Bentley Continental GT & GTC get 8-Speed ZF ‘box

The new Bentley Continental GT, GTC and GT Speed with the W12 engine are getting the new 8-speed ZF gearbox. Improved economy and performance.

When Bentley revealed the Continental GT V8 they did so complete with a new 8-speed ZF auto ‘box rather than the 6-speed ‘box the W12 GT and GTC get. But now they’ve managed to get the new 8-speed box bolted on to the W12 GTs to improve performance and economy.

All three W12 Continental GT models – the GT, GTC and GT Speed – get the new ‘box and the improvements are marked (although more marked in official figures than they’ll ever be in the real world).

Not only has the 8-speed ‘box been fitted, but Bentley has also incorporated an energy recuperation system that can store surplus energy generated by the alternator under low load conditions and stores it in the battery to reduce the required output under load thereby improving economy by 1.6 per cent.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Photos |  Bentley Continental GT Photos | Bentley Continental GTC Photos

That’s not a huge amount, but the overall effect of the energy regeneration, new 8-speed ‘box and new ME17 engine management system is an overall improvement in economy, emissions and range of 12 per cent.

That means the GT and GT Speed now have official economy of 19.5mpg and the GTC 19mpg. Performance also improves, with the GT getting to 60mph in 4.3 seconds and the GTC in 4.4 seconds. The GT Speed takes just 4.0 seconds.

The new eight-speed ZF ‘box is being fitted to all W12 Continental GT and GTC models from now, and the order book for the new GT Speed is open with first deliveries expected in October.