The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). 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 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised 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 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) 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 tyres 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-litre had already established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder, recognised 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.
Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick ? its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).
The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also represented the first step in Bentley’s renaissance, positioning the company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration. Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model offering:
”The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Crewe, England |
| body stylist | Dirk van Braecke |
| price $ | $ 199,990 |
| engine | VW Group W12 |
| position | Front Longitudnal |
| aspiration | Twin KKK Turbochargers |
| block material | ALUSIL Aluminium-Silicon Alloy w/Silicon Crystal Liners |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Multi-point Electronic Sequential Indirect Injection |
| displacement | 5998 cc / 366.0 in³ |
| bore | 84 mm / 3.31 in |
| stroke | 90.2 mm / 3.55 in |
| compression | 9.5:1 |
| power | 449 kw / 602.1 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 100.38 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 255.02 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 750 nm / 553.2 ft lbs @ 1750 rpm |
| redline | 6250 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel Volkswagen Group D1 Platform |
| driven wheels | AWD w/ESP |
| wheel type | Cast Alloy |
| front tires | 275/35×20 Pirelli P-Zero |
| rear tires | 275/35×20 Pirelli P-Zero |
| front brakes | Carbon Ceramic Discs w/ABS |
| rear brakes | Carbon Ceramic Discs w/ABS |
| front wheels | F 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in |
| rear wheels | R 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Varible Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Air Springs, Electronic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Air Springs, Electronic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 2361 kg / 5200 lbs |
| weight distro | 58 % / 42 % |
| wheelbase | 2746 mm / 108.1 in |
| front track | 1623 mm / 63.9 in |
| rear track | 1608 mm / 63.3 in |
| length | 4803 mm / 189.1 in |
| width | 1918 mm / 75.5 in |
| height | 1380 mm / 54.3 in |
| transmission | ZF 6HP-26 6-Speed Semi-Automatic w/Paddle Shifting |
| gear ratios | 4.17:1, 2.34:1, 1.52:1, 1.14:1, 0.87:1, 0.69:1 |
| final drive | 3.53:1 |
| top speed | ~325.1 kph / 202 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~9.8 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~12.7 seconds |
| city fuel econ epa | 23.52 L/100 km or 10 mpg-us |
| hwy fuel econ epa | 13.84 L/100 km or 17 mpg-us |
| fuel capacity | 75 litres or 19.80 g |
