Until now, the Bentley Continental GT Coupe has been one of my favourite luxury vehicles, with its elegant styling, luxurious appointments
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| As far as four-seat luxury drop-tops go, few rivals can match the Bentley Continental GTC Speed. (Photo: Automotive Metrics) |
and potent performance attributes. The Continental GT Speed Coupe upped the ante, making it a potent addition to Bentley's highly successful Continental Series, extending the regular GT coupe's appeal to include driving aficionados who value exemplary performance and superb handling characteristics.
Inspiration for the GT Speed series comes from W.O. Bentley's legendary “Speed” models that first appeared in 1923 – the 3-litre model complete with twin SU carburetors and higher compression engine became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys. Now, there's a Bentley Continental GTC (the “C” is for convertible) Speed, which has replaced the GT Speed coupe as my new favourite, since I'm a fan of open cars.
The GT
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| Graceful lines, the Continental GTC Speed is metal artwork. (Photo: Automotive Metrics) |
Speed coupe and GTC convertible both display a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille in a dark-tinted chrome matrix providing increased air flow, optimized engine efficiency through the use of lower friction, and lighter weight components, coupled with a new engine management system. The result is exceptional performance. The coupe moves from 0-100 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The convertible rockets from 0-100 mph in 4.7 seconds and can reach 322 km/h (200 mph) with the top up, or 314 km/h (195 mph) with the top down.
Both models derive power from a 6.0-litre, 48-valve, twin-turbocharged W12 engine that delivers 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 553 pound feet of torque at 1,750 rpm.
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| The engine is a work of art too. (Photo: Automotive Metrics) |
In the W12 configuration, each bank's cylinders are staggered, effectively creating two narrow angle V6 engines. The engine is coupled to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic function and steering column