The fastest production Bentley model ever, the Continental GT Speed coupe is to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The new 205 mph (329 km/h) GT Speed will be driven up the Goodwood Hill, twice a day by the modern-day Bentley Boys Juha Kankunnen, Guy Smith and Derek Bell.
Bentley believe that this new flagship will appeal to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance, agile handling, distinctive design and sporting luxury.
The new Continental GT Speed has an up-rated version of the unique Bentley 6-litre, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine. For this new flagship model the W12 develops 625 PS (616 bhp/460 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm of torque to deliver supercar performance and swift overtaking capability. The 0-60 mph sprint is reported as 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s) and the top speed of the GT Speed is 205 mph (329 km/h).
There is a new close-ratio ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to transfer the uprated power to the road in the new GT Speed. This state-of-the-art gearbox delivers smooth, swift changes through intelligent adaptive control software to ensure the perfect combination of speed and refinement. The new gearbox also makes a significant contribution to an overall twelve per cent improvement in fuel economy and CO2emissions.
Bentley have added uprated steering and suspension systems to the chassis with a lowered ride height. On each corner the Bentley wears unique 21-inch Speed wheels, available in two finishes, and fitted with 275 35 R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres.
Commenting on the new GT Speed, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive says:
“For nearly a decade, the Bentley Continental GT has defined high luxury, high performance grand touring and the unique W12 engine has been so successful that Bentley is now the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines. The new GT Speed with its harder-edged, sportier character reaffirms this pinnacle positioning and continues to broaden the worldwide appeal of the Continental coupe.”
This new Bentley has some subtle touches to its design from the standard Continental including the dark-tinted matrix front grille, lower air intakes and the ‘rifled’ finish to the exhaust tailpipes.
The new GT Speed has increased levels of performance although according to Bentley they have not made any compromises in comfort, refinement, craftsmanship or quality. As always the cabin has been constructed with the finest natural materials, and this the hand-crafted cabin of the GT Speed features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard. There are also a number of signature Speed design cues that combine the Bentley aim of contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.
As will all Continental models the permanent all-wheel drive system is a standard feature with a central Torsen differential, The new GT Speed provides with its increased power and drive will provide huge levels of stability and grip whatever the road or weather conditions.
Orders for the new GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to commence in October 2012.
