Bentley has, as expected, announced on Monday a performance version to its Continental GT family.
Through various enhancements to the exterior design, interior specification and dynamic system, the new S range adjusts the Bentley grand touring recipe to focus on the pleasure of driving.
This is sharp contrast to the Azure trim of the same model that has earlier been put together to emphasise comfort and wellbeing behind the wheel. In fact, Bentley will offer the two different specifications across its full product range. Hence, it's timely that the S spec has just been introduced to the Continental GT series.
Owners of Bentley’s two-door models appreciate the breadth of choice available to them, from the towering performance of the 6.0-litre W12 Continental GT Speed to the characterful beat of the 4.0-litre Continental GT V8.
Now, with the arrival of the Continental GT and GTC S, owners can choose to emphasise the sporting character of the 4.0-litre V8-powered Bentley Continental GT, thanks to a package of performance-focused design and engineering features.
The new S range retains the 542bhp and 770Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine that’s proved popular with customers around the world, delivering a time of just 4.0 seconds for 0-100kph.
For the GT and GTC S, the engine is enhanced by the fitment as standard of a sports exhaust to amplify the crossplane V8 beat.
The eager, free-revving and lighter 4.0-litre V8 engine gives the Continental GT S models a responsive and agile character, and this is amplified by Bentley Dynamic Ride - the advanced 48V electric active anti-roll control system first pioneered by Bentley.
By generating up 1,300Nm in 0.3 seconds, motors within the anti-roll bars actively compensate for cornering forces to minimise body roll under hard cornering, while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds by decoupling the left- and right-hand wheels from each other.
The new S models make an instant and dramatic impact with their exterior.
The sporty effect is enhanced by black gloss radiator grille and black brightware to distinctive S badging on the front fenders.
Headlamps and rear lights are dark tinted, while all exterior brightware is specified in gloss black – with only the winged Bentley badge and lettering being finished in bright chrome.
The effect of these features gives the GT and GT S a more assertive stance regardless of the limitless choice of exterior colours they’re paired with.
The S range is offered with an all-new 22” wheel option, with five Y-shaped spokes finished in gloss black and also available in a new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. Red-painted brake calipers sit behind the wheels to provide a perfect sporting contrast.
A second wheel option for the S models is a 21” tri-spoke wheel design that combines gloss black and bright machined finishes – also unique to S.
Finishing touches for the exterior include S badging on the front fenders, quad exhaust tailpipes (in black, naturally) and sill extenders in black as featured on the Continental GT Speed.
Complementing the sporty exterior design is an interior with a two-tone colour split that’s unique to the S models.
In the early days of Bentley, competitors at Brooklands and Le Mans would wrap steering wheels in cord for extra cushioning and a more secure grip.
Today’s sporting Bentley drivers are rather better served, with the suede-like properties of Dinamica proving ideal for the steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushion and seat backrest of the Continental GT and GTC S range.
Leather hide is employed on the seat bolsters, door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console.
The pairing of Dinamica with Bentley’s leather brings an interior that offers the tactile contrast of smooth hide and the soft napped finish of Dinamica.
Driver instrumentation continues the sporting theme with the same performance-focused graphics as the Continental GT Speed.
The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the ‘S’ emblem is embroidered on the headrest of each seat; embroidered Bentley wings are a no-cost alternative.
Finishing touches include a metal S signature badge on the fascia and illuminated Bentley treadplates with the ‘S’ device replacing the Bentley Motors Ltd plaque.
Bentley will of course offered electric cars in its line-up. It unveiled plans in March to build a new electric model annually for five years from 2025.
