Bentley Motors has released details of the new Continental GT Speed - the most dynamic road car in Bentley's history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world's benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Crewe, this new third generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 - itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
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. With active all-wheel drive, the traction control and torque distribution has been recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to the standard Continental GT.
Maintaining Bentley's philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities. To achieve this philosophy in 'Bentley' and 'Comfort' mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, in 'Sport', this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque-split in all driving scenarios.
In 'Bentley' and 'Comfort' modes, this provides improved traction, provides a greater level of confidence for the driver and makes the vehicle feel more stable at high speeds. In 'Sport' mode, the eLSD has been tuned to for throttle modulation, improved turn-in response and increased straight-line performance, thus allowing the GT Speed to be more adjustable and driver-focused without compromising comfort or stability.
Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by the new systems allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In 'Sport' mode, the traction management system sends a greater proportion of power to the rear axle to allow for even greater on-throttle control of cornering line.
Working alongside these systems are the key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another - namely Bentley's three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride - the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third generation Continental GT.
With the ESC engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers or in inclement weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC extends the freedom of the driver, allowing the experienced pilot to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at their 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, on track the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.
To complement the chassis, a newly-engineered Carbon Ceramic brake system has been introduced. Carbon Silicon Carbide discs provide additional brake bite, with a strong, firm brake pedal feel and excellent brake fade resistance. Ten-piston front callipers and four-piston rears supply incredible braking force. The carbon ceramic material also saves over 33kg of unsprung mass and produces extremely low levels of brake dust.
The GT Speed is amplified with its muscular bodywork. Unique exterior detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance, blending seamlessly with the effortless elegance inherent to the Continental GT. Speed models add a dark tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, as well as unique, more sculpted sports sills, a dark tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender.
The GT Speed receives 22-inch Speed wheels in bright silver, with the option of a dark tint or black gloss finish. 'Jewel' versions of the fuel and oil filler caps are standard, while illuminated Bentley treadplates to both sills are a nod to the Speed's performance credentials.
The cabin consists of handcrafted materials blended with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and can be further personalised if desired. The Continental GT Speed's credentials are further highlighted by a unique duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the steering wheel. The exterior badging is matched with an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.
As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and exceptional grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres. Packed with exquisite detail, a technologically advanced instrument panel and the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display, the new driver-focused model widens the Continental GT's performance credentials.
