The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200 mph. A potent addition to the company's highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600 bhp W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimized by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202 mph, a zero to 60 mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds and effortless overtaking capability.
Complementing the Continental GT Speed's high performance is its 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. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.
Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary 'Speed' models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-liter had already established Bentley's engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company's founder, recognized the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre 'Speed Model', complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.
Subtle Changes to the Design
The principal changes to the frontal appearance are common to both the GT and the new GT Speed. The subtly revised front grille, now more vertical, has a more pronounced square edge accentuating the GT's distinctive Bentley profile. Beneath the grille, the all-new lower bumper design features a wider central air intake that emphasizes the sporting stance of the new models. Chromed bezels around the headlamps complement the new frontal design.
The Continental GT Speed is distinguished from the Continental GT by its dark-tinted chrome matrix grille to the main and lower air intakes. Bright chromed grilles may be specified at no extra cost. At the rear, a black lower bumper valance and wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes emphasize the GT Speed's sporting character, reinforced by new multi-spoke 20-inch sports alloy wheels. As an option, these may be specified with a dark chromed finish.
The GT Speed's cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost 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 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 (compatible only with Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer or Piano Black veneer and single tone interior color scheme). The Continental GT also benefits from a new Bentley 'B' brake pedal.
Continental GT and GT Speed customers have a choice of 16 'standard' paint colors and 17 premium grade leather hide colors, including two new exterior paint colors (Cumbrian Green and Granite) and two new interior leather hide colors (Newmarket Tan and Cumbrian Green). Customers also have the option to select from the Arnage color palette or choose Bentley's color-matching program to produce a bespoke color of their choice.