Bentley Motors has revealed details of its new Continental GT Speed which will go on sale in mid-2021 and be the flagship of the Continental GT range. Presented as ‘the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer’, the new Continental GT builds on a long tradition of Speed variants, starting with the original in 2007. That first generation itself was inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s.
“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers,” declares Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors. “The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”
New chassis technology
The pinnacle performance Continental GT features advanced chassis technology that includes a new Electronic All-Wheel Steering system and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) for a level of agility said to be unlike any other Bentley road car. The system is significantly more active on the GT Speed than it is on the Flying Spur, where its primary purpose is a reduction in turning circle and enhanced high-speed stability.
For the Active All-Wheel drive system, the traction control and torque distribution has been recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to the standard Continental GT. Maintaining Bentley’s philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels; in SPORT, this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque–split in all driving scenarios.
Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by the new systems allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, the car is able to extract the maximum performance from the available traction for powerful acceleration with composure from the apex.
Working alongside these systems are the key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another – namely Bentley’s 3-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT.
Depending on the mode, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC extends the freedom of the driver, allowing an experienced pilot to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at their discretion.
ESC can also be switched off, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance on-track, thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and eLSD, the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.
To complement the extra capability of the chassis, a newly-engineered Carbon Ceramic brake system has been introduced as an option on the GT Speed. The carbon ceramic material saves over 33 kgs of weight (all of it un-sprung mass) and produces extremely low levels of brake dust.
659 ps W12 TSI engine
The new GT Speed is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley’s 6-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 ps – a 4% increase (24 ps) over the current W12 model – whilst maintaining a massive 900 Nm of torque. Factory testing shows a top speed capability of 335 km/h) and 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds. The dual-clutch, 8-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model.
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During the journey, the Variable Displacement system can shut down half of the engine’s 12 cylinders under certain conditions, with the transitions between the two being imperceptible. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a 6-cylinder for improved fuel efficiency.
Unique and luxurious cabin
The 4-person cabin of the new Continental GT Speed showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating the world’s finest automotive interiors. Handcrafted materials blend with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and can be further personalised if desired. Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental.
The interior can be further personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split. The centre console can be finished in new dark tint engine turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and a beautifully patterned finish. GT.
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