Without compromising comfort or luxury, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed claims the honor of being the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history. A host of powertrain and chassis enhancements has turned the car into the ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England, the new, third-generation Continental GT Speed builds on a long tradition of Speed variants which trace their roots to the highly acclaimed original Continental GT Speed of 2007—itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s.
Powering the latest Continental GT Speed is an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine. In the new model, the engine sees a 24-hp increase as it now produces 659 hp while still delivering an extraordinary 900 Nm of torque. The output allows the car a top speed of 335 km/h and zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds.
Matched to the W12 engine is a dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission. When switched to Sport driving mode, the transmission stays in gear longer before shifting to the next, keeping the engine in its power band for a longer period as well. Plus, the transmission shifts twice as fast when compared to the standard Continental GT’s. All these are combined with a modulated exhaust note.
Complementing the powertrain enhancements are advanced chassis technologies specific to the latest Continental GT Speed. A new electronic all-wheel steering system improves the dynamic nature of the car when it is switched in Bentley and Comfort driving modes. This becomes even more apparent in Sport mode as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride—a 48-volt active anti-roll control system—and an electronic limited-slip differential.
The new Continental GT Speed’s traction control and torque distribution of its active all-wheel drive system have been recalibrated in all driving modes. And, for the first time in a Bentley, the car uses an electronic rear differential that improves handling and traction in adverse road conditions.
Working alongside these systems is Bentley’s three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping.
Depending on the driving mode selected, the new Continental GT Speed’s electronic stability control intervenes less to allow an experienced driver to set and alter car’s cornering stance. With the stability control switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed come to the fore.
To supplement the extra capability of the chassis, the new Continental GT Speed can be ordered with carbon silicon carbide discs to provide additional brake bite, firm brake pedal feel, and excellent brake-fade resistance. Brake calipers in front have 10 pistons while those at the rear have four. The carbon ceramic brake material also saves over 33 kilograms in unsprung weight and produces much less dust, helping to maintain the fresh look of the 22-inch wheels unique to the latest model.
In the cabin, the new Continental GT Speed features handcrafted materials and a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary leather colors, as well as Alcantara, and a range of wood veneers. The car’s center console can be finished in new, dark-tint, engine-turned aluminum. Fitted as standard is Bentley’s diamond-in-diamond quilting. Headrests embroidered with “Speed” further distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT.
The muscular bodywork of the Continental GT is amplified in the Speed model. Some of the unique details are a dark-tint grille and lower bumper grille, more sculpted sports sills, and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the car’s front fender. “Jewel” versions of the fuel and oil filler caps are standard, while illuminated Bentley tread plates on both sills are a nod to the Continental GT Speed’s performance credentials.