New Bentley Continental GT Speed brings 650bhp, dynamic focus
Luxury coupé gets a small power boost and chassis trickery including an electric limited-slip diff
Bentley has reprised the Speed badge for the new top-rung, performance-focused version of the Continental GT - described as "the most dynamic road car in Bentley's 101-year history".
With 650bhp and 664lb ft from an uprated version of the firm’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, the most potent version of the luxury coupé can do 0-62mph in just 3.5sec and tops out at 208mph. That makes it roughly as quick in a straight line as a rear-driven Lamborghini Hurácan.
In Sport mode, the W12 has been retuned to extend the 'power band' by shifting up a gear later, and down earlier - keeping revs towards the top of the range. The faster gear changes are accompanied by a "greater exhaust character" in Sport mode.
As with its predecessor, the new Speed also promises improved dynamics, bringing a raft of chassis upgrades over the standard car.
The Speed gains carbon-ceramic brakes and 10-piston front calipers as standard, and uses an uprated version of the larger Flying Spur's all-wheel steering system. At low to medium speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts to reduce the turning circle, while at higher speeds they match the front wheels to improve stability.
Luxury coupé gets a small power boost and chassis trickery including an electric limited-slip diff
www.autocar.co.uk