BENTLEY has ditched its iconic W12 engine in favour of a hybrid-V8 setup that gives extra energy than ever earlier than within the top-spec Continental GT Pace.
The brand new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 produces 435kW/800Nm, whereas an electrical motor gives an additional 139kW/450Nm, providing a mixed output of 575kW/1000Nm – eclipsing even the second-generation Supersports.
Energy runs via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and onto all 4 wheels, with the 25.9kWh battery mounted behind the rear axle to realize what Bentley says is a “excellent weight distribution”. Nevertheless, the “excellent” weight distribution is definitely a rear-biased 49:51 break up.
Torque is up 11 per cent in comparison with the outgoing W12-powered GT Pace, and energy is up 19 per cent, which makes the brand new mannequin essentially the most highly effective, and quickest, Continental ever. It’ll get to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a prime velocity of 335km/h.
In exhibiting off its stop-speed potential, the brand new GT Pace even set an unofficial ‘underwater velocity document’, clocking 335km/h via the Ryfylke Tunnel in Norway. The 14.4km-long tunnel is 292 metres beneath sea stage, therefore the ‘underwater’ reference.
The brand new 400-volt structure permits electric-only vary of 81km, however the electrical motor is used to fill the torque hole at low RPM in different driving modes. Bentley was capable of transfer to twin single-scroll turbochargers because of this, as a result of diminished lag, preserving the system easy and eliminating cylinder deactivation {hardware}.
But it surely isn’t simply the powertrain that’s been up to date, as a result of Bentley claims 68 per cent of the parts on the fourth-generation GT Pace are new, regardless of visuals that look pretty just like the third-generation mannequin.
A brand new chassis system makes use of two-chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers, together with Bentley’s 48V anti-roll management system, to stability physique roll and luxury within the hybrid mannequin.Whereas automobile weight has not but been disclosed, we suspect it will likely be heavier than the third-generation GT Pace.
Brakes are, unsurprisingly, huge. The GT Pace scores 10-piston entrance and four-piston rear calipers, with huge 420mm entrance and 380mm rear discs. There may be additionally a carbon-silicon-carbide possibility, with 440mm entrance and 410mm rear rotors.
Visible adjustments, as talked about, should not as vital because the shift to hybrid energy, however the facelifted design has been modernised and is extra muscular from all angles. Actually, Bentley says the revised front-end is impressed by the “upright class of a thoroughbred horse”, which take a look at.
The headlights at the moment are a streamlined single lamp design, with a brand new horizontal ‘eyebrow’ above the matrix LEDs. The rears have additionally been redesigned, protruding additional and that includes a three-dimensional sample inside.
A precision quilt sample is used all through the inside, that includes throughout the seats and doorways, which Bentley says provides a “cocooning atmosphere”. Darkish chrome options have additionally been used all through, for issues like door handles, switches and grilles.
Bentley’s signature rotating show stays, housing three choices that may be modified by urgent a button, giving homeowners a selection of a 12.3-inch show, three analogue dials, or a hardcrafter veneer.
The drop-top GTC Pace will even launch alongside its coupe sibling, that includes the identical powertrain however a barely slower 0-100km/h dash time of three.4 seconds and a diminished 285km/h prime velocity.
Each fashions can be hand-built at Bentley’s Dream Manufacturing unit in Crewe, England, and the agency says deliveries will start from Q3 this 12 months.
Australian arrival timing and pricing is but to be confirmed.
