Bentley Introduces New “High Performance Hybrid” Powertrain for 2026 Continental GT, GT Convertible, and Flying Spur. Bentley’s new powertrain is similar to the 771-hp unit in the latest Speed models but has been detuned to 671 hp and 686 lb-ft of torque. The new combination will be offered on both the base models and the chrome-covered high-end Azure trims. Bentley improved the Continental GT this summer by adding a new Speed version with a plug-in hybrid V-8 engine instead of the W-12 engine. Later, a comparable device was incorporated into the 2025 Flying Spur Speed. In 2026, Bentley will add a less powerful V-8 hybrid engine to the Speed models that already have 771 hp. The Continental GT, the Continental GT convertible, and the Flying Spur car will all be able to get this version. This is not the same as the Ultra Performance Hybrid unit used in the Speed and Mulliner trim levels. Bentley calls it the High-Performance Hybrid engine. The electric motor and the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine now work together to make 686 pound-feet of torque and 671 horsepower, respectively. Even though it has 100 less horsepower than the Ultra Performance Hybrid, the 671 horsepower engine is still more powerful than the W-12 engine that was used in earlier Speed models. It only takes 3.5 seconds for the Continental GT to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, which is pretty fast. Both the Continental GT Convertible and the Flying Spur Sedan Take 3.8 Seconds. The new Continental cars also have an electronic limited-slip differential, steering for the back wheels, and adjustable suspension. The Continental GT plug-in hybrid can travel 53 miles on energy alone, according to Bentley. This is ten miles more than the Ultra Performance Hybrid configuration. The convertible variant’s advertised range is 51 miles. No guess was made about the Flying Spur’s range. Bentley refers to the new powertrain as “core,” or base versions, or the more upscale Azure trim, which focuses on “wellness and comfort.” The “core” versions of the new Bentleys have gloss black trim around the same complicated headlamps as the 2025 Speed models. The cabin appears as sumptuous as ever, with either bright or dark chrome accents. The new Azure trims have a gloss black front splitter, shiny bumper trim, and a beautiful chrome grille frame with vertical vanes. Azure logos on the front fender and a unique 22-inch wheel design are also included. The headrests inside are embroidered with “Azure” and made of diamond-quilted leather. The Continental GT Azure has a panoramic sunroof, while the convertible has a neck warmer that lets you take off the top when it gets cooler in the fall. Bentley hasn’t yet said how much any of the new cars will cost. The new base model should cost far less than $300,000, as the Continental GT Speed starts at $306,250 for the 2025 model year. The normal model for 2024 costs $245,850, while the Azure model costs $294,450. The Azure will cost around $260,000, and the new smaller Flying Spur will start at about $225,000. The 2025 Flying Spur Speed will begin at $276,450.
