New sedan model: Bentley Continental GT Speed

New sedan model: Bentley Continental GT Speed
(click to enlarge the photos)

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.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONMODEL TYPE: Two-door pillarless coupe

ENGINE Type 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engineInstallation Front, longitudinal, all-wheel driveConstruction Alloy heads and blockBore/stroke 84 x 90.2mm Capacity 5998cc Compression ratio 9.0:1 Valve gear Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder,cam phased inlet and outletPower GT Speed: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/minGT: 552bhp/560PS/412kW @ 6100rev/minTorque GT Speed: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/minGT: 479lb ft/650Nm @1600rev/minFuel 98 (95)

RONTRANSMISSION Type Continuous all-wheel driveGearbox ZF 6-speed automaticRatios 1st: 4.172nd: 2.343rd: 1.524th: 1.145th: 0.876th: 0.69 Final drive: 3.526

PERFORMANCETop speed GT Speed: 202mph (326km/h) GT: 198mph (318km/h)0-60mph (0-100km/h) GT Speed: 4.3 seconds (4.5 seconds) GT: 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds)0-100mph (0-160km/h) GT Speed: 10.3 seconds (10.2 seconds) GT: 11.1 seconds (11.1 seconds)30-50mph (50-80km/h) GT Speed: 1.7 seconds (1.7 seconds) GT: 1.8 seconds (1.8 seconds)50-70mph (80-120km/h) GT Speed: 2.3 seconds (3.0 seconds) GT: 2.5 seconds (3.2 seconds)

SUSPENSION Front Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlledself-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar

STEERING Type Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive Turns lock to lock 2.7 Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.2m (36' 9")BRAKESFront 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs) Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs) Anti lock Standard with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

BODY & CHASSISConstruction Steel monocoqueLength 4804mm (189.13in)Width (inc. mirrors) 2102mm (82.76in)Weight 2350kg (5180lb)Height GT Speed: 1380mm (54.33in)GT: 1390mm (54.72in) Wheelbase 2745mm (108.07in)Front track 1623mm (63.9in)Rear track 1607mm (63.27in) Wheels GT Speed: 9.5J 20-inch AlloyGT: 9.0J 19-inch Alloy(optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy) Tyres GT Speed 275/35x20 bespoke Pirelli P-ZeroGT 275/40x19 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso(optional 275/30x20 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso) Luggage volume 370 litres (13.1 cu.ft.) Fuel tank capacity 90 litres (19.8 gallons/23.8 US gallons)

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS Front legroom 1075mm (42.32in) Rear legroom 766mm (30.16in)

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONSFuel consumption Urban: 11.2mpg (25.3 litres/100km)Extra Urban: 24.3mpg (11.6 litres/100km)Combined: 17.0mpg (16.6 litres/100km) Carbon dioxide emissions 396g/km Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV IIEPA Drive Cycle City Driving: 10.0mpg (US)Highway Driving: 17.0mpg (US)

CONTINENTAL GT FEATURE SPECIFICATIONSEXTERIOR FEATURES Bright chromed grilleTwin oval stainless steel tail pipes

INTERIOR FEATURES Single tone, hide-trimmed multi-functionsteering wheel in a 4-spoke designFootpedal with Bentley 'B' emblemHide and chrome trimmed gear lever withmanual shift change facility

CONTINENTAL GT SPEED FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dark chromed radiator and lower grille Twin rifled oval stainless steel sports tail pipes Lowered sports suspensionPainted black finish to engine cover

INTERIOR FEATURES Unique treadplates bearing model name Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doorsand rear quarter panelsEmbroidered Bentley emblem to seat facingsIndented hide headliningSingle-tone,hide-trimmed multi-functionsteering wheel in a 3-spoke sports design withsilver switch surroundSporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hideDrilled alloy sport foot-pedals

THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION(STANDARD ON CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, OPTIONAL ON CONTINENTAL GT)

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:• Choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings,doors and rear quarter panels• Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings• Indented hide headlining• 20'' 2-piece alloy sports wheels (Continental GT only)• 20'' multi-spoke alloy wheels in painted finish (Continental GT Speed only)

THE FOLLOWING MULLINER FEATURES ARE AVAILABLE SEPARATELY FOR BOTHMODELS:• Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap• Exterior paint match service to customer specification• Exterior paint colour from Arnage range• Contrast stitching to seats and door panels• Cross-stitching to seats and door panels (in contrast)• Embossed 'BENTLEY' to seat facings• Choice of premium veneers – Chestnut and Olive Ash• Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium• Fascia panels, header and centre console in bright or dark tint aluminium*• 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel(choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Chestnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,Madrona, Piano Black)• Lambswool rugs to front footwells (matched to carpet)• Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming to front and rear footwells(matched to carpet)• Boot carpet to match interior carpet.