The Most Dynamic Bentley Road Car In History: The 2022 New Continental GT Speed

The latest Continental GT Speed is regarded as the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history. Exuding ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer, the car is designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon-neutral luxury automotive factory. This new third-generation model is built on a long tradition of Speed variants.

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From the original first-generation Continental GT Speed in 2007, which was inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s, the latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package. Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, comments: “The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring. This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car.”

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The new Bentley Continental GT Speed is a driver’s car. The Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed in BENTLEY and COMFORT driving modes. However, this is even more apparent in SPORT mode. The steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and an electronic limited-slip differential for a level of agility, unlike any other Bentley road car.

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Featuring an Active All-Wheel drive, the traction control and torque distribution have been recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to Continental GT. Maintaining Bentley’s philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities.  For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic rear differential (eLSD) that provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.

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The new Continental GT Speed is blessed with a muscular bodywork inspired from the original Continental GT but better! Unique exterior detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance, blending seamlessly with the Continental GT’s effortless elegance. The Speed models also add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille and unique, more sculpted sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix, and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender. The 22″ Speed wheels in bright silver are another signature feature, with the option of a dark tint or black gloss finish.

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The new four-seater Continental GT Speed interiors redefine luxury and showcase Bentley’s expertise in creating the world’s most refined automotive interiors. Handcrafted materials blend with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and can be further personalised with a choice of 15 primary and 11 secondary hide colours and the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split. Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT. A range of veneers is available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard. Customers can also choose Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus at no extra cost, with three open-pore options (Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa) available as additional options.

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It is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) – a 4 per cent increase of 24 PS over the current W12 model – whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb. ft) of torque. The new Continental GT Speed can reach 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the top speed is measured at 208 mph (335 km/h. The Continental GT Speed is also equipped with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System that allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies.

The official price of the car isn’t revealed yet, but many expect the top-of-the-line variant to begin at $202,500 for the Continental GT V8 and $218,900 for the Continental GT W12.