Currently reading: New Bentley Continental GT Speed brings 650bhp, dynamic focus
Luxury coupé gets a small power boost and chassis trickery including an electric limited-slip diff

Bentley has reprised the Speed badge for the new top-rung, performance-focused version of the Bentley Continental GT - described as "the most dynamic road car in Bentley's 101-year history". 

With 650bhp and 664lb ft from an uprated version of the firm’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, the most potent version of the luxury coupé can do 0-62mph in just 3.5sec and tops out at 208mph. That makes it roughly as quick in a straight line as a rear-driven Lamborghini Hurácan

In Sport mode, the W12 has been retuned 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. 

The Speed gains carbon-ceramic brakes and 10-piston front calipers 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. 

Continental gt speed   5

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.

Bentley claims the new Continental GT Speed gives "a driver-focused 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". 

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 22in wheels are unique, too, and buyers can optionally specify jewel-encrusted fuel filler and oil filler caps. 

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The interior is largely identical to that of the standard car but is marked out by liberal use of Alcantara and embroidered headrests. 

Like the recently revealed Bentayga Speed SUV, the Continental GT Speed isn’t available to order in the UK, where the standard V8 coupé remains Bentley’s most powerful model on sale.

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: News and features editor

Felix is Autocar's news editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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abkq 23 March 2021
Rolls Royce preserves the dignity of luxury car. Bentley doesn't. Bentley nolonger understands the art of restrained styling.
eseaton 23 March 2021
I Assume you are joking?

But if not, try pleasuring yourself looking at a Cullinan.