Bentley declares the new Continental GT Speed Coupe and Convertible are the most dynamic road-going cars ever made by the company in its 102-year history. The superlative driving dynamics have not been achieved with any compromise to comfort or luxury, thanks to a combination of 4 chassis technologies.
The biggest brakes in the world
The first is the new carbon ceramic braking system with the largest brakes installed in any production car. Measuring 440 mm in diameter for the front discs, this latest generation of carbon-ceramic disc has been specially formulated to provide class-leading braking performance with copper-free brake friction material for reduced environmental impact.
The new ceramic brake system offers weight-saving of 33 kgs compared to the iron braking system, and most importantly, this is unsprung weight which lowers inertia and gives the car more responsive handling.
The ceramic brake has been extensively tested around the world including at the Nurburgring Nordschleife where it set levels of braking performance never before achieved by a Bentley. In objective tests, the ceramic brake has proven itself to be exceptionally fade resistant – after 10 consecutive applications from 80 mph (about 130 km/h), the stopping distance only increased by 1.1 metres, to just 61.1 metres.
Electronic All-Wheel Steering
A new Electronic All-Wheel Steering system enhances the dynamic nature of the car in each of the driving modes. This is even more apparent in SPORT mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and the electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car, utilising up to 4° of steering lock on the rear wheels.
At low and medium speeds, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence.
At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability. 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.
Electronic Limited-slip Differential
For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). Specifically tuned hand-in-hand with the traction control and active chassis systems, the eLSD provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.
In all modes, this provides improved traction, creating a greater level of confidence for the driver and makes the car feel more stable at high speeds. Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, maximum performance can be extracted from the available traction for the strongest acceleration and composure from the apex. Torque distribution can vary across the powertrain according to the selected Drive Mode.
Advanced Electronic Stability Control
Finally, there is the advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the GT Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. With the ESC system engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers or in bad weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC system allows an experienced driver to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at his discretion.
With the ESC switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed comes to the fore, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance, thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and eLSD, the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.
The Convertible (above), which made its debut last month, is the most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range and uses a revised version of renowned 6-litre W12 TSI engine which delivers 659 ps/900 Nm. It is fitted with a tailored, ‘Z-fold’ roof that can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
FEATURE – The German engine that was born on a Japanese bullet-train
