uphill and nothing in your view aside from the solar) instantly adopted by a bend, or the pits. The monitor’s two straights are parallel however on completely different ranges. It’s spectacular, however may very well be intimidating for first-timers with 1,000 Nm on faucet.
Maybe that’s why the lead automotive was conservative, however I managed to present the Velocity the beans on the straights after hanging again within the convoy. Acceleration is monumental but easy, as contradicting because it sounds. I’ve at all times most popular the sharper fringe of Crewe’s V8 versus the W12, and there’s a pleasant deep accompanying soundtrack right here, which by the way in which, isn’t artificially enhanced.
It’s confounding that the brand new Velocity can dismiss the 0-100 km/h dash in a mere 3.2 seconds (4 tenths sooner than the earlier W12 Velocity), and in case you maintain at it, the needle will attain 335 km/h – these are supercar figures in a giant GT that has each conceivable luxurious and have, with an inside swathed in leather-based and wooden, let’s not overlook.
All that energy is delivered by way of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an digital restricted slip differential to all 4 wheels. The system makes use of front-rear lively torque vectoring via a centre differential, and precision vectoring throughout every axle itself utilizing the brakes. Additionally included are all-wheel steering, Bentley Dynamic Trip lively anti-roll, new dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air springs. The ESC could be absolutely turned off.
No such shenanigans on the occasion in fact, and in any case, this author’s potential/bravery is not any match to the Bentley’s huge AWD grip. It won’t appear like that type of automotive, however in case you method the GT such as you would a smaller sports activities automotive, you’ll uncover shocking agility and a physics-defying lively anti-roll system, identical to within the earlier Velocity.
Nice energy wants even larger stopping energy and the GT makes use of 10-piston entrance calipers and four-piston rears. The usual ventilated iron brakes are 420 mm in entrance and 380 mm on the rear, and there’s a Carbon-Silicon-Carbide possibility with 440 mm entrance discs and 410 mm rears. From chasing 300 km/h to slowing down for a hairpin, that is {hardware} you may belief.
Crewe says that with the most recent GT, consolation mode is much more snug, and sport mode has even higher physique management than earlier than. There’s no approach to take a look at out experience consolation on a easy circuit, however the earlier Velocity’s air suspension was already all-absorbing, so we’ll take Bentley’s phrase for it.
One factor that I actually wished to check out was how usable the EV mode is, and the reply could be very. Full electrical mode could be deployed at speeds of up 140 km/h, with throttle functions of as much as 75%, so it’s greater than sufficient for regular, even freeway driving. My calm down lap was ICE-free.
This Bentley’s on-road capabilities are jaw-dropping, nevertheless it’s additionally a deal with for the senses when static. The trendy Continental GT is the automotive that saved the corporate, a terrific success for Crewe over the previous three generations. Becoming then, that the most recent GT is an evolution of the design, which carries three design facets seen on the long-lasting R-Sort Continental of 1952.
Bentley’s designers identified to us the massive two-door’s ‘resting beast’ stance. They have been visualising a tiger at relaxation – an imposing beast sitting calm, however able to unleash huge drive when it decides to pounce. The concept is manifested within the GT’s well-defined haunches.
The following focal point is ‘upright class’, which describes the vertical entrance finish of the GT. Like a thoroughbred horse, we’re advised. This proud chest pairs completely with the Bentley’s ‘infinite bonnet’. Seen from the facet, the lengthy hood hints on the high-performance engine residing inside. Whereas these cues have been on all Continental GTs, they’re stronger than ever now, and Crewe received the proportions spot on with the third-generation GT (wheelbase grew by 105 mm then). Peak type.
An evolutionary design wants a headlining contemporary aspect, lest or not it’s confused for a facelift. That new factor is the headlamp design – gone are the dual circles and in comes a single eye on all sides, the primary mainstream Bentley with single headlamps for the reason that Fifties. Automobile guys will level to the Bacalar, however that’s a 12-unit coachbuilt particular by Bentley Mulliner.
That single eye is pierced by a horizontal LED ‘eyebrow’ for a particular gaze. Go nearer and also you’ll see that the headlamps are like artwork sculptures – the higher portion has a deep crystal lower diamond impact and the bottom of the housing has an illuminated sample. The precise matrix headlamps have 120 separate LEDs which might be digitally managed to cowl… effectively, all the things.
