Bentley Unveils the Fourth-Generation Continental GT Speed at Goodwood Festival of Speed

TGR Staff - Photos via Bentley 07/14/2024

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, known for celebrating automotive excellence and history, witnessed the stunning debut of Bentley's fourth-generation Continental GT Speed. This year's theme, "Horseless to Hybrid—Revolutions in Power," set the perfect stage for Bentley to showcase the technological and design evolution of their latest grand tourer.

Marking a significant milestone, the new Continental GT Speed has been unveiled as the most powerful road-going Bentley ever created. Available in both coupe and convertible versions, this new grand tourer is powered by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. With an impressive output of 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, the GT Speed surpasses the performance of the outgoing W12 engine while significantly reducing CO2 emissions to just 29 g/km. This remarkable feat illustrates Bentley’s commitment to marrying performance with sustainability.

The Continental GT Speed's powertrain is complemented by a sophisticated new chassis system. The vehicle promises exceptional ride comfort and handling and features new two-chamber air springs paired with dual-valve dampers. Bentley Dynamic Ride, a 48V active anti-roll control system, eLSD, and torque vectoring further enhance driving dynamics. For the first time in the model's history, the GT Speed boasts a rear-biased weight distribution of 49:51, ensuring impeccable body control and the finest ride comfort to date.

The new Continental GT Speed's exterior design represents the most significant revision in two decades. The car showcases a modern aesthetic while paying homage to Bentley’s rich heritage. Notably, it is the first mainstream Bentley to feature single headlamps since the 1950s, signifying a bold step in Bentley’s design journey.

Inside, Bentley’s world-leading craftsmanship is evident. The cabin is adorned with luxurious materials and innovative wellness technologies. New air ionization systems, three-dimensional leather textures, modern quilting, and technical finishes such as dark chrome elevate the interior to new heights of sophistication and comfort.

In addition to the dynamic display on the Goodwood Hillclimb, Bentley introduced a unique and whimsical exhibit near the Kinrara Enclosure. This installation, known as the ‘FOShtank,’ is a bespoke version of Bentley’s glass ‘Toy Box’ display units, typically seen across its Dream Factory campus in Crewe, England. For Goodwood, the display has been transformed into a custom-built fish tank, celebrating the unofficial ‘Underwater Speed Record’—a humorous nod to the fastest a car has ever traveled through a tunnel, clocking in at 208 mph (335 km/h).

The debut of the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed underscores Bentley's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. By combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with timeless design and unmatched craftsmanship, Bentley has set a new benchmark in the world of luxury grand tourers. As the automotive world continues to evolve, the Continental GT Speed stands as a testament to Bentley’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, delivering an exhilarating and sustainable driving experience.