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Bentley Continental GT Speed officially launched in Malaysia, priced from RM3.12 million

Bentley Kuala Lumpur recently celebrated the arrival of the most powerful grand tourer (GT) model ever produced, the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

This fourth generation Continental GT Speed is powered by a V8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ engine that delivers a total power of 782 PS and torque of 1,000 Nm.

The twin-turbo V8 engine itself is capable of producing 600 PS and 800 Nm, paired with an electric motor generating 190 PS/450 Nm, which is integrated into the transmission housing to reduce turbo lag.

Overall, this PHEV setup provides a 19 percent increase in power and an 11 percent higher torque compared to the W12 engine-equipped Continental GT Speed.

There is no need for cylinder deactivation anymore, as the hybrid system in the Continental GT Speed can completely stop the engine’s operation when the electric motor is running.

The power is transmitted to the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, assisted by an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD).

Consequently, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 335 km/h.

The 25.9 kWh battery pack allows this GT to be driven in zero-emission mode for up to 80 km at speeds of up to 140 km/h.

The Continental GT Speed also comes equipped with an active all-wheel drive system, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, Bentley Dynamic Ride, and new generation ESC control software.

To ensure this GT machine stops excellently, Bentley has fitted a braking system consisting of a 10-piston caliper and 420 mm rotors at the front, followed by a four-piston caliper and 380 mm rotors at the rear.

There is also an option to equip a carbon-silicon-carbide braking system with 440 mm rotors at the front and 410 mm at the rear.

This fourth generation Bentley Continental GT is the first Bentley model to feature a single headlight setup, replacing the previous dual round light configuration.

The LED matrix headlight unit features 120 individual LEDs that can be digitally controlled to maximize lighting.

Meanwhile, the rear lights have a three-dimensional diamond pattern that creates a molten lava effect when lit.

All four wheel arch corners are adorned with newly designed 22-inch rims inspired by tigers.

The cockpit of the Bentley Continental GT Speed provides seats that can be adjusted in 20 ways, ensuring great comfort for long journeys, a cluster of function buttons for HVAC on the center console, and the presence of an analog clock at the center of the air conditioning vents.

For the driver, a digital cluster screen is provided, while the center features the Bentley Rotating Display that offers three different sides: a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, three analog dials, or a blank panel if you prefer an uninterrupted driving experience.

Three audio system options are offered for the Continental GT:

  • Standard 650W with 10 speakers
  • Bang & Olufsen 1,500W with 16 speakers and illuminated grilles
  • Naim 2,200W, 18 speakers, Active Bass Transducers, and up to eight modes available for audiophiles

Cabin comfort is enhanced by laminated acoustic glass, which offers up to 9 dB quieter performance compared to non-acoustic glass.

This Bentley GT is also equipped with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air (OTA) updates, ambient lighting systems, and Intelligent Park Assist features.

For the Malaysian market, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is priced from RM3,120,000 excluding insurance, road tax, and registration, as well as personal customization options.

McLaren GTS replaces the GT with more power, less weight

AFTER nearly five years on the market, the McLaren GT makes way for its replacement, known as the GTS.

The newest offering from Woking boasts a number of enhancements, which cover areas such as the design, equipment, and perhaps more excitingly, performance.

While the overall shape of this grand tourer remains unchanged, the front fascia now incorporates wider, more pronounced air intakes to channel more air into the radiator system.

On the rear fenders, new, taller air scoops sit on the shoulders to enable greater airflow into the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Alongside new colour options such as Mantis Green, Tanzanite Blue and Ice White, the GTS can be had in an exclusive colour called Lava Grey. It incorporates a shimmering red fleck that catches the light to create a distinctive effect.

There are two alloy wheel designs to choose from, both of which can be fitted with titanium bolts said to be 35% lighter than standard bolts. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubbers developed specifically for the GTS.

As for the interior, customers can now opt for Softgrain Aniline leather upholstery with double piping and contrast stitching.

In addition to the visual upgrades, McLaren has reduced the weight of the GTS through the use of composite roof and upper structure at the rear, both made of carbon fibre. This makes the car 10 kg lighter, with a kerb weight of 1,520 kg.

With an output of 635 PS, which is 15 PS higher than its predecessor, and 630 Nm of torque, the GTS only takes 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and 8.9 seconds to reach a speed of 200 km/h. The maximum speed is 326 km/h.

Higher output does not necessiate that practicality has to be compromised. In fact, the GTS is more practical than the model it replaces as the lift system can now raise or lower the nose in only four seconds – more than twice as fast as before.

Additionally, the GTS has a boot space of 420 litres accessible via a front-hinged, electrically-operated glass tailgate. It also has a 150-litre storage space within the nose, giving it a total cargo space of 570 litres.

The electro-hydraulic steering system has also been retuned to deliver a more accurate level of feedback. The steering’s level of assistance is also increased at low speeds for easier low-speed manoeuvres.