Bentley unveils new Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Black Edition

Article by Christian A., on April 12, 2016

Bentley has just unveiled the revised Continental GT Speed, which is now more powerful and a lot quicker than the previous model. To achieve this, Bentley implemented an array of significant changes to its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, allowing this Continental GT Speed powerplant to produce 7 PS more output to 642 PS and 20 Nm more torque to 840 Nm.

This extra torque is applied through the entire rev range by optimizing boost control, allowing the vehicle to deliver continuous maximum torque between 2,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This setup allows the Continental GT Speed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, which is equivalent to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds.

Top speed is pegged at 206 mph (331 km/h). On the other hand, Bentley is also launching a special edition of the Continental GT that pays tribute to its sporting character. The Continental GT Speed Black Edition -- available as a coupe or as a convertible – features high gloss black finish to its exterior brightware, including lamp bezels and the window openings.

Its looks are accentuated by all-black five-spoke 21-inch directional wheels as well as red or black brake calipers. Moreover, the Black Edition features front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in contrasting colors: Beluga, Cyber Yellow, Hallmark, and St. James’ Red.

The door mirrors could also be color-matched. The interior of the Continental GT Speed Black Edition features a dark lavish ambiance thanks to the fascia, center and roof consoles specified in carbon fiber. The seats and center console feature a dedicated Black Edition color split and are bordered by contrasting leather in Beluga, Cyber Yellow, Pillar Box Red and Porpoise.

Moreover, matching contrast stitching puts emphasis on the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats. Each Continental GT is handcrafted at Bentley’s facility in Crewe, Cheshire for 110 hours while the revised W12 engine is assembled by 30 Bentley engineers for around 12-and-a-half hours.

On the other hand, the vehicle’s luxuriously comfortable yet highly technical interiors are handcrafted at Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop with each hide checked carefully before being stitched, shaped and finished by hand.

Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT, remarked that the GT Speed Black Edition was developed to cater to demand from clients for a Continental model that boasts of instantly distinguishable styling cues and heightened sporting capabilities.

He noted that the GT Speed Black Edition features a subtle yet purposeful appearance backed by remarkable performance. Interested clients could now order the new Continental GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models. Customer deliveries are expected to commence this summer.

Press Release

BENTLEY LAUNCHES NEW GT SPEED AND STRIKING BLACK EDITION

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.