Bentley unveils new Supersports-inspired GT S
New Continental GT gets all the Speed-specific goodies, plus a sporty new look - oh and 680hp
Never let it be said that Bentley buyers aren’t provided with ample choice. While the fourth-gen Continental GT range looked well-stocked enough already, with two tiers of the walloping V8 hybrid alongside a rear-drive Supersports, two bodystyles, and specification possibilities from Azure to Speed, one niche remained unfilled. It’s one that’s proved popular in the past and aims to combine all the best bits of that sprawling Continental line-up: the GT S.
Put most simply, it uses the 680hp version of the V8 hybrid (as opposed to the Speed-spec 782hp), with the chassis smarts usually reserved for the flagship, then a Supersports-inspired look to top it all off. You can see why that might appeal. Previously this was the V8 understudy to the more senior W12 models; with all GTs now using the same powertrain setup, just with different power outputs, popularity seems assured.
The chassis changes are encouragingly extensive for the GT S. Features previously reserved for the Speed and Mulliner include the eLSD and four-wheel steering; there’s also torque vectoring between and across the axles, plus a new generation of ESC software. The Bentley Performance Active Chassis, with the twin-valve dampers that have proved so adept at marshalling and massaging two and a half tonnes of Bentley, is also included.
While still four-wheel drive (unlike the exclusively rear-drive Supersports), switchable ESC ought to mean the GT S ‘can be balanced on-throttle by the driver for a truly exhilarating driving experience.’ Tremendous news. Whoever puts tyres on the new 22-inch wheels for you will be thrilled. Furthermore, while the 680hp 4.0-litre is fundamentally unchanged, it does benefit from a sports exhaust that ‘accentuates the V8’s crossplane beat.’ And don’t forget this is more powerful (if also heavier) than even the old Speed, so nobody’s like to want for performance: 62mph comes up in 3.5 seconds, and a 190mph max is claimed. With 50 miles of EV range still available, mind.
Marking out a GT S over a standard Conti in both body configurations is the Blackline spec, dark-tinted lights with ‘Bentley’s Precision design detail’, plus a rear diffuser. The outside is just the start, too, as the GT S interior gets a unique two-colour upholstery split, suede on the wheel and Piano Black like the outside for a ‘purposeful, performance-focused driving environment.’ And if none of Bentley’s decisions seem correct, then a whole world of alternative finishes, colours and materials are available to make the ideal GT S.
While pricing and availability haven’t been confirmed yet, you don’t have to be a marketing genius to see this costing more than a standard 680hp model and less than a Speed. With the Supersports not reaching customers until 2027, expect to see this before then, to satisfy those after a ‘sporting aesthetic and emphasis on the sheer enjoyment of driving’. Don’t be surprised if there are quite a few…
Going to be c£225k so punchy competition, but this holds it's own, IMO.
Now (please correct me if I'm wrong) when it comes to residuals, Bentley and Aston Martin both fall pretty hard first few years but Ferrari's fair a bit better?
Anyway, it raised the thorny issue of how these sorts of cars are bought. Now in my crazy mind no one likes the idea of losing >£70k in the first couple of years? So I thought, if it's leased, you don't wear that risk? Obviously if it's a cash purchase that is on the buyer.
Just raised an interesting angle.
Back to the car, lovely thing and I'd certainly be interested once it dropped to sub 100k mark.
Going to be c£225k so punchy competition, but this holds it's own, IMO.
Now (please correct me if I'm wrong) when it comes to residuals, Bentley and Aston Martin both fall pretty hard first few years but Ferrari's fair a bit better?
Anyway, it raised the thorny issue of how these sorts of cars are bought. Now in my crazy mind no one likes the idea of losing >£70k in the first couple of years? So I thought, if it's leased, you don't wear that risk? Obviously if it's a cash purchase that is on the buyer.
Just raised an interesting angle.
Back to the car, lovely thing and I'd certainly be interested once it dropped to sub 100k mark.
Rolls Royce? Meh. BMW parts bins, not an engine to be seen anywhere. Cookies and coffee.
This in dark green would be very nice!
Until the final episode..........
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