TESTED 16.5.24, PARCMOTOR CASTELLOLI, SPAIN ON SALE SEPTEMBER
To replace its departing W12 engine, Bentley is introducing a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Badged Speed, it is at the heart of this new-generation Continental GT, the fourth version of Bentley's staple four-seat grand tourer since 2003 and makes it the company's most powerful car yet.
Combined, the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol engine and electric motor make 771bhp and 738lb ft of torque-or, working alone, the motor gives up to 188bhp for more than 50 miles. All four wheels are driven (but the rears are heavily favoured) through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The late prototype I'm driving is still wearing a disguise, but I'm told there is some carryover glass and metal from the Mk3 Continental. I'd wondered whether that meant this was a mildly tweaked car, rather than a new-generation one, and therefore subject to less testing and homologation. Not so, said Bentley: the new powertrain, new suspension and additional connectivity and cybersecurity measures mean this is all-new and the most tested and most regulated Continental yet.
Alone, the V8 makes 591bhp at 6000rpm, so at 148bhp per litre it's blowing fairly hard, and even though peak torque comes in at 2000-4500rpm, the motor is partly there to boost torque and reduce lag at low revs. Depending on the driving mode (more on which in a sec), it's also sometimes used to smooth gear changes: the motor sits between the engine and gearbox.
Esta historia es de la edición May 29, 2024 de Autocar UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 29, 2024 de Autocar UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal