Bentley
Continental GT/GTC
Flying Spur
Bentayga
The latest model has a powerful heart with a maximum torque of 1000Nm
Production of Bentley’s W12 engine will end in April 2024. However unique the W12 may have been, today’s world demands environmental performance on a whole new level, and the W12 has fulfilled its role… in that era, that is to say, it has fulfilled its role. The W12 engine was also synonymous with the most high-performance sports Bentley, known as “speed.” So, when news of the end of W12 production was announced, it’s not hard to imagine that enthusiasts around the world were filled with anxiety, wondering, “What will happen to sports Bentleys?”
However, naturally, Bentley was preparing a new flagship powertrain to replace the W12. This was the Ultra Performance Hybrid (UPH), which was released in June 2024 along with the new Continental GT/GTC.
The core of the Bentley UPH is a newly designed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which alone delivers a maximum output of 600 PS and a maximum torque of 800 Nm, exceeding the performance of the previous V8. Combined with a sharp and highly efficient 8-speed DCT, a 190 PS/450 Nm E-motor, an electronically controlled AWD system, and an externally rechargeable 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, the UPH is the heart of the new sports Bentley.
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[1] [2] [3] This time, we chose the sports model “Speed” for the Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. The powertrain is an “Ultra Performance Hybrid” that combines a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo with a powerful motor that produces 190 PS/450 Nm. With a total system output of 782 PS/1000 Nm, it is the most powerful Bentley ever. [4] The Bentayga is available with two powertrains: a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid and a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo, but the test car we drove this time was the latter. It produces a maximum output of 550 PS and a maximum torque of 770 Nm.
Bentley calls the electric part of the UPH an “electrocharger,” which is also a reflection of Bentley’s philosophy that hybrids are not just eco-friendly tools. In fact, the UPH’s system’s maximum output is 782 PS, and its maximum torque reaches the impressive mark of 1,000 Nm. This surpasses the performance of its predecessor, the W12, by 123 PS/100 Nm. For example, comparing the Continental GT, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced from 3.6 seconds to 3.2 seconds (both have a top speed of 335 km/h).
What’s more, the UPH is also a plug-in hybrid, and when the lithium-ion battery installed under the rear floor of the body is fully charged, it can travel around 80km in EV mode. Owners with a charging station in their garage can live a life without using a single drop of gasoline on weekdays and without even hearing the sound of an engine.
On the one hand, the new-generation Bentley delivers incredible power performance that surpasses that of the W12, while also allowing for a smart EV lifestyle, fulfilling the dream of the perfect dual wield of sport and luxury.
Hybridization improves front-to-rear weight distribution
Continental GT Speed
Continental GTC Speed
The new Continental GT/GTC Speed was chosen as Bentley’s partner when it introduced its new generation powertrain, the Ultra Performance Hybrid (UPH). Bentley has completely redesigned the car to accommodate this new generation powertrain.
Since the debut of the first-generation Continental GT in 2002, Bentley’s annual production scale has expanded from around 1,000 units to over 10,000 units in just over four years. The Continental GT is the driving force behind Bentley’s revival. Currently, the Bentayga SUV accounts for over 40% of all Bentley sales, with the Continental GT (including the GTC) coming in second with around 30%. Even in the heyday of SUVs, it can be said that the Continental GT remains the foundation of Bentley.
The new Continental GT/GTC follows the basic dimensions such as the wheelbase, the elegant coupe style and the basic interior layout of the previous third generation, but 68% of the components have been renewed, and Bentley itself defines this as the fourth generation. The round four headlights that have made a strong impression on previous Bentleys have been replaced by two single lights on the left and right, strongly asserting that this is a new generation Bentley.
This is the Continental GT, the first edition to commemorate its introduction. The gray body color and black and red interior give it a sporty look. The color change of this interior can only be selected at this speed.
The new Continental GT/GTC Speed isn’t just about the design and powertrain. The suspension, which combines new dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air springs, is also completely new. It’s also generously equipped with mature electronic control technologies such as active all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, electronically controlled limited slip differential (LSD), and 48V active anti-roll control.
The driving experience of the new Continental GT/GTC is impressive. As long as there is battery power remaining, the Continental GT/GTC basically runs as an EV. With the throttle open at 75% or less, it can run at a maximum speed of 140km/h in EV mode, so there’s almost no need for the V8 twin turbo at times like this. The ride quality thanks to the new suspension is like gliding over the road, and your entire body is filled with an ultra-smooth feeling.
Also, in situations like this, with the previous model of the soft-top GTC, you would be a little concerned about the bumps from the road, but with the new model, which has a newly developed suspension and greatly improved body rigidity, the gap with the GT has narrowed to the point that with the top up, you’ll unconsciously forget that you’re driving a GTC.
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[1] [2] The test drive vehicle is fitted with Bentley-approved Pirelli P Zero tyres. The sizes are 275/35ZR22 in the front and 315/30ZR22 in the rear. Seven different wheel types are available. [3] The GTC seats provide firm support while offering an exquisite shape that prevents fatigue even on long drives. For the interior, you can choose not only the colour but also the transition pattern. [4] You can choose from over 25 different decorative panels. There are plenty of options other than wood, such as the diamond brushed aluminium shown in the photo.
