Video: Bentley Continental GT Speed makes dynamic debut at 2024 Festival of Speed

The new Bentley Continental GT Speed has had its first running up the Hill as part of First Glance presented by heycar on Thursday morning. The shimmering green coupé captivated crowds as it made its run and it was certainly on a mission – rocketing past the haybales and stone walls and kicking up dirt in its wake.

The fourth generation of Bentley’s 21st-century grand tourer dispenses with the W12 in favour of a twin-turbo V8 augmented by a hybrid system, with the result being some serious power gains, for 782PS (575kW) in total, and emissions reductions to a measly 29g/km.

Two examples of the car, a GT coupé and a GTC convertible which ran on the Hill. The coupé is fresh from claiming speed records for a car both underwater and through a tunnel. 

The GT prototype hit 208mph on the way through the 14.5km Ryfylke tunnel in Norway, which is the deepest sub-sea tunnel in the world reaching some 292 metres below sea level. It also made the runs using Coryton’s Sustain renewable biofuel. 

When you consider the physics involved, the feat takes on a new level of impressiveness. According to CFD data, the Conti will have been suffering with 11 per cent higher drag at speed through the tunnel than it would in open air.

Likewise, Bentley had to be cautious of what other side effects of running at speed in this confined space would be. One of which was that there would be a feeling of the car being sucked towards a wall, if it veered off centre even slightly.

To celebrate the underwater record, a third example of the new car will be displayed behind a three-tonne fish tank, intended to be a humorous play on the whole ‘underwater record’ thing. Apparently, the tank will have 1,400 litres of water, with 30 Shubunkins and other goldfish calling it home for the duration of the weekend. 

Don’t worry, they’ll be looked after by an on-site aquarium specialist throughout. There will also be a large outdoor LED screen displaying the underwater speed record film, too.

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!