4 minute read
Bentley Continental GT Speed
FORECOURT BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED
The GT Speed has a range of additions over the standard Continental and Jack Evans found himself bowled over by it.
Under the bonnet
The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 pumps out 650bhp and 900Nm of torque.
WHAT IS IT?
The Bentley Continental GT has become a symbol of fast, luxurious cross-country motoring. The GT Speed that we’re testing here aims to throw some added agility into the mix.
WHAT’S NEW?
Bentley has reworked some key aspects of the Continental to make it even more agile. So the transmission has been recalibrated to provide snappier shifts, while a new rear-wheel steering system gives extra agility. Plus, there are subtle styling upgrades such as special W12 graphics in the side grilles to reference the huge engine.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
We’ve got the full-fat 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has cemented itself into Bentley’s history. It’s a hugely powerful unit, bringing 650bhp to the table, but it’s the torque figure that really shines through – all 900Nm of it.
Sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, these outputs contribute to a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 208mph – which isn’t bad considering the GT Speed weighs just over 2.2 tonnes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s pleasing to note that right from the off the regular Continental GT’s excellent ride quality has been carried over to the Speed. There’s no jarring and no thumping through potholes, despite our test car’s huge 22-inch forged wheels. It means that the Speed can be relaxing and comfortable when you need to be.
But gain a bit of pace and it’s clear to see that Bentley has seriously overhauled the GT for this new model. It turns with a crispness that you might not expect from a car of this size, while the brakes – which feature huge 10-piston front callipers – are immensely powerful but packed with feel, too.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Bentley has always maintained a great ability to create high-end, expensive cars that don’t feel over the top or grossly flamboyant. So while the GT Speed might cost north of £200,000, it isn’t treated with animosity out on the road. People like a Bentley and the style feels like part of that. In terms of ways to differentiate the Speed from the regular
THE KNOWLEDGE
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Base price: £209,900 Engine: 6.0-litre twinturbocharged W12
Power: 650bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Max speed:
208mph
O-60mph:
3.5 seconds
MPG (combined):
20.6mpg
Emissions:
311g/km CO2
Style
Design touches to the GT Speed include darkened grilles and bespoke 22-inch wheels.
The interior is the perfect blend of traditional craftmanship, materials and technology.
Cabin TARGET BUYERS:
Drivers who want the most agile and engaging Continental GT available.
THE RIVALS:
Porsche Panamera Turbo BMW M5 Competition Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Huge performance 2. Elegant good looks 3. Four-wheel-drive traction
DEAL CLINCHER:
A Continental capable of obliterating straight lines as well as corners? That’s the GT Speed!
Continental GT, there are new darkened grilles, those 22-inch wheels of a different design and discreet ‘Speed’ badges on the flanks.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The large central screen blends well with soft, high-end leather, while Alcantara is used throughout the cabin to give the whole car a more sporty feel. The steering wheel is particularly nice, too, with a perfectly round design acting as a refreshing contrast to the flat-bottomed versions we see on a lot of performance cars.
Our only quibble is with the gearshift paddles. They’re directly from Audi and aren’t long enough or tactile enough. Because they’re quite tricky to reach, you end up leaving them, and with a car designed around driver interaction, they feel like a missed opportunity.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
All Continental GT models come with plenty of equipment and the Speed is no different. The cars get leather and Alcantara seats, as well as an impressive suite of assistance systems including traffic-sign recognition, pedestrian warning and reversing traffic warning. Our test car also came with a variety of impressive options including the Touring specification, which at £6,480 added features such as lane-keep assist and night vision, as well as the Mulliner Driving Specification, which brings quilted seats, sports pedals and a jewelled fuel filler cap, to name but a few extras.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Top Gear said: ‘This is a Conti that doesn’t try to talk you down from aggressive acceleration, it actively embraces it.’ Car said: ‘If to you Bentley is about Le Mans glory, immersive driving pleasure and the most genteel application of corrective lock as you give an almighty engine its head, then the Speed is the car for you.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The regular Continental GT is a fine car indeed. It’s comfortable and refined, yet powerful when you need it. However, this Speed version dials things up one notch, adding even more adjustability and a level of poise that you don’t expect to find in a big Bentley. It really is quite startlingly agile. As far as big grand tourers go, the GT Speed is right up there. It gets all the best bits of the standard Continental GT but brings so much more to the table, too.
