Bentley has revealed its new Continental GT Speed, which the British brand bills as the “most dynamic road car” in its 101-year history. Designed, engineered, developed, and handcrafted in luxury automaker’s carbon-neutral automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants.
The GT Speed boasting more power from its W12 engine. The 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 gets an upgrade from 626 hp to 650 hp, while torque stays the same at 664 lb ft. The top speed climbs 1mph to 208mph and the zero to 60mph time is now 3.5 seconds, down from 3.6 seconds in the standard W12 Conti GT. This is complemented by a new calibration in the big Conti’s gearbox. The 8-speed dual clutch is now quicker-reacting and capable of holding gears for longer shifts reportedly taking half the time as in the old model, according to Bentley.
The Continental GT Speed is fitted with advanced chassis technology that was specifically developed for the new model. It’s not Bentley’s first rodeo when it comes to the technology, having already deployed a four-wheel steer set-up on its Flying Spur. Here it’s employed to help the Speed feel more agile on tight, twisty roads by turning the rear wheels the opposite way to the fronts. And at higher speeds all four wheels turn the same direction to improve stability.
Unique exterior detailing includes a darker radiator grille and bumper grille, subtly re-profiled sills, a Speed badge on each fender, and a set of 22-inch wheels in bright or dark finishes. Buyers can optionally specify jewel-encrusted fuel filler and oil filler caps.
Inside, you get diamond-quilted leather in hide and Alcantara with 15 colors and 11 secondary hide colors, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed color split. The centre console can be finished of a new dark-tint engine turned aluminium finish.
A range of veneers are available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard. Customers can also have Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus at no extra cost, with three open pore options (Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa) available as additional options.
Pricing for the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed will be announced closer to launch, which is likely to be before the end of this year just a few months after it goes on sale in the UK in the third quarter. Discover Opulent Club on Apple News.