Bentley has conducted the world’s first Global Media Drive using sustainable eFuel, in an initiative that reinforces its commitment to reducing the company’s environmental impact. At this event, 157 guests from various parts of the world arrived in Switzerland for the global launch of the fourth generation Continental GT Speed, available in both coupé and convertible versions. This event marks a milestone as it is the first to utilise eFuel and demonstrate its compatibility with traditional combustion engines.
eFuel, a fully synthetic fuel, has been developed by an international consortium led by Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF) Global and backed by Porsche. This innovative fuel is created ‘from thin air’ at the Haru Oni pilot plant, located in the Magallanes Region of Chile. The production process involves capturing biogenic CO₂ from brewing processes, which is then combined with hydrogen obtained through water electrolysis to create methanol, subsequently refined into gasoline.
For this Global Media Drive, Bentley used a blend of R75, composed of 75 per cent eFuel and 25 per cent conventional petrol, achieving a notable reduction in well-to-wheel emissions. The fuel powered both the fleet of Continental GT Speed vehicles and the supporting chauffeur fleet, while the 25.9 kWh hybrid batteries were charged with 100 per cent renewable electricity sourced from local hydroelectric and wind turbine facilities. This combination of the Ultra Performance hybrid powertrain, eFuel, and the renewable electricity used at the hotel enabled an impressive 93 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions from vehicles compared to previous events.
The driving route covered four iconic mountain passes: Sustenpass, Grimselpass, Nufenenpass, and St. Gotthard Pass. Throughout the event, the 12 Continental GT Speeds climbed a total of 1,400,000 feet, navigating over 4,500 hairpin turns and covering 8,000 miles in seven days, all while achieving a 30 per cent reduction in overall carbon impact per guest*.
During the journey in the new grand tourer, attendees had the opportunity to experience the dynamic capabilities of the chassis technology with Bentley’s innovative dual-valve damper, as well as enjoy the benefits of the Ultra Performance hybrid powertrain, which uses the e-motor to supplement torque at low speeds and enhance smoothness during gear changes.
The Continental GT Speed, now available for order, has been certified at 29 g/km CO₂ and 217 mpg, and is expected to arrive at retailers at the beginning of next year.
eFuel
Bentley is stepping into the future of sustainability with eFuels, synthetic liquid fuels produced from hydrogen sourced from renewable energy and CO₂ filtered from the air. This approach allows existing vehicles to use a potentially CO₂-neutral fuel without modifications, and is compatible with current fuel station infrastructure.
In collaboration with Porsche and the company Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF), Bentley supports the Haru Oni pilot plant in Chile, where strong winds are harnessed to generate renewable electricity. This process includes capturing biogenic CO₂ from the brewing industry, which is then combined with hydrogen to produce methanol, which is converted into eFuel through synthesis.
Bentley’s goal is for the combustion of eFuel to produce no more CO₂ than was used in its manufacture, thereby closing the gap towards total sustainability. Currently, all Bentley models are compatible with renewable fuels, and the brand is actively researching alternatives to advance its strategy towards full electrification.
The Fourth Generation of the Continental GT
The new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful road-going Bentley ever created. Equipped with an innovative Ultra Performance hybrid powertrain that produces 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, this grand tourer surpasses the previous W12 in both power and torque while reducing CO₂ emissions to 29 g/km.
The performance is complemented by an advanced chassis system, which includes new two-chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers, as well as Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active roll control), eLSD, and torque vectoring. This combination delivers exceptional control and the best ride comfort in the history of the Continental GT, with a rear-biased weight distribution of 49:51.
The exterior design marks a significant evolution, featuring the most extensive front redesign in two decades and the introduction of single headlamps, a feature not seen in Bentley since the 1950s. Inside, the quality reaches new heights with impeccable design, luxurious materials, and advanced technology, including wellness seating, air ionisation, and three-dimensional leather textures, alongside technical finishes such as the new dark chrome.
