Bentley has announced details of its new Continental GT Speed, which develops 616 bhp and has a top speed of 205 mph.
Fitted with a new ZF eight-speed transmission, the GT Speed despatches the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds and can reach 100 mph from a standing start in just 9.0 seconds. The chassis has been uprated with new springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, a lowered ride height (by 10mm front and rear) together with re-tuned dampers and steering.
Bentley is displaying one of the most important cars in its history at its factory in Crewe until September.
The Bentley Embiricos was commissioned by a wealthy Greek customer as the first ever aerodynamically inspired Bentley GT in 1938. The car went on to directly influence the 1952 R-Type Continental, which, in turn inspired the current Continental GT.
The fastest production Bentley ever will debut at London’s Salon Privé luxury car show in September. The new Continental GT Speed will be shown for the first time at the event held at West London’s prestigious Syon House on 5-7 September, with tickets costing between £200 and £800 per person.
Powered by Bentley’s 6.0-litre, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine, the coupe will reach 60mph in just four seconds. Orders for the new Continental GT Speed can be taken at Salon Privé, with first UK deliveries expected later this year.
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.