The rear is a nip/tuck with a redesigned bumper, taillights, tail pipes and boot lid. The latter incorporates an built-in aerodynamic type to supply rear downforce with out the necessity for a deployable spoiler, and the bumper emphasises the appreciable width of the GT whereas being cleaner. Collectively, they mix for a neater look. Lastly, the Velocity will get a brand new 22-inch wheel possibility with a robust directional design. The designers say that the spokes are like tiger claws digging into the street.
The cockpit of the Continental GT (and Flying Spur limo) is my favorite within the ultra-luxury phase, combining a standard structure with trendy tech. Whereas there appears to be a bodily button or knob for all the things vital, all of the features are additionally housed within the infotainment system, so it’s the most effective of each worlds.
The colony of buttons across the gear lever does look a bit austere given how elevated all the things else feels, however legibility is nice and there’s no reflection from the flat, matte floor. Above all, I’m simply grateful that turning on seat air flow doesn’t require a ahead lean and 5 faucets on the display.
This distinctive ana-digi method is personified by the Bentley Rotating Show, which remains to be cool in spite of everything these years. The three-sided show incorporates a 12.3-inch show, three classical analogue dials, and an unbroken facet of handcrafted veneer that matches the remainder of the trim. The three faces swivel on the contact of a button.
New for this era are a ‘precision quilt sample’ on the seats and doorways (these with an eye fixed for element will marvel on the sculptured quilting, fading perforations and the brand new quilt embroidery), non-obligatory ‘wellness’ seating with postural modify and auto local weather features, and a brand new ‘Darkish Chrome’ theme for the brightwork.
Bentley’s partnership with Naim continues within the new Continental GT, and the top-tier sound system is a 2,200W, 18-speaker setup with Energetic Bass Transducers constructed into the entrance seats and eight sound modes. In any other case, you may have the 650W 10-speaker customary system or a Bang & Olufsen 1,500W 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles. As earlier than, laminated acoustic glass is used for the windscreen and facet home windows for a nine-decibel discount in exterior noise.
Lastly, the air conditioning system now consists of air ionisers, a brand new particulate matter filter and shows displaying air high quality inside and outdoors the automotive. The HVAC additionally synchronises with the automotive’s sat-nav, so it is aware of when it is likely to be crucial to enhance cabin air high quality; routinely recirculating air when in a tunnel, for example.
Is the brand new Bentley Continental GT Velocity the most effective automotive on this planet then? Not in case you like your mega cash two-door automotive loud, actually and visually. If you happen to gravitate extra in direction of opulence, the Velocity is pretty much as good because it will get. We’re speaking about luxurious and craftsmanship that maybe solely two marques can provide, fused with efficiency to match supercars and extra dynamic potential than most drivers will ever want.
Nevertheless, the 1% have a good bit of glittering equipment jostling for his or her consideration, and in a world obsessive about new issues, might the GT’s acquainted appears to be like be a downside? I hope that’s not the case – as a result of what’s beneath is groundbreaking – however I’d perceive if some mistake this automotive for a facelift of a era that has been round since 2018. Not that there was something improper with that automotive, thoughts you.
If emissions laws is the proverbial lemon, Bentley’s first PHEV is a bloody good lemonade. The 81 km pure electrical vary permits one to make use of the GT as an EV for many city conditions, the place electrical vehicles excel in. Give it some thought – house owners of vehicles on this bracket aren’t salesmen hustling round city, or staff with a each day commute from the suburbs.
A extra probably journey is from Damansara Heights to KLGCC for golf (10 km return, calculated from Aira on Batai) or maybe tea and procuring at Pavilion/Starhill (lower than 20 km return). Lunch assembly to conclude a deal at BSC? 2.5 km away, sir. Shuffle your automotive playing cards round and also you’ll even overlook the final time you visited the petrol station! In fact, you may get up the V8 at any time when the roads open up.
A Tesla for going to the retailers? Why not simply purchase an attractive, luxurious Bentley and get a complimentary EV with that very same stunning, luxurious physique and cabin?
The brand new Continental GT Velocity can be arriving at Bentley Kuala Lumpur in Q2 2025
GALLERY: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity, GTC Velocity APAC launch
GALLERY: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity, GTC Velocity official pictures
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