The 6.0 litre W12 engine has been uprated to 616 bhp /at 6000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque to deliver suitably thunderous, performance. The 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph. The gearbox is now an eight-speeder, which helps towards an overall 12% improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The chassis features modified steering and a lowered ride height, with unique 21-inch Speed wheels using 275/35 R21 Pirelli PZero tyres. Commenting on the new GT Speed, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive says:

“For nearly a decade, the Bentley Continental GT has defined high luxury, high performance grand touring and the unique W12 engine has been so successful that Bentley is now the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines. The new GT Speed with its harder-edged, sportier character reaffirms this pinnacle positioning and continues to broaden the worldwide appeal of the Continental coupe.”

Ahead of deliveries this autumn, the GT Speed makes its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 28th June until 1st July. Modern-day Bentley Boys Juha Kankunnen, Guy Smith and Derek Bell will pilot a pre-production GT Speed up the Goodwood Hill twice a day.