Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley say its new Continental GT Speed - inspired by the Speed models it built in the 1920s - is its most powerful vehicle ever

The Speed edition of the sleek Continental GT Coupe uses the same W-12 engine as the Coupe has used since its introduction, but lighter-weight engine components and a new engine-management system have lifted its horsepower. Power output is now 600 hp with 553 pound-feet of torque, some 15 and 9 percent more than the base GT, which gets better fuel efficiency but no more power for 2008.

Outfitted with the six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive from the Continental GT, the Speed version is said to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds on its way to a 202-mph top speed.

Styling updates on the new Speed include a wider air intake and a more upright radiator grille, as well as a dark-tinted grille and bigger tailpipes. The suspension has been retuned to accommodate 20-inch wheels; carbon-ceramic brakes are available optionally.

Performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s)

Unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tires as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque

The most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12 engine delivers 600bhp (610PS/449kW) and 553lb ft (750Nm):
o A nine percent increase in power and 15 percent increase in torque.
- Top speed of 202mph (326km/h).
- 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s).
- 0-100mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2s).
- Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.0s).
Lowered ride height, up rated spring/damper settings and up rated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
o New levels of road holding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tires.
o Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
- ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the up rated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
- Subtle styling modifications distinguish the Continental GT Speed from the Continental GT:
o Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix.
o Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
o Mulliner Driving Specification (also available as an option on the Continental GT) includes:
§ Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever
§ Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels.
Continental GT
- Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS) but benefits from internal efficiency improvements for a reduction in C02 emissions of 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption.
- Top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).
- Improved ride comfort thanks to addition of new low-friction dampers.
- In combination with the all-wheel drive system, the up rated ESP 8.1 with new ‘Sport Traction’ mode ensures superb traction, without being intrusive.
- Distinctive, classic Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

The GT Speeds cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (an option on the standard GT). It includes a choice of veneers (Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black), Diamond-quilted hide seats with an embroidered Bentley emblem, indented hide headlining, a sports alloy gearlever, three-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel, drilled alloy foot-pedals as well as Speed logos to the treadplates. A range of Mulliner options provide further opportunities for personalization including fascia panels, header and centre console in bright aluminum or, unique to the GT Speed, dark tint aluminum.

The Continental GT is a proper four seater, although a broad transmission tunnel runs down the centre of the cabin

Touch screen LCD display on the centre console controls the air conditioning, satellite navigation, computer information and entertainment systems, whilst many of the minor controls can be operated without removing hands from the steering wheel

GT Speed is a bit quicker: 0.3 second faster to 60 mph (at a factory-estimated 4.3 seconds) and 0.8 second more swift to 100 mph (10.3 seconds), but that’s hardly transformational stuff. The air spring/damper units are 22 percent stiffer, but the standard car already offers four damper settings, and with that flexibility, we don’t see the value of giving up any further ride comfort. The firmer GT Speed setup really doesn’t turn this big, heavy coupe into a plaything through the twisty stuff.

Optional carbon-ceramic brakes (available on the regular Continental GT as well) feature rotors “the size of a family pizza,” in the words of chief engineer Ulrich Eichhorn. At 16.5 inches in front, they’re the biggest in the business