FYI: Bentley’s fourth-generation Continental GT Speed, enhanced by Mulliner’s bespoke craftsmanship, makes its US debut at Monterey Car Week, leading the charge with unmatched luxury and performance.
Bentley’s New Continental GT Speed Shines at Monterey Car Week
Bentley is set to debut its fourth-generation Continental GT Speed in the US this week at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, an integral part of the renowned Monterey Car Week. This launch marks the first introduction of a new Continental GT Speed equipped with custom features from Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalization expert.
Mulliner’s Masterpiece
Bentley’s Mulliner division, famed for its customization and coachbuilding excellence, is the creative force behind the new Continental GT Speed. Mulliner is not only known for tailoring standard Bentley models but also for its spectacular projects like the Blower and Speed Six Continuation Series, as well as the ultra-limited Bacalar, Batur, and Batur Convertible.
Exclusive Features and Customization
From launch, the Continental GT Speed offers extensive personalization options through Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide, allowing customers to step beyond conventional choices to create truly unique vehicles. The potential customization combinations are virtually limitless, running into tens of billions.
Showstopper: Orange-Themed GT Speed
Leading the fleet at Monterey Car Week is a striking orange-themed GT Speed, finished in Orange Flame Satin. This bespoke hue is one of 15 meticulously crafted satin colors, each requiring up to 55 hours to perfect. Complementing the vivid exterior, the car features gloss black finishes for all brightware and matching black-painted 22” ten-spoke wheels with self-leveling badges. The aesthetic brilliance is matched by acoustic excellence, thanks to a sports exhaust and the Naim for Bentley audio system.
Inside Look: Gravity Grey and Mandarin Highlights
The interior, a showcase of Mulliner’s attention to detail, is crafted from new Gravity Grey and Brunel leathers with accented orange highlights. Diamond Quilted patterns on seats, doors, and rear panels are stitched in Gravity Grey, paired with Piano finished fascias. Mandarin orange accents on pinstripes, air vent vanes, and seat piping echo the exterior theme, creating a cohesive and luxurious cabin ambiance.
Unveiling the Ultra Performance Hybrid
A fleet of more than 30 new Continental GT Speeds is set to tour the US, showcasing Bentley’s latest Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This cutting-edge system features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a powerful electric motor and a 25.9 kWh battery. The hybrid delivers phenomenal performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 208 mph. Additionally, it offers 50 miles of electric-only range and emits just 29 g/km of CO2 on the EU drive cycle.
Bentley’s Continued Presence at Monterey Car Week
Bentley’s significant presence at Monterey Car Week extends beyond the Continental GT Speed. The company will also showcase the Speed Six Continuation Series and a restored 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe. The Speed Six, following its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, will offer customer and VIP rides throughout the week. The rare S2 Drophead Coupe, fresh from a two-year restoration, will participate in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Signature Events
Highlighting Bentley’s participation, the iconic Friday night dinner on Seal Rock Beach, this year sponsored by the Bentley Environmental Foundation, will introduce new developments in the initiative. The GT Speed models will form an honorary guard at Bentley’s Signature Party, making it the go-to event of Monterey Car Week.
Conclusion: A New Epoch for Bentley
The fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed epitomizes the blend of supercar performance, handcrafted luxury, and everyday usability. Its exterior and interior reflect Bentley’s current design revolution, inspired by the Bacalar and Batur. The introduction of advanced wellness seat technology, air ionization, and new materials signifies a step forward in automotive luxury.
The debut of both coupe and convertible models simultaneously marks a significant milestone, with production beginning in Q3 and deliveries starting in Q4. Crafted entirely by hand at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England, these models will soon redefine luxury and performance on roads across the globe.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
