A look at and comparison of the specs of the ultra-luxury coupe “Continental GT Speed” and “Vanquish”

Bentley Continental GT Speed

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Vanquish, featuring a large-displacement V12 engine

In June 2024, Bentley will unveil the fourth-generation Continental GT. The top-of-the-line Speed model will replace the previous 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo with a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo “Ultra Performance Hybrid” engine. This marks a shift from large-displacement, multi-cylinder engines to a PHEV that combines a highly efficient V8 engine with a powerful electric motor.

Three months later, Aston Martin has revived its flagship coupe, the Vanquish, for the first time in six years. The new Vanquish is based on the DB12, which was introduced earlier in 2023, but with an 80mm longer wheelbase. At its heart is the traditional 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine.

The Continental GT Speed is 40mm longer in overall length, but the Vanquish’s wheelbase is 34mm longer. The Continental GT, which is equipped with rear seats and a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, is over 500kg heavier than the Vanquish.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Body size = Total length 4895, total width 1966, total height 1397 mm

Wheelbase = 2851 mm

Vehicle weight = 2459 kg

Tire size = 275/35ZR20

Aston Martin Vanquish

Body size = Total length 4855, total width 2044, total height 1290 mm

Wheelbase = 2885 mm

Vehicle weight = 1910 kg

Tire size = 275/35ZR21 (front), 325/30ZR21 (rear)

Continental GT acceleration powered by electric motor

The Continental GT Speed is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that combines a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a 190 PS 400V motor. The system delivers a maximum output of 782 PS and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm. The Vanquish’s 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine has been updated based on the engine of the previous model. It achieves powerful specifications of a maximum output of 835 PS and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm.

The Vanquish achieved a top speed of 345 km/h, the fastest in the history of Aston Martin’s production models. In terms of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Continental GT Speed, with its powerful motor, outperformed the Vanquish by approximately 50 PS.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Engine type = V8 twin turbo + motor

Displacement = 3996cc

Maximum output = 600PS / 6000rpm

Maximum torque = 800Nm / 2000-4500rpm

Maximum system output = 782PS

Maximum system torque = 1000Nm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Maximum speed = 335km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 3.2 seconds

Aston Martin Vanquish

Engine type = V12 twin turbo

Displacement = 5204cc

Maximum output = 835PS / 6500rpm

Maximum torque = 1000Nm / 2500-5000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 345Km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 3.3 seconds

Large-displacement, multi-cylinder engines have become a rare find

The Continental GT Speed’s cockpit is equipped with a 12.3-inch rotating display that can be switched to a triple-eye analogue instrument panel. The seats and trim retain Bentley’s proud tradition of craftsmanship while being updated with modern quilting patterns and stitching.

The Vanquish combines a 10.25-inch TFT driver display with another 10.25-inch touchscreen. Leather and carbon fiber are combined to create a luxurious interior space worthy of being called the pinnacle of British luxury. While the Vanquish is only available as a two-seater, the Continental GT Speed is a four-seater coupe that offers ample living space.

Bentley has ended production of its iconic 6.0-liter W12 engine and converted its top-of-the-line power unit into a hybrid. The electrification ensured driving performance that surpassed that of a super sports car and a range of over 80km in EV mode. Aston Martin has added hybrid models to its lineup, but has chosen to retain the V12 engine in its flagship GT, the Vanquish.

The price difference between the Vanquish and the Continental GT Speed is 11.15 million yen. The appeal of the latest hybrid powertrain, which Bentley has put all its efforts into developing, is hard to pass up. On the other hand, the feeling of a large-displacement, multi-cylinder engine, which is now a rare find, can only be experienced with the Vanquish. It’s a truly difficult choice.