Quick information is popping out of the UK as we speak within the type of a brand new Bentley Continental GT Velocity. Much like the earlier generations of the Continental GT, this newest model is getting the Velocity therapy. Bentley could also be speaking endlessly about its inexperienced future, however till that materializes, the British marque is continuous to pump out W12 grasp lessons of luxurious and velocity.
The thought is similar as all “Velocity” variations of latest Bentleys. Add energy, improve dealing with skills, and make it look quicker. Energy from the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 will increase to 650 horsepower (24 additional ponies), whereas torque stays fixed at 664 pound-feet. The additional energy comes from rising the manifold strain within the higher rev vary, which means the additional energy is all the highest. This ends in a 0.1-second discount within the 0-60 mph time, which is now down to three.5 seconds. Prime velocity is a lofty 208 mph, which is a 1 mph improve from the non-Velocity. See, it’s speedier!
Whereas the ability positive aspects are admittedly small, the opposite efficiency enhancements Bentley made appear to be they’ll be rather more noticeable from behind the wheel. For one, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission reportedly shifts twice as quick in Sport mode because it does within the common W12 mannequin. The engine and transmission calibration can also be revised to make its upshifts increased within the rev band and downshift earlier. Bentley says the exhaust is far louder with higher “character” than the usual automobile, too.
The chassis and drive system get vital updates for higher dealing with. The automobile’s massive new social gathering trick is four-wheel steering, which is turning into more and more frequent for giant luxurious vehicles. As you may anticipate, the rear wheels flip reverse the fronts at low speeds for higher agility, and the rears flip the identical path because the fronts at excessive speeds for higher stability. This implies the Continental GT Velocity ought to really feel extra nimble and fast on its toes than lesser variations.
Moreover, Bentley says it’s utilizing a brand new all-wheel-drive torque break up and traction management calibration “to supply a noticeable character shift” for the Velocity. Principally, they’re loosening the reins a bit, which is able to in the end outcome within the Velocity feeling extra tail-happy and desperate to rotate in corners. Brake-based torque vectoring is applied within the Velocity for if you wish to energy by corners extra effectively, too.
A brand new (and first for the Continental GT) digital limited-slip differential also needs to make placing the ability down all that extra fulfilling. Bentley says the eLSD provides enchancment in on and off throttle adjustability, improved turn-in response and higher straight-line efficiency. The final massive enchancment for a greater driving expertise is the adoption of newly-engineered carbon-ceramic brakes. Ten-piston entrance calipers and four-piston rear calipers clamp onto the brand new carbon discs. They scale back unsprung mass by an enormous 73 kilos, but it surely’s nonetheless a heavyweight at 5,011 kilos. New 22-inch Velocity-specific wheels in vibrant silver are customary, however you may spec two totally different dark-painted choices, too.
There aren’t a ton of look differentiators between the Velocity and common Continental GT, but it surely’s nonetheless identifiable because the quicker mannequin. There is a dark-finish grille, decrease and extra aggressively sculpted aspect sills, and chrome “Velocity” badging on the entrance fender.
You’re greeted on the within with illuminated Velocity sill plates and distinctive two-tone inside choices. There are 15 major colour and 11 secondary colour choices you may choose from, and whereas Alcantara is the usual dominant materials, an all-leather inside is out there, too. There’s a “Velocity” emblem on the passenger aspect of the sprint, and it’s embossed on the headrests. Piano Black wooden veneer is the usual trim therapy, however you may select from a variety of extra traditional-looking wooden trims, too. The one end distinctive to the Velocity is a “Darkish Tint Engine Turned Aluminum” therapy that’s utilized to the middle console optionally. Lastly, Bentley designed new digital animations for the Velocity’s instrument cluster and makes use of a novel pedal set.
There’s no introduced worth on the 2022 Continental GT Velocity but, however CEO Adrain Hallmark says it will likely be roughly 20% costlier than the usual W12. After some math, that leaves us with a quantity round $260,000 to start out. In case you have been worries, Hallmark assured the media in a briefing that this automobile is not any swan tune for the Bentley W12 engine. There will likely be extra to come back earlier than Bentley makes the transition to PHEVs and full EVs. You may declare your house in line and order one within the U.S. now — deliveries start the within the third quarter this yr.
Associated video:
