Bentley has unveiled its latest powertrain offering, the High Performance Hybrid, which pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with a single electric motor. While the combined output is dialed back to 671 horsepower, the new setup maintains impressive performance despite the reduction in power.
The key difference lies in the gasoline engine. In the higher-performance Speed models, the Ultra Performance Hybrid system generates 592 horsepower from the V8 alone, augmented by 187 horsepower from the electric motor. The new High Performance powertrain, however, uses a retuned V8 engine producing 512 horsepower, while retaining the same electric output of 187 horsepower. Combined torque is also reduced slightly from 590 lb-ft to 568 lb-ft, with the battery capacity remaining the same at 25.9 kilowatt-hours.
Even with a 100-horsepower decrease compared to the Speed models, the new powertrain offers impressive acceleration. The Continental GT hardtop can reach 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the convertible takes 3.8 seconds—just half a second slower than the Continental GT Speed. The electric-only range also improves slightly, with the hardtop offering 53 miles and the convertible 51 miles. The Flying Spur, which shares the same powertrain, matches the convertible’s 3.8-second 0-60 time, with a 50-mile electric-only range.
The High Performance Hybrid is available on both standard and Azure trims, while the Mulliner and Speed models continue to feature the more powerful Ultra Performance setup. The Azure models feature distinctive brighter trim on the grille, wheels, and special badging.
While Bentley does not explicitly state it, the reduction in power likely aligns with stricter emissions regulations in Europe. Regardless, the new “base” powertrain still outperforms the previous-generation Speed variants, ensuring that Bentley’s luxury vehicles remain both efficient and incredibly fast.
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