Bentley Motors has proudly announced the completion of the first fourth-generation Continental GT, handcrafted at the marque’s renowned Dream Factory in Crewe, just in time to honour the 136th birthday of its founder, Walter Owen Bentley. Finished in the striking launch colour of Tourmaline Green, the car’s debut marks a momentous occasion for the brand, blending Bentley’s rich heritage with cutting-edge design and engineering.
This first model mirrors the specification of the Continental GT that featured in Bentley’s renowned ‘Underwater Speed Record’ film, creating a visual link to one of the most iconic promotional moments in the company’s history. With its distinctive exterior hue and an interior finished in Gravity Grey and Mandarin, this GT is a statement of Bentley’s masterful approach to craftsmanship and design innovation.
A Modern Icon Joins Bentley’s Heritage Collection
Initially set to join the UK Press Fleet, this first Continental GT will eventually be enshrined in Bentley’s prestigious Heritage Collection, where it will be preserved forever. This collection, a celebration of the brand’s legacy, houses 45 of Bentley’s most significant cars, ranging from the 1919 3-Litre EXP2, the oldest Bentley in existence, to the latest fourth-generation Continental GT. Each car represents a chapter in Bentley’s 105-year history, encapsulating the evolution of luxury and performance.
Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, Andreas Lehe, expressed his pride in the production milestone:
“The fourth-generation Continental GT is a true masterpiece. The vivid launch colour of Tourmaline Green is a modern interpretation of the notable Bentley Green, designed and painted by our in-house craftspeople. The vehicle completed a staggering 92 assembly stations throughout the production process, and we’ve also pushed the boundaries of our interior vehicle design, with three-dimensional leather textures, modern quilting, and dark chrome finishes. Our artisans in Crewe have truly outdone themselves, ensuring every detail exudes luxury.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Performance and Craftsmanship
The Continental GT Speed, the most powerful road-going Bentley ever produced, sets new standards for supercar performance, while maintaining the elegance and usability Bentley is renowned for. The car is powered by Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, which combines a 4.0-litre V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor to produce a staggering 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. This allows the GT to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.1 seconds, while offering a purely electric range of 50 miles (81 km) and a total range of 534 miles (859 km).
The exterior and interior of the fourth-generation GT also reflect Bentley’s evolving design language, influenced by recent creations such as the coachbuilt Bacalar and Batur. The car showcases modern detailing, enhanced by Bentley’s commitment to handcrafted luxury. The interior features three-dimensional leather textures, intricate quilting, and sophisticated dark chrome finishes, ensuring every inch of the cabin reflects Bentley’s devotion to craftsmanship.
Crafting the Future While Honouring the Past
As the first of many customer cars to come, each new Continental GT will be specified from an extraordinary palette of 46 billion possible configurations, thanks to Bentley’s expansive standard options list. This unprecedented level of personalisation allows each owner to create a vehicle that is truly unique.
With the production of this first fourth-generation Continental GT, Bentley demonstrates its ability to balance heritage with innovation, ensuring that each new vehicle not only honours the company’s past but also propels it into an exciting future. As this first model joins the ranks of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, it will stand as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence, performance, and luxury.
