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March 29, 2021
Bentley's Ultimate Performance—The New Continental GT Speed Debuts | Bentley
BENTLEY Continental GT Speed | Bentley Continental GT Speed
Bentley Announces New Continental GT Speed High-Performance Model
Bentley unveiled the new Continental GT Speed, its most capable Grand Tourer ever, on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 4 PM JST (Wednesday, March 24, 1 AM JST).
Equipped with a 659ps 6.0-liter W12 Engine and 900Nm of Torque
The Continental GT Speed is powered by a revised version of Bentley's signature 6.0-liter W12 TSI engine, delivering 659ps – 24ps (4%) more than the current W12 models – and an impressive 900Nm of torque. Its performance capabilities include a top speed of 335 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, a 0.1-second improvement. The engine also features a variable cylinder system that deactivates six cylinders under specific conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency.
The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch system, with driving modes including "Sport," "Bentley," "Comfort," and "Dynamic." In Sport mode, gear changes are twice as fast as before, and the exhaust note has been enhanced during acceleration and downshifts.
For driving dynamics, the Continental GT Speed introduces Bentley's first electronic rear differential (eLSD). In "Bentley" and "Comfort" modes, the eLSD enhances traction, providing a reassuring driving experience and significantly improving stability at high speeds.
In "Sport" mode, the eLSD balances adjustments during throttle on/off transitions, improving turn-in response and straight-line stability, with torque biased more towards the rear. Additionally, the car features electronic all-wheel steering and active AWD, with front and rear wheels moving in opposite phases at low speeds and the same phase at high speeds.
Optional carbon-ceramic brakes are available, designed to match the enhanced chassis performance. They offer excellent fade resistance and a firm pedal feel, capable of absorbing up to 10 megajoules of energy during full stops from maximum speed. The carbon-ceramic material reduces unsprung weight by over 33kg and produces minimal brake dust, helping to keep the beautiful finish of the dedicated 22-inch Speed wheels pristine with less effort.
The exterior features dark-tinted radiator and lower bumper grilles, elegantly sculpted sports sills, and a dark-tinted radiator matrix. A discreet chrome "Speed" badge adorns the front fenders.
The interior is finished by hand in a duo-tone colour split of leather and Alcantara, with the steering wheel matching the same colour scheme. "Diamond in Diamond" quilting is standard, and "Speed" embroidery on the headrests subtly distinguishes it from the standard Continental GT. A choice of 15 main hides and 11 secondary hides is available for personalization. The Speed-exclusive colour split also allows Alcantara to be replaced with leather.
Wood veneers include the standard Piano Black, as well as complimentary options of Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus. Three open-pore finishes are available for the wood veneers, highlighting their natural beauty: Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut, and Koa.
The interior seats four, and the trunk capacity, essential for a Grand Tourer, is 358 liters. Orders have already begun in Japan, with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021. The price is 33.9 million yen.
