Brabus, the renowned German tuning company, is expanding its influence beyond its traditional Mercedes-Benz roots. Known for transforming vehicles like the G-Wagen into high-performance marvels, Brabus has now set its sights on Bentley. The tuner has unveiled two new models based on the fourth-generation Continental GT, both of which promise a substantial power increase for the hybrid grand tourer.
The latest additions to Brabus’s lineup, the 900 Superblack and the 900, are based on the Bentley Continental GT Speed coupe and the Continental GTC Speed convertible, respectively. These high-performance variants are powered by the hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, which Bentley introduced last year to replace its previous V-12 model. While Brabus has left the electric motor untouched, it has significantly enhanced the engine with custom turbochargers, a new carbon-fiber airbox, and reprogrammed ECU mapping.
These modifications result in an impressive output of 888 horsepower and 811 ft lbs of torque, a notable increase from the factory versions’ 771 horsepower and 738 ft lbs of torque. Additionally, both models feature a new exhaust system and a lowered ride height by nearly an inch. According to Brabus, these enhancements allow the coupe to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 208 mph. The convertible, meanwhile, achieves the same acceleration in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph.
Design and Aesthetic Enhancements
True to Brabus’s reputation, both the 900 Superblack and the 900 have undergone extensive aesthetic modifications. A carbon-fiber aero kit and 22-inch forged Monoblock ZM Platinum Edition wheels redefine the exterior, emphasizing the sporty character of both the coupe and convertible. In a departure from Bentley’s typically understated branding, Brabus has replaced the original badging with its own bold logos and fonts. The 900 Superblack, as its name suggests, features an all-black exterior, while the 900 offers a range of color options.
Market Impact and Consumer Appeal
The introduction of these models marks a significant move for Brabus, as it ventures into the realm of British luxury automobiles. The company’s decision to enhance the Bentley Continental GT reflects a growing trend among tuners to diversify their portfolios by collaborating with different luxury brands. This strategy not only broadens their market reach but also caters to a clientele eager for unique, high-performance vehicles.
“Eager to add a German-flavored British sports car to your collection? Brabus is taking orders for the 900 Superblack and 900 now. The coupe starts at €489,200 (or about $574,300), while the convertible gets things going at €538,800 ($632,500).” – Brabus Official Announcement
Looking Ahead: The Future of Luxury Tuning
The collaboration between Brabus and Bentley could signal a new era in luxury car tuning, where traditional boundaries between brands are increasingly blurred. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on hybrid and electric technologies, tuners like Brabus are likely to play a pivotal role in defining the future of performance and luxury vehicles.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Brabus-enhanced Bentley Continental GT models offer an enticing blend of German engineering prowess and British elegance. As orders for the 900 Superblack and 900 commence, it remains to be seen how this partnership will influence future collaborations and the broader luxury car market.
