Sport or Luxury?

Its drivability, durability, and power are proven by five victories at Le Mans. Any enthusiast will readily admit that Bentley's origins lie in the ultimate pure sports car.

Meanwhile, Bentley's character as a luxury sports car gradually took shape after World War II through its merger with Rolls-Royce and the sharing of architectures. For the majority of today's customers, Bentley's categorization may lean more strongly towards luxury.

But is Bentley classified as a sports car or a luxury car? Such a discussion is rendered futile, as modern automobiles now excel at fulfilling both aspects that were once considered contradictory. Whether it's a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, the ride comfort is adaptable for daily use, and luxurious interiors are easily achievable. Similarly, models like the AMG, M, or RS series, while appearing as sedans, can outperform lesser sports cars.

Even so, Bentley's approach remains unchanged. The standard models are designed to offer performance that sets them apart from rivals and a level of luxury that surpasses them, with sportier variants available as options. Alternatively, for those seeking the ultimate in extravagance, there is the bespoke service. In this way, Bentley has consistently balanced what today's users desire with the brand's core principles.

The Nuance of Flashiness

Personally, I consider the "Speed" designation to be the ultimate point of convergence. I am aware that the previous generation had the "Supersports" as a higher-performance model, and the current generation, which competes in the FIA GT3 category, includes the "GT3-R," a street-legal version of its racing counterpart.

However, these models feature aerodynamic enhancements and the removal of rear seats, accentuating their sporting capabilities. While efforts are made to maintain refinement and avoid ostentation, it's undeniable that luxury is somewhat compromised in the pursuit of weight reduction.

The Speed's appearance and construction closely follow those of the standard grade. Considering the difference in performance and price, it seems deliberately so. The few distinguishing features include breathtakingly intricate 21-inch forged wheels, a 10mm lower ride height due to suspension tuning, and darkened headlights with subtle fender badges.——these are the main points.

It's not about making a statement to the masses; it's about those who pay close attention to this car understanding that it is a Speed. This perfectly embodies the understatement that the British so admire. To further emphasize this, there's even the option to fit wheels of a different design or remove the badges altogether, which is quite astonishing.

Eleven Shades of Green Alone

While the exterior maintains such discretion, the expression of individuality within knows virtually no bounds. Those interested are encouraged to visit Bentley's website and access the configurator on their home country's site.

There, you can simulate your desired interior and exterior specifications by selecting from an exterior color palette that includes eleven shades of green alone, an interior color scheme where leather, piping, and stitching can all be specified, and a vast array of wood veneers.

However, frankly speaking, with such a wide range of choices, unless one possesses exceptional taste, it would be difficult to achieve a truly striking configuration. At least, with my ordinary aesthetic sense, the result would likely be a chaotic and regrettable finish. This speaks to the boundless possibilities of coordination.

Yet, Bentley's true strength lies beyond this configurator. Whether it's intricate wood inlay work, embroidering a family crest onto the seats, or matching the color of a cherished car from one's youth, Bentley's system is designed to fulfill such requests to the greatest extent possible, as long as they do not significantly detract from the brand's image.

This is what is referred to as "bespoke" in the British style, but in the context of automobiles, the knowledge and effort required are far too extensive to be encapsulated by a single word. Knowing the background that enables Bentley to consistently provide the ultimate in automotive luxury makes one feel that the price of owning a Bentley is not exorbitant, even from the perspective of someone like myself, who might feel distant from such a world. This is the power of the brand, and the power of Britain.

The Rich Don't Need to Fight

The Speed is equipped with a W-shaped 12-cylinder engine, formed by connecting two narrow-angle V6 units. This is twin-turbocharged, producing 635 horsepower, 40 hp more than the standard model. However, in my opinion, this peak power does not define the Speed's value. What should be observed is the transition leading up to it.

The explosive power of the engine, rotating with a smoothness that allows no hint of vibration, is as refined as granules, accompanied by a crisp, clear sound. The traction transmitted through the four wheels is as pure as spring water. The power, which seems ready to overflow, is released gently, in proportion to how much the accelerator is pressed. This feeling, devoid of any impurities, is the privilege of a car with 12 pistons.

Incidentally, Bentley also offers an 8-cylinder engine in the Continental series, and their characters are interestingly distinct. The 8-cylinder, with its lighter engine, is better suited for agile changes of direction. The 12-cylinder, on the other hand, is best enjoyed for its unparalleled, majestic acceleration in appropriate situations. Without the need to aggressively attack corners, one can easily leave others behind with overwhelming power on the exit. To put it crudely, it's a case of "the rich don't need to fight."

However, the Speed is more than just that. With its skillfully tuned suspension, it possesses a lightness that encourages spirited cornering and a depth of capability that prevents understeer. The brake pedal feel is also sportily tuned, but not so peaky as to make precise operation difficult, even in dress shoes.

Bentley Continental GT Speed
Body Size | Length 4,820 × Width 1,945 × Height 1,400 mm
Wheelbase | 2,745 mm
Weight | 2,320 kg
Engine | 5,998cc W12 Twin-Turbo
Max. Output | 467 kW (635 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 820 Nm (83.1 kgm) / 2,000 - 4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension (Front) | 4-link
Suspension (Rear) | Multi-link
Tires | 275/35ZR21
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Discs
Top Speed | 331 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.2 seconds
Turning Circle | 5.65 m
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 ℓ
Fuel Consumption (EU Cycle, Combined) | 14.5 ℓ/100km
CO2 Emissions | 338 g/km
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 358 Liters
Price | 27,000,000 JPY