The new Continental GT Speed, described by Bentley as the most dynamic car in its history, arrived in grand style in Hong Kong on Valentine’s Day. For car lovers, that was no coincidence—this car’s legend and fan following landed long before the wheels were down in the city.
They’re not alone, either: the Continental GT Speed was voted Robb Report’s 2022 Car of the Year by an overwhelming majority of noted car fanatics and esteemed adjudicators. The award recalled that of 2004, when the Bentley Continental GT was anointed the car of the year.
This new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants, introduced with theacclaimed Continental GT Speed in 2007, which was itself inspired by the 3-litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline with a truly rare combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
“The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring,” says Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors. “The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”
It all starts below, with a new chassis delivering optimised performance in all conditions. Electronic all-wheel steering provides all-round manoeuvrability, combining with Bentley Dynamic Ride and its first electronic limited-slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car.
Below the skin throbs an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) — a four per cent increase over the current W12 model — whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds), a reduction of 0.1 second. And shifting the power as needed is a dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission that’s twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model.
But not only does the Continental GT Speed offer impressive performance, to maximise efficiency the model benefits from Bentley’s Stop-Start technology that rests the engine not only when the vehicle is stationary, but also at near-to-stop speeds. The Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine’s 12 cylinders for efficiency under certain conditions, with the transitions between the two being imperceptible to the driver.
Impressive mechancis aside, the car is chosen by many for its elevated interior luxury. here, we see Bentley’s expertise in creating the world’s finest automotive interiors. Handcrafted materials blend with unique trim and badging that can be further personalised if desired. A choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the colour split is available. The centre console can be finished in new dark tint engine-turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and a beautifully patterned finish.
Outside, the muscular bodywork of the Continental GT has been amplified still further. Unique exterior detailing complements the GT Speed’s powerful, athletic stance.
Packed with exquisite detail, a technologically advanced instrument panel and the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display, the new driver-focused model is the must-have for any discerning driver. As Dr Rabe says, “This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values.”
