BENTLEY has debuted its most “performance-focused” mannequin but within the type of the brand new Continental GT Velocity; a more-than two-tonne luxurious coupe able to going from standstill to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds with a V-max of greater than 330km/h.
Attributable to arrive in Australia within the first quarter of subsequent yr, the GT Velocity is powered by an uprated model of the acquainted twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine, now growing 485kW/900Nm – 18kW greater than the usual GT.
As with the usual automotive, drive is dispatched to all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission nevertheless the Velocity boasts a extra aggressive mapping designed to assist preserve the engine revs in the midst of the ability band.
Not solely has the shift sample been altered, but additionally the pace and ferocity of the shifts themselves have been dialled up, particularly when within the Sport driving mode to match the elevated efficiency in addition to improve the driving expertise.
On the subject of efficiency, the GT Velocity’s 0-100km/h time is 0.1s sooner than the usual automotive’s (3.6s vs 3.7s) whereas the highest pace has climbed 5km/h to 338km/h.
Greater than only a energy improve, the GT Velocity has been handled to a myriad of chassis and expertise upgrades below the pores and skin to assist make it as dynamically succesful as potential.
Main the cost within the dealing with division is a brand new digital four-wheel-steering system.
In response to Bentley, the system combines with the usual adaptive suspension and new digital limited-slip rear differential to raise the GT Velocity to “a stage of agility not like another Bentley street automotive”.
Turning the rear wheels in the other way to the fronts at low and medium speeds, the system serves to successfully shorten the Conti’s wheelbase and make it extra manoeuvrable earlier than then turning the identical approach because the fronts at excessive speeds within the title of stability.
The usual traction and all-wheel-drive programs in the meantime have been recalibrated to assist emphasise the Velocity’s sportier nature than the usual GT, particularly in Sport mode the place the AWD system has been given a higher rear-bias.
The steadiness management system has been given an identical workover to permit an elevated quantity of slip earlier than intervening.
Bentley’s ‘Dynamic Trip’ 48V lively anti-roll management system additionally comes as normal.
To assist haul the flying coupe up earlier than it will get to the corners, a brand new carbon silicon carbide brake system has been made optionally out there, clamped by monstrous 10-pot callipers up entrance and four-piston grabbers on the rear which not solely will increase braking energy but additionally saves a claimed 33kg of unsprung weight.
In comparison with the remainder of the Continental GT vary, the Velocity brandishes a collection of muscular and aggressive styling cues to assist distinguish it from its lesser counterparts, together with dark-tint grilles, sports activities sills, a darkish tint radiator matrix, chrome ‘Velocity’ entrance wing badging and distinctive 22-inch Velocity alloy wheels.
The sportier theme is sustained throughout the cabin too with an unique two-tone cover and Alcantara inside, Diamond in Diamond upholstery quilting, embroidered ‘Velocity’ headrest and a few extra ‘Velocity’ badging on the sprint.
In response to Bentley member of the board for engineering Matthias Rabe, the Continental GT Velocity is the “very pinnacle of efficiency grand touring” in addition to probably the most “thrilling and dynamic” Bentley so far.
“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now actually extra succesful than ever earlier than, with a brand new sportier edge which can attraction to performance-focused drivers,” he stated.
“The Velocity is the newest chapter within the Continental GT story, serving to Bentley clients to create their very own extraordinary journeys.”
The premium British marque has offered 18 new Continental GTs thus far this yr ending February, accounting for 10.3 per cent of the $200,000-plus sportscar phase.
