The Fourth-Generation Continental GTC

The fourth-generation Bentley Continental GTC Speed has probably been the biggest leap forward in the Continental’s 22-year-long run. Its styling, for one, is vastly different than any Continental beforehand, abandoning the traditional dual headlight look Bentley have used for decades. Instead, favouring a sleek, singular design first seen on the Batur. But it’s under the Bonnet where the real changes happened.

Gone is the iconic 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 and instead is the firm's 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 combined with 25.9 kWh Electric Motor. Bentley calls this new unit the Ultra Performance Hybrid system, and the result is a stratospheric 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Yet due to the hybrid setup, it has an electric-only range of 50 miles, a total driving range of 534 miles, and CO2 emissions now less than 30g/km.

However, as Convertibles have significant drag compared to coupe’s Bentley have limited the top speed is to just 177mph. Significantly slower than the hardtop’s 208mph and really not all that impressive in a car that in base spec, costs $300,000. But that being said, the Continental will never be driven at the max, and one can enjoy the car’s best features, it’s simply stunning interior, now available with 46 billion configuration options.

Bentley Continental GTC Speed in Violette Revives a Historic Hue

Recently Bentley have resurrected a colour from their past. The Violette that once graced some of the more bespoke models has been remastered by Bentley’s Paint Shop. This team of craftsmen can recreate any colour from Bentley’s history, using either preserved master samples or by studying existing cars. Recent revivals include Sage Green from the 1950s, Shell Grey from the 1960s, and Rubino Red from the 2000s.

This particular car was commissioned by a true Bentley enthusiast. This gentleman apparently owned six Bentaygas, including one finished in Magenta, and a Continental GT in Scarab Green. But after visiting the Goodwood Festival of Speed and experiencing the thrill of the Speed Six Continuation Series, they decided to add a second Continental to the line-up.

The Violette Hue was once a colour that graced Bentley’s most high-end models, and was carefully re-imagined by the bespoke Bentley paint shop. This Violette is perfectly contrasted with Gloss Black bright ware and matching badges. This is further enhanced by the bespoke seven-layer dark grey metallic weave roof. But as always with the Continental, the interior greatly outshines the exterior.

The cabin boasts a bespoke Tanzanite purple that flows across the centre console, steering wheel, and seat backs. Contrasting this is a beautiful offset by Linen hide on the seats and console. Bespoke lilac accents appear on the stitching, seat piping, the gear lever, and even the steering wheel straight-ahead mark. Finally, the interior is finished in the Dark Chrome Interior Specification, Bentley’s signature Rotating Display, and the Naim audio system.

But the jewel in the crown. Bentley have introduced a new technique called Stone Veneer, an advanced technique where natural stone, just 0.1mm thick, is transformed into lightweight interior panels. In the Continental, this is available in Autumn, Copper, Galaxy, and Terra Red finishes that really enhance this otherwise stunning car. Whilst the GTC is far from the best car on sale, there’s no denying that the Craftsman at Mulliner have hit greatness once again.

Source: Bentley