Bentley Continental GT Speed |
The definitive embodiment of a modern interpretation of the benchmark Grand Tourer, the new performance-oriented Continental GT Speed is the most potent, driver-focused road car yet from Bentley – a name that has become synonymous with luxury and style as it finds expression in some of the most capable vehicles ever produced. From founder WO Bentley’s prototype, created in 1919, to Bentley’s first race victory in 1921, ‘speed’ has been an integral chromosome in the Bentley genome.
If the Bentley Continental GT Speed were to be portrayed as a character in a movie, the character of the Kingsman, Harry Hart – played by Colin Firth in the first two Kingsman movies – would be the perfect match. The epitome of the English gentleman, Harry Hart’s rather formal attire, complete with brolly and horn-rimmed glasses, belies his capability when challenged to unleash upon his unfortunate adversaries the painful lesson that, indeed, “Manners maketh the man!”.
With a dash of style and a dollop of panache, steeped in established convention with a gallant nod to contemporary design, the Harry Hart reintroduced traditional English tailoring to the big screen. Similarly, the third-generation Continental GT Speed retains the elegance and style of its predecessors in a perfectly sculpted body complemented by a sharply defined silhouette, underneath which lurks an immensely capable supercar.
Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed first-generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 – itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s – the latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
A Matter of Balance and Proportion
The muscular bodywork of the Continental GT has been further amplified on the GT Speed. Unique exterior detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance, blending seamlessly with the effortless elegance inherent to the Continental GT.
The Speed’s profile is longer and lower than its predecessor, thereby finding the perfect balance between the muscular rear haunches and the elegant front boasting an extended bonnet and lowered nose, resulting in efficient aerodynamics. The signature power lines that transcend towards the rear add to the sense of balance and poised anticipation.
Using the latest LED Matrix technology, the cut-crystal design of the headlights hint at an illuminated gem. The taillights also feature the cut-crystal effect, highlighting the three-dimensional depth of the optics.
Unique 22” Speed wheels are offered in matching Dark Tint, with either a bright silver or a black gloss finish. A jewel fuel and oil filler cap, with an additional illuminated Bentley display on the outer treadplate, nods to the Speed’s performance credentials.
Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, combined with Speed sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging on the front fender.
An Accomplished English Gentleman
Billed as the most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range, the new Speed features a highly advanced chassis, including four new technologies – all-wheel steering, electronic rear differential, carbon-ceramic brakes and an enhanced version of the renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine. Unique interior and exterior detailing includes badging, interior colour splits, and forged 22” Speed wheels and sports sills.
Power is dispensed from an uprated version of Bentley’s imperious 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding 485 kW of power and a remarkable 900 Nm of torque, resulting in a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h.
Hand-built at the Bentley factory in Crewe, the 6.0-litre is billed as the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Both engine and transmission have been recalibrated for the Speed to complement the car’s robust performance requirements.
With the powerful 6.0-litre Bentley W12 engine superbly matched to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission, shift times are twice as fast in Sport mode as in the standard W12 model, befitting a model ranked at the pinnacle of performance in the Continental GT range. This, combined with a greater exhaust character during start-up and gear downshifts, heightens the sensory experience of acceleration and speed.
Most noticeable in Sport driving mode, the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to keep the engine in the powerband longer by up-shifting later or downshifting earlier, creating a more enthusiastic response to driver requirements.
Manners Maketh the Car
Compared to the previous model, the air suspension uses three-chamber air springs to provide 60% more air volume in the softest setting. Aided by Bentley Dynamic Ride – a 48-Volt active anti-roll control system – this innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. The motors can deliver 1,300 Nm in 0.3 seconds in their firmest setting to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level. Add to this a body-in-white that is 20% lighter and 5% more rigid than its predecessor, combined with a new Active All-Wheel-Drive System, Continuous Damping Control (CDC), and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), the Speed offers near-perfect balance and control even during the most spirited driving circumstances.
New Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed in all driving modes. However, this is even more apparent in Sport mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and an electronic limited-slip differential for a level of agility, unlike any other Bentley road car.
With perfectly weighted steering, accurate and direct turning in, and exceptional cornering acceleration, this Bentley will flatter even the most experienced driver. In addition, the character of the car can alternate between a luxury limousine and a Bentley racer at the flick of a switch, depending on the driving mode selected.
Acceleration is only half the equation, and to this extent, the Bentley engineers, tipping their hat to Newton, have developed the most powerful brake system ever fitted to a Bentley. A newly-engineered Carbon Ceramic brake system has been introduced as an option on the GT Speed. Carbon Silicon Carbide discs provide additional brake bite, with a firm pedal feel and excellent brake fade resistance. The carbon-ceramic material also saves over 33 kg of weight and produces extremely low levels of brake dust, helping to maintain the fresh look of the 22” unique Speed wheels.
Tailored Luxury
In harmony with its elegant and sculptural exterior styling, the new Continental GT Speed’s luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement blended with unique Speed detailing.
The Continental GT Speed’s credentials are further highlighted by a unique duotone colour split, handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the steering wheel. The exterior badging is complemented by an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.
The luxurious interior can be further personalised with a choice of 15 primary and 11 secondary hide colours and the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split. The centre console can be finished in a new dark-tint engine-turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and an exquisitely patterned finish.
Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT.
A range of veneers is available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard. Customers can also choose 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.
The pièce de résistance is the Bentley Rotating Display. Taking centre stage on the dashboard, this is a marvel of modern engineering that underscores Bentley’s unique commitment to honour its past in contemporary design style. At first glance, there appears to be no screen in the dashboard’s centre. Instead, the veneer flows uninterrupted across the dashboard. When the engine start button is activated, however, the veneer silently glides forward and rotates to reveal Bentley’s largest-ever touchscreen, a 12.3” high-definition-quality digital MMI display, with a configurable home screen boasting three windows to display the driver’s preferred functions. The user interface is akin to a modern mobile phone, and menus are intuitive. The third side on the Bentley Rotating Display reveals three elegant analogue dials displaying outside temperature, a compass and a chronometer.
The driver-oriented instrument panel behind the steering wheel is fully digitised and can be personalised by the driver. The new Continental also features all the expected digital interfaces and applications to keep both drivers and passengers connected.
As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and an exceptional grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres.
The Art of Personalisation
Bentley sets itself apart with a vast selection of options to personalise each car to the demands of each unique customer. The new Continental GT Speed is no exception as it redefines personalisation with paint finishes, leather, veneer and lifestyle options that are virtually unlimited and tailored to the individual.
The standard palette alone comprises 17 exterior paint colours, with up to 70 hues available in the extended range. There are also 15 luxurious carpet options, eight different handcrafted veneers, four additional dual veneer options, and 15 choices of interior trim hides.
Last Word
Marking 101 years since Bentley’s first race victory, the new Continental GT Speed constitutes the pinnacle of nuanced performance, style and craftsmanship. Elegant, sophisticated and powerful, the all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed sets itself apart as the pinnacle of Grand Touring.
Here’s to another 101 years of Speed!
Report by Wilhelm Loots | Images © Ryan Abbott/Driven