THE SPEED BENCHMARK

All-new Bentley Continental GT Speed

In the realm of luxury grand tourers, Bentley has consistently set the benchmark, and the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed is no exception. With its introduction, Bentley not only raises the bar for performance and luxury but also ushers in a new era of environmentally conscious motoring.

ULTRA PERFORMANCE HYBRID

The new Continental GT Speed is powered by an innovative hybrid system that pairs a 4.0-litre V8 engine with a potent electric motor. This combination delivers a staggering 575 kW of power and 1,000 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful road-going Bentley ever. The car rockets from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 335 km/h. Yet, the real beauty lies in how this power is harnessed and delivered.

The hybrid system’s electric motor provides immediate torque at low speeds, eliminating turbo lag and ensuring smooth, linear power delivery. This results in exhilarating acceleration and impressive mid-range performance, all while maintaining efficiency. The Continental GT Speed boasts an electric-only range of 81 km and remarkably low CO2 emissions of 29 g/km, highlighting Bentley’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

Using a wall-mounted home charger, the 25.9 kWh battery can be recharged in less than three hours, perfect for overnight charging at home, and allowing drivers to take full advantage of the electric range for daily commutes or city driving

OPEN-TOP LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE

For the first time, Bentley’s Continental family introduces the new open-top GTC Speed alongside the coupe. This convertible features a sophisticated seven-bow fabric roof system, available in seven exterior colours, including a chic tweed option. The roof can be deployed in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 48 km/h.

The performance of the Continental GTC Speed is equally impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 285 km/h, delivering breathtaking performance in an open-air grand tourer.

SUPERIOR TRACTION AND HANDLING

The hybrid powertrain isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about enhancing the driving experience. The Continental GT Speed features an advanced chassis system with two-chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers, ensuring unparalleled ride comfort and body control. Bentley Dynamic Ride, a 48V active anti-roll control system, further refines handling by adjusting to driving conditions in real-time.

An electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and torque vectoring enhance traction, distributing power precisely where it’s needed. This, combined with the car’s 49:51 rear-biassed weight distribution, delivers a driving experience that is both dynamic and composed.

LUXURIOUS AND CUTTING-EDGE INTERIOR

Bentley’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship is evident in the Continental GT Speed’s interior. The cabin is a sanctuary of comfort and innovation, featuring wellness seat technology, air ionisation, and exquisite materials such as 3D leather and new dark chrome finishes. A state-of-the-art 400-volt electrical architecture supports an array of advanced technologies, from driver assistance systems to cutting-edge infotainment.

A BOLD NEW DESIGN

The exterior of the Continental GT Speed reflects Bentley’s design evolution, with clean, modern lines and a striking presence. The new single headlamp design, inspired by the coach built Bentley Bacalar and Batur, marks a significant shift in Bentley’s design language. This bold aesthetic is complemented by the car’s muscular stance and refined details, creating a grand tourer that is as visually stunning as it is technologically advanced.

LAST WORD

Bentley’s fourth-generation Continental GT Speed once again redefines what it means to be a grand tourer. Endowed with Bentley’s legendary craftsmanship, the Continental GT Speed is a statement of intent, blending power, luxury, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility in a way that only Bentley can.

VOLVO EX30 DOMINATES LOCAL EV MARKET

Volvo Car South Africa has achieved a remarkable 46% share of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market in the first four months of 2024, primarily driven by the new Volvo EX30. The EX30, starting at R775,900, has quickly become South Africa’s best-selling electric car, accounting for 30.8% of all EV sales during this period.

This strong performance is complemented by the battery-powered C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, with the latter being the best-selling EV in 2023. The XC40 Recharge secured second place in 2024, contributing 12.8% to the EV sales figures. Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, highlighted the EX30’s significant impact on the market’s year-on-year growth. He noted that without the EX30, South Africa’s EV sales would have remained flat, emphasising the model’s role in driving the market forward.

Volvo’s excellence extends to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment, where the XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge achieved a 21.4% share. Both models were top performers in the PHEV category in 2023.

Every vehicle in Volvo Car SA’s lineup now features some form of electrification, aligning with the brand’s global strategy. Volvo aims for 50% of its global sales to be fully electric by 2025, with the rest being hybrids. By 2030, the company plans for all new vehicles to be entirely electric, underlining its commitment to a zero-emission future.

INSTER SHOWN IN GHOST IMAGES

Hyundai Motor has released initial teaser images of the Inster, the South Korean automaker’s new A-segment sub-compact electric vehicle derived from the Hyundai Casper, a model not available locally or in Europe but only sold in its domestic market.

The Inster was set to make its official debut at the Busan International Mobility Show in Korea, and according to Hyundai, it will set new standards in terms of driving range, technology, and safety features, redefining what buyers can expect from a vehicle in this class.

The name Inster is derived from “intimate” and “innovative”, and the name of the sub-compact EV also reflects the evolution from the Korea-only, petrol-powered Casper, introduced in 2021. The initial friendly ghost images give a glimpse of the new model’s signature LED daytime running lights, and pixel styling elements, but even so, it looks very much like the Casper.

According to Hyundai, the targeted maximum range for the sub-compact EV is 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge, and it would seem the Inster (badged Casper Electric in Korea) is ready to be introduced in other countries, most likely in Europe first. However, while an interesting proposition, the chances are slim that the Inster will find its way to South Africa.

Report by WILHELM LOOTS