New Continental GT Speed

Overview

With the arrival of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley has pushed GT performance to new heights, resulting in the most powerful grand tourer the company has ever made. But that’s not the only big change ushered in by the latest generation. It also sees a radical redesign, with a new front, new rear, stunning new headlamp arrangement and a wealth of new features and finishes inside. Add a significant upgrade to the car’s technology – from the powertrain and chassis to the infotainment system and even the seats – and you have a truly incredible new car.

As the most performance-focused model in the Continental GT range, the Continental GT Speed is instantly recognisable, thanks to its purposeful, motorsport-inspired aesthetic. And when you put your foot down to unleash the capabilities of its Ultra-Performance V8 Hybrid powertrain, you’ll instantly realise that its looks are not just for show.

To learn more about the new Continental GT Speed and arrange a test drive, contact us today at Bentley Douglas.

Design

The first thing you will notice about the new Continental GT Speed is almost certainly its stunning new headlamp design, inspired by the stare of a tiger as it prepares to pounce on its prey. Bentley has moved from the more traditional two-lamp look to a single oval headlamp on each side, each one topped with a striking sharp edge.

At the back of the car, there are new details too. The new ‘slashed oval’ rear lamps feature smoke-effect lenses, to match the dark tint exterior detailing seen all around the car – a hallmark of the Speed model.

A new, body-coloured Styling Specification and sports side sills lend the car a lower, wider, more muscular appearance. In fact, from the bold new Speed wheels and the new grille at the front to details like the sports exhaust finisher at the rear, this is a GT car that looks like nothing else on the road.

Inside, you will see the ‘Speed’ emblem displayed on the treadplates, the dashboard and even the seat embroidery. The leather and Dinamica seats feature an exclusive Speed colour split while on the doors, you will see a stunning new finish: 3D diamond hide.

The Colour Specification comes as standard, so you can choose from the entire range of hide colours and carpet colours. And if you choose the exterior Blackline Specification, turning all the exterior detailing black, we recommend you opt for the Dark Chrome Interior Specification, which renders much of the interior detailing in a dark-tint chrome finish or matt black.

Performance

Thanks to its Ultra-Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain, the new generation Continental GT Speed can generate 771 bhp (782PS) and an unprecedented 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough power – almost 20% more than even the previous Continental GT Speed – to take you from 0-60 mph in an incredible 3.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds) and on to a maximum speed of 208 mph (335 km/h)*.

There is much more to this car than raw power, however. It also features the Bentley Performance Active Chassis package, a suite of high-tech chassis systems that come together to give you more control and confidence than ever before.

It starts with an all-new suspension system, featuring twin-valve dampers for greater flexibility between driving modes – so you get a more refined ride in Comfort mode and feel closer to the road in Sport mode, for example.

The Bentley Dynamic Ride anti-roll system keeps the car level, minimising body roll when cornering. This gives you a greater sense of control when you need it, without compromising on the refined ride you expect when cruising in a more relaxed manner. An electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) takes things further, improving rear-wheel grip and enabling you to explore the limits of the car’s handling with confidence, especially in Sport mode.

The car’s all-wheel steering system, meanwhile, offers benefits at both high and low speeds. When manoeuvring in tight spaces, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, drastically reducing the car’s turning circle. On the highway, however, they steer the same way, allowing you to change lanes quickly and smoothly, without the sensation of the car body lurching to either side.

*Top speed with summer tyre fitted as original equipment.

Technology

Throughout the car, you will see evidence of a fully upgraded technology package, artfully combined with Bentley’s renowned craftsmanship. You can connect your phone wirelessly or by USB cable using Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™, and there is a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, for constant internet connectivity. Internet radio, meanwhile, gives you access to thousands of stations, wherever you are.

The new My Bentley App Studio allows you to download a range of popular local apps, including navigation, entertainment and gaming, direct to the car’s infotainment system. That means that if you prefer a third party navigation app, for example, you can run it on the car’s system rather than your phone, giving it access to car data such as fuel and/or charge levels, which can be useful for navigation apps, for example. It also enables you to see the app’s interface in the driver’s instrumentation panel behind the steering wheel, rather than on the central touchscreen only.

A wide range of driver assistance systems includes Bentley’s City Specification, providing features aimed at making urban driving easier and safer. It offers Traffic Sign Recognition, Park Assist, a Top View Camera, Auto-Dimming Mirrors and Hands-Free Boot Opening. Outside the city, the Touring Specification gives you all the tools you need to enjoy the thrill of the open road. They include a Head-Up Display, a Night Vision Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist.

The Bentley Signature Audio system is fitted as standard, but there are options to upgrade even further. The Bang & Olufsen for Bentley system features 16 channels, while the 20-channel Naim for Bentley option offers truly unrivalled in-car sound.

The two front seats feature Postural Adjust, a Bentley world first when it was introduced. It sees a series of air pockets beneath the seat’s surface inflate and deflate in sequence, to give your muscles a virtually imperceptible massage, with a unique twisting effect, to reduce stiffness on long journeys. Seat Auto Climate uses sensors in the seat to automatically control the heat and humidity of the seat, so you feel comfortable throughout your drive, without having to make manual adjustments to the heating and/or ventilation.

The My Bentley smartphone app, meanwhile, gives you the ability to connect to your car remotely. You can use it to locate your car if you can’t remember exactly where you parked, or to check whether the windows are closed and the doors are locked. It can even alert you if your car is moved without your consent.

Continental GT Speed First Edition

To mark the arrival of this new generation Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s design team have created the Continental GT Speed First Edition. This unique specification brings together some of the most prestigious options as well as unique First Edition features, resulting in a GT like no other.

The first thing you will notice is the exclusive First Edition badging on the exterior. Open the door and you will experience the swirling light show projected by the Animated Welcome Lamps by Mulliner, before you step over the First Edition treadplates and into the cabin. As well as further First Edition emblems embroidered on the seats, the interior includes numerous features normally only available as options. They include the Front Seat Comfort Specification, including Postural Adjust and Seat Auto Climate, as well as the stunning Bentley Rotating Display. Audiophiles will also enjoy the incredible Naim for Bentley sound system.

The Continental GT Speed First Edition is subject to a limited production run, so please contact us at Bentley Douglas if you wish to secure one.

Personalisation

Despite the incredible standard specification of the Continental GT Speed, there remains a vast opportunity to configure it to your requirements. You can choose from seven exterior colours as standard, but that is just the beginning. With the optional extended range and the satin and pearlescent finishes available from Mulliner, that number rises to over 80.

Inside, there are 15 primary hide colours and 11 colours you can choose for your secondary hide. Next comes Bentley’s wide range of veneers, comprising hand-finished high-gloss woods that can be accentuated with metal inlays, open-pore woods with a contemporary matte finish or any of the technical finishes available, such as carbon fibre or Dark Tint Diamond Brushed Aluminium. You can also opt for the more subtle Piano Black, or any of three new ‘piano’ gloss-painted colours: Gravity Grey by Mulliner, Imperial Blue, Burnt Oak and Cricket Ball.

If you wish to go even further, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, Mulliner, can help you to create truly bespoke features for your car.

To learn more about the personalisation options available for the new Continental GT Speed, contact us today at Bentley Douglas.

Engine and tech specs

The new Continental GT Speed’s Ultra-Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain is capable of delivering an exhilarating 771 bhp (782 PS), setting a new benchmark for GT performance.