Bentley has unveiled the latest iteration of the Continental GT Speed, which now comes with more power and torque, along with a new Black Edition variant.
As if the GT needed more power, the grease monkeys in Crewe continue to extract even more juice from the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine. The massive power plant now pumps out 633 hp at 5,900 rpm – up from 626 hp in the outgoing model – and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing the number to 840 Nm from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm.
Thanks to the uprated power and an eight-speed ZF transmission, the opulent Grand Tourer is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (0.2 faster than before). Top speed is delightfully retained at a face-melting 331 km/h.
As for the Black Edition, the special trim level is available for both coupe and convertible models. The package adds a slew of components finished in high-gloss black including the window openings and lamp bezels. These are complemented with black 21-inch five-spoke wheels and brake calipers that come in red or black.
On top of that, customers may specify the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different colours: Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and Cyber Yellow. The cabin is typical Bentley – it gets carbon fibre dashboard finishes, leather upholstery in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or Cyber Yellow, and of course, the brand’s trademark diamond quilting.
BENTLEY LAUNCHES NEW GT SPEED AND STRIKING BLACK EDITION
– Continental GT Speed increases power and torque
– Bold new Black Edition joins GT family
– New and unique styling cues handcrafted to perfection at Bentley’s Crewe factory
(Crewe, 4 April 2016) Bentley unveils today the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h), now delivers even more power and torque, and a striking new Black Edition model joins the Speed family.
Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 642 PS – up from 635 PS – and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the Grand Tourer’s renowned “torque plateau” of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2,000-5,000 rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-60 mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).
Bentley is also introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition which celebrates the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character. Available as both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the customers’ choice of body colour is complimented by a high gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels. All-black 21″ five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be specified in red or black finishes.
To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colours to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow. Customers can also choose to colour-match the door mirrors as a final exterior accent.
Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fibre adorns the fascia, centre and roof consoles to create a dark opulent ambiance while a dedicated Black Edition colour split sees the seats and centre console bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats.
Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT, comments: “We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognisable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance.”
It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours. Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewellery and watch craftsmanship.
The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models are available to order now, with customer deliveries this summer.
