New Bentley Continental GT Speed brings 485kW

spot_imgspot_img

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 20"Bentley has reprised the Speed badge for the new top-rung, performance-focused version of the Continental GT – described as “the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history”.

With 484kW and 900Nm from an uprated version of the firm’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, the most potent version of the luxury coupé can do 0-100km/h in just 3.5sec and tops out at 335km/h. That makes it roughly as quick in a straight line as a rear-driven Lamborghini Hurácan.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 12"In Sport mode, the W12 has been re-tuned to extend the ‘power band’ by shifting up a gear later, and down earlier – keeping revs towards the top of the range. The faster gear changes are accompanied by a “greater exhaust character” in Sport mode.

As with its predecessor, the new Speed also promises improved dynamics, bringing a raft of chassis upgrades over the standard car.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021"The Speed gains carbon-ceramic brakes and ten-piston front callipers as standard, and uses an uprated version of the larger Flying Spur’s all-wheel steering system. At low to medium speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts to reduce the turning circle, while at higher speeds they match the front wheels to improve stability.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 4"And in a first for Bentley, an electronic differential has been installed at the rear, which is said to improve “lateral capacity”, “longitudinal stability” and “on-throttle adjustability” – while enhancing traction in adverse conditions.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 6"Bentley claims the new Continental GT Speed gives “a driver-focussed experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines” when the electronic stability control system is deactivated. When driving on track, the manufacturer says, drivers can “choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles”.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 9"In line with its performance aspirations, the Speed is marked out from the standard Continental GT by way of its dark front grille, unique side skirts and subtle chrome badging on the front wings. The 22-inch wheels are unique, too, and buyers can optionally specify jewel-encrusted fuel filler and oil filler caps.

aria-label="New Bentley Continental GT Speed 2021 13"The interior is largely identical to that of the standard car but is marked out by liberal use of Alcantara and embroidered headrests.

Felix Page

Toyota 222D – the Group S Rally Car

This 560kW rallying MR2 could have seen Toyota conquer the stages, but instead fate intervened
spot_img

Further Reading

Xiaomi SU7: China’s Taycan rival offers more performance at half the price

It might not be quite as handsome as the Porsche it apes, but with a claimed driving range of 800km and a 3.0-second run to 100km/h, the Xiaomi SU7 should prove compelling