Bentley reckons this new faster Continental GT Speed is its most dynamic road car EVER.
The first-generation Continental GT Speed launched in 2007, inspired by the original 3.0-litre Speed models of the 1920s. And this new one, Continental said, is “the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101 year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer”.
And that’s the thing, the Continental GT Speed still has to be plenty luxurious. And it is. There’s plenty of leather (you can choose from 11 main and 15 secondary types of cow hide), alcantara, carbon-fibre and real wood.
Back to the performance. The 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine has been tweaked for more power and it’ll get to 100km/h quicker than before too (3.6 seconds now, down by 0.1 seconds). This is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that’ll shift twice as fast in Sport mode than a regular Continental GT.
Then there’s four-wheel steering to help the big thing turn in quicker, active all-wheel drive and a rear electronic limited-slip differential (the first ever on a Bentley). Throw in stuff like active roll stabilisation and adaptive damping and the Continental GT Speed should feel pretty good on the road.
To help it pull up there are big carbon-ceramic brakes that reduce weight by around 33kg, and the ESC has been loosened and can be switched off for track work…cue: big drifts and burnouts.
To help it stand out from its sibling, the Speed version gets bright silver 22s, although you can get them in black, as well as some ‘Jewel’ Speed badging around the body and illuminated tread plates.
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