Bentley has gone past the 200mph barrier with the launch of the Continental GT Speed. This new addition to the company’s successful Continental series has a top speed of 202 mph with good performance and handling. Top speed of the Continental GT remains unchanged at 198mph.
The Continental GT Speed comes with a 600bhp, 6-liter twin turbocharged W12 engine that delivers 553 lb ft of torque and races from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission is employed in both models.
The new engine develops 15% more torque and 9% more power for the Speed than the conventional Continental GT. Engine efficiency is optimized by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The continental GT and the GT speed feature a wider, lower air intake and upright radiator grille.
Wide 9.5J20 inch wheels and bespoke are standard for the Speed, fade resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Dark tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes give a sporty look to the car. CO2 emissions in the GT Speed and Continental have been reduced and the vehicles exhale 396 g/km of CO2 and provide a good fuel economy. The combined fuel economy of the Speed stands at 17mpg.
Ride height in the Speed is lower by 10mm in the front and 15mm at the rear as compared to the Continental GT. The GT Speed also boasts of the uprated ‘dynamic’ ESP 8.1 with new ‘Sport Traction’ that ensures superb traction. The sport traction minimizes ESP intervention at low speeds and gives the driver more interaction and control. Chassis, suspension and steering modifications have been carried out in both the models to increase their handling.
Continental GT Speed does not look radically different from the Continental GT in words of Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel:
Our objective was to convey the performance potential of the new GT Speed model, while retaining all the design cues so valued by our customers.
The Continental GT Speed is distinguished from the Continental GT by its dark-tinted chrome matrix grille to the main and lower air intakes. Interior features remain the conventional and impressive.
[Via: Bentley]
Bentley Continental GT Picture Gallery
