Bentley has built another performance V8 hybrid, and it’s got a faintly mad 671bhp

Bentley has revealed a new version of its bonkers V8 hybrid powertrain for those that don’t want full-on bonkers, but medium-bonkers. This is the luxury carmaker’s new ‘High Performance Hybrid’, and actually it’s still… bonkers.

Because though it’s down around 100bhp on the ‘Ultra High Performance Hybrid’ version revealed last year – a drivetrain that now occupies Bentley’s top step after the retirement of its W12-engined thunderstorm – it’s still packing 671bhp.

And 686lb ft. Numbers achieved by that brand-new, cross-plane 4.0-litre V8 and an electric motor (hiding in the gearbox). Whichever way you cut it, those are big numbers, now applicable to the delightful new Continental GT, Conti GT Convertible, and Flying Spur. Big enough to render the old, W12-engined monster’s numbers… redundant.

“Though the Ultra Performance Hybrid of the Speed remains the most extreme powertrain in Bentley’s range, it is significant that the new High Performance Hybrid outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque and performance parameters,” said Bentley. Well, quite.

On top of that headline power output, the HPH can travel up to 50 miles (80km) on electric power alone, because the electric motor’s got gumption. Every Bentley bar the Bentayga now gets a version of this electrified V8, with that SUV sticking with its electrified V6.

Bentley reckons on 0-62mph in 3.7s for the Conti GT, and 3.9s for both the Conti GT Convertible and Flying Spur. Continental cars get Bentley’s ‘Active Chassis’ which includes rear-wheel steering, ‘dynamic ride’ and an electronic diff.

There’s a new trim level available in this HPH configuration, and it’s called ‘Azure’ (the blue cars above). In the Conti GT and GT cab, that means gloss black exterior trim, chrome, 22in wheels, Azure badging and of course, much diamond-quilting. Azure cars get Bentley’s ‘Touring’, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Lighting’ packs thrown in as standard.

Though of course, your Bentley likely won’t be standard, because, according to Bentley, “this is just the start of the journey; the near-infinite choice of paint finishes, veneers, trim, interior upholstery and Mulliner options enables each customer to create a Bentley that is truly individual”. Your journey starts at £202,400 for the Conti GT.