However, the true essence of the new generation sports Bentley comes when you step onto a winding road and set the engine to full power in sports mode. The UPH delivers an instantaneous, mind-blowing kick, while also making good use of the motor to deliver an otherworldly smoothness with almost no gear shift shock.
Compared to the GT/GTC Speed of the W12 era, the car’s weight has clearly increased, but the well-balanced placement of the hybrid system has significantly improved the front-to-rear weight distribution from front-heavy to “slightly rear-heavy.” The fact that such a luxurious coupe can be controlled as effortlessly as a mid-range sports car is undoubtedly due in large part to the benefits of the ideal weight distribution, in addition to the advanced chassis technology.
An ideal powertrain that combines sportiness and luxury
Flying Spur Speed
The Flying Spur also underwent a generational change, arriving about one month after the new Continental GT/GTC Speed, the first of the new generation of sports Bentleys. Like the Continental GT/GTC, the new Flying Spur will debut with the Speed, which is equipped with an Ultra Performance Hybrid (UPH) engine that delivers a maximum system output of 782 PS and 1000 Nm of torque.
The new Flying Spur also follows the basic design of its predecessor, such as body size, proportions, and interior, while revamping most of its mechanical components. However, while the Continental GT exudes a new generation feel with its unprecedented twin oval headlights, the Flying Spur dares to stick to the traditional four round headlights. Perhaps this is because the Flying Spur is a saloon that is sometimes driven to formal occasions where prestige is valued.
The Flying Spur’s body size is 5,316 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, and 1,474 mm in height.
The Flying Spur has a wheelbase about 340mm longer than the Continental GT, and compared to other cars with the same UPH, it weighs just under 200kg more. Therefore, with all driving controls set to the default B mode, the Flying Spur drives with an even more solid and composed demeanor than the Continental GT.
The combination of a new twin-valve damper that can adjust the rebound and compression damping force independently and a newly developed double-chamber air spring adds a new, warm, silky smoothness to the ride quality that was already impeccable in the previous model. Furthermore, the UPH, which provides silent and smooth EV driving at low loads, is an ideal mechanism for formal occasions.
Switch the drive mode to Sport and press the accelerator pedal hard, and the Flying Spur will demonstrate a ferocious dash that would overwhelm any super sports car. Its 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds is 0.5 seconds faster than the previous Flying Spur Speed with its W12 engine.
As mentioned above, the Flying Spur’s maneuverability as a car is clearly more relaxed than the Continental GT. However, thanks to the synergistic effects of its cutting-edge suspension, active anti-roll control that minimizes roll, and rear steering that is “opposite phase at low speeds and in-phase at high speeds,” the Flying Spur, when driven with enthusiasm, displays turning performance that is hard to imagine from its size. And at high speeds, it demonstrates its ability to trace a line with precision and stability, as if it were on an invisible rail.
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[1] The Flying Spur test drive vehicle is also a first edition. Its unique “Rotating Display” allows you to switch between three patterns: the navigation screen, the triple analog meter, and the decorative panel. [2] [3] The optional “Wellness Seat” that automatically adjusts the temperature and pressure of the seat, previously only available for the front seats, is now also available for the rear seats in the new model. The cute Bentley Teddy Bear with its luxurious décor can be purchased from authorized dealers. [4] These are the optional 22-inch “Speed” wheels. They are in dark tint. The Flying Spur also offers a total of seven different wheels.
Even the Flying Spur, one of the world’s finest luxury saloons, cannot hide its origins as a sports car brand, as Bentley has been involved in motorsports since its founding in 1919. If the duality of sport and luxury, which could be described as the “Jekyll and Hyde” parallels, is the essence of Bentley, then the UPH, which combines overwhelming quietness and smoothness with speed that surpasses even the traditional W12, may be the ideal powertrain that Bentley has arrived at in its 105th year since founding.
“Styling Specification” adds a sporty touch with carbon fiber parts
The Flying Spur offers the option of “Styling Specification – Carbon” to give the exterior a sportier look. When selected, the front splitter, side skirts, and diffuser are made of carbon fiber, and a lip spoiler is added to the trunk lid. This increases the car’s muscular appearance and improves aerodynamic performance.
It has an analog feel to it.
Bentayga S Black Edition V8
The Bentayga was born in 2015 as an unprecedented new breed of luxury SUV, and has since evolved into its current second generation, which was significantly updated in 2020. Its top sports model was the Speed, which also had a W12 engine until last year.
As mentioned elsewhere, following the end of production of the W12 engine in 2024, the Continental GT series and the Flying Spur Speed were equipped with a new “Ultra Performance Hybrid (UPH)” engine. However, the Bentayga Speed, which is different from these in terms of its original structural design, chose a slightly different path. The new Bentayga Speed, which was unveiled to the world for the first time in June 2025, was released as a pure 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo car.
Its maximum output of 650 PS and maximum torque of 850 Nm are both the most powerful in Bentley history, surpassing the speed of the previous W12 engine (635 PS). It also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds (the previous Bentayga Speed was 3.9 seconds), and finally reaches a top speed of 310 km/h (306 km/h in the previous model), which is one of the world’s fastest SUVs.
However, the new Bentayga Speed, which has just been unveiled in its home country, was not available for this interview, so we brought along the “S”, the next sportiest model after the Speed, and the “Black Edition”, whose vivid color scheme gives it a fearless look. The tuning of its 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo is more modest than the new Speed, but its absolute power performance of 550 PS maximum output, 770 Nm maximum torque, and a top speed of 290 km/h is among the best in the world for an SUV. In fact, there is no way it would feel lacking unless you compare it side by side with the new Bentayga Speed.
The Bentayga Black Edition is touted as “the edgiest SUV in Bentley history.”
If the sense of speed of the UPH, which combines a V8 twin-turbo with a motor, exudes a slightly unrealistic aura, the appeal of the Bentayga S, which is a pure internal combustion engine, is the thorough realism that continues to overwhelm the V8 twin-turbo. I won’t deny that when the Bentayga S is set to the “Sport” drive mode, there is a slight lag and gear change shock that is different from the UPH (which is also the fate of a pure internal combustion engine). However, on the other hand, it is this analogue breath that has traditionally been valued in sports cars and sporty cars.
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[1] [2] [3] The interior color layout is exclusive to the Black Edition. The vivid accent color “Mandarin” is repeated here as well. In addition to Mandarin, seven other accent colors are available, including yellow, blue, and green. An “S” is embroidered on each seat. [4] The interior carbon fiber panels use a new weave, giving them a more three-dimensional appearance. [5] For the first time in the company’s 106-year history, the Black Edition features the “Bentley Wing” finished in gloss black. This is also the first time that the rear “BENTLEY” lettering will be black. [6] 22-inch black painted wheels are fitted. The brake calipers are coordinated with the accent color.
The Bentayga’s chassis does not feature the dual-valve dampers or twin-chamber air springs newly introduced on the new Continental GT/GTC or Flying Spur. However, the Bentayga comes standard with Bentley Dynamic Ride, which combines electronically controlled dampers with air suspension and an anti-roll system. In the default B mode, the car behaves gently, while in Sport mode, it displays high maneuverability reminiscent of a low-center-of-gravity sports car. This duality is truly Bentley.
In recent years, the Bentayga has always been the best-selling Bentley, consistently accounting for more than 40% of all Bentleys. In that sense, the Bentayga, which combines SUV, luxury, and sports to an advanced level, can be said to be the epitome of a modern sports Bentley.
REPORT / Hiromune SANO
PHOTO / Kouichi SHINOHARA
MAGAZINE / GENROQ September 2025 issue
Check out the latest Bentley in the video!
SPECIFICATIONS
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Body size: Length 4895, width 1966, height 1397mm
Wheelbase: 2851mm
Vehicle weight: 2459kg
Powertrain: V8 DOHC twin turbo + E-motor
engine
Total displacement: 3996cc
Maximum output: 441kW (600PS) / 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2000-4500rpm
Motor
maximum output: 140kW (190PS)
Maximum torque: 450Nm (45.9kgm)
Hybrid system total
maximum output: 575kW (782PS)
Maximum torque: 1000Nm (102.0kgm)
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 275/35ZR22, rear 315/30ZR22
Maximum speed: 335km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 3.2 seconds
Vehicle price: 39,303,000 yen
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Body size: Length 4895, width 1966, height 1392mm
Wheelbase: 2848mm
Vehicle weight: 2636kg
Powertrain: V8 DOHC twin turbo + E-motor
engine
Total displacement: 3996cc
Maximum output: 441kW (600PS) / 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2000-4500rpm
Motor
maximum output: 140kW (190PS)
Maximum torque: 450Nm (45.9kgm)
Hybrid system total
maximum output: 575kW (782PS)
Maximum torque: 1000Nm (102.0kgm)
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 275/35ZR22, rear 315/30ZR22
Maximum speed: 285km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 3.4 seconds
Vehicle price: 43.12 million yen
Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Body size: Length 5316, Width 1988, Height 1474mm
Wheelbase: 3194mm
Vehicle weight: 2646kg
Powertrain: V8 DOHC twin turbo + E-motor
engine
Total displacement: 3996cc
Maximum output: 441kW (600PS) / 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2000-4500rpm
Motor
maximum output: 140kW (190PS)
Maximum torque: 450Nm (45.9kgm)
Hybrid system total
maximum output: 575kW (782PS)
Maximum torque: 1000Nm (102.0kgm)
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 275/35ZR22, rear 315/30ZR22
Maximum speed: 285km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 3.5 seconds
Vehicle price: 33,792,000 yen
Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition V8
Body size: Length 5144mm, width 2010mm, height 1728mm
Wheelbase: 2995mm
Vehicle weight: 2416kg
Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo
Total displacement: 3996cc
Maximum output: 404kW (550PS) / 5750-6000rpm
Maximum torque: 770Nm (78.6kgm) / 2000-4500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed AT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire
size: Front and rear 285/40ZR22
Top speed: 290km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 4.5 seconds
Vehicle price: 34.86 million yen
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