Bentley’s engineers in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental GT’s iconic 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 633bhp, up from 626bhp, and 20Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840Nm.
The additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the British grand tourer’s renowned “torque plateau” of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2000-5000rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-100km/h sprint time has dropped to just 4.1 seconds – down from the previous GT Speed’s 4.2 seconds.
Bentley has also introduced the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, which celebrates the depth of the GT’s sporting character. Available as both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the customer’s choice of body colour is complemented by a high-gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels. All-black 21-inch five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake callipers, 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 cabin, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fibre adorns the fascia, centre and roof consoles to create a darkly opulent ambience, 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.
It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT Speed at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The newcomer’s upgraded W12 engine is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours.
Meanwhile, the sumptuous 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.
