Bentley Speed(s)-up Continental GT

Bentley has taken the covers off of what it claims is the most “dynamic road car” it has made in its 101 year history, the Continental GT Speed.

Following in the wheel tracks of the first Speed based on the original Continental GT fourteen years ago, the latest model is once again based on the range-topping W12 powered model, but with a series of changes inside, outside and underneath.

Externally, the Speed’ subtle changes are prominent in the guise of standard silver or optional dark tint or dark glass model specific 22-inch alloy wheels, a ‘jewel’ fuel and oil filler cap, a dark tint grille, chrome Speed badges on the front wings, illuminated Bentley branded treadplates, wider door sills and a dark tint finish on the bumpers.

Bentley Continental GT speed rear view

Inside, the interior gains diamond quilted seats with Speed embroidered headrests, dark tint turned aluminium finish on the dashboard, dual-tone Alcantara inserts also resplendent on the steering wheel and no less than six veneer choices ranging from the standard piano black to Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus.

The Speed’s main difference from the standard Continental GT though resides underneath the skin in the form of a brand-new electronic all-wheel-steering system claimed to “enhance the dynamic nature of the Speed” in Comfort and Bentley modes. According to Crewe, the system, together with the equally new electronic limited slip differential and 48-volt Bentley Dynamic Ride system, offers a “level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car”.

At the same time, the Speed can also be specified with silicon carbide coated carbon ceramic brakes utilising a ten-piston caliper setup at the front and four at the rear Bentley claims reduces overall unsprung mass by 33 kg.

Bentley Continental GT Speed interior

Along with the revised dynamics, the Speed also packs more grunt with 485 kW instead of 467 kW being served-up by the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12. Unchanged is the 900 Nm of torque. Top speed is 335 km/h with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking 3.6 seconds, a tenth faster than the standard Continental GT.

Drive is once again routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which has been recalibrated to shift faster when in Sport mode.

Going on sale later this year, no pricing details were revealed, though expect a considerable increase over the sticker of the regular W12 Continental GT.

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