Bentley has announced it will unveil the all-new, fourth-generation Continental GT in June.
The new Continental GT will be the first to feature Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. The automaker says the new powertrain will deliver 782 PS and 1000 Nm of torque, as well as 50 miles of electric-only range.
Bentley says the new Continental GT will be its most sustainable based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The Continental GT will have a CO2 figure under 50 grams per kilometer.
The Continental GT will feature the “latest generation of chassis technology.” This includes active all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, 48V electric active anti-roll control, and advanced dual-valve dampers.
Each Continental GT will continue to be handcrafted at the Dream Factory in Crewe, England.
The Continental GT changed Bentley’s fortunes
Bentley originally unveiled the Continental GT in 2002. The new design drew inspiration from the 1952 R Type Continental and featured the same key design elements — the power line, the haunch, and the sloping roofline.
This decision to unveil and release the new grand touring machine changed the fortunes of Bentley.
According to the automaker, annual sales climbed from 1,000 cars to more than 10,000 within four years of the original Continental GT’s release.
In the United States alone, the Continental GT became a status symbol for athletes and celebrities alike. Idris Elba, Robert Downey Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Drake, and Vernon Davis are only some of the prominent figures who have purchased the luxury car.
There have been three generations of the Continental GT since its unveiling in 2002. These models have featured updated engines, suspensions, technology packages, interiors, and exteriors.
The Continental GT has become the company’s second-most popular model behind the Bentayga. Bentley says that one of every three models sold is a Continental GT.
2022 served as a fitting example. Bentley sold 15,174 cars, its first time topping 15,000 in a year. The Bentayga accounted for 42% of total sales. The Continental GT accounted for nearly 30% of total sales.
The Americas led the way with 28% of total sales. The Chinese mainland was second with 24% of total sales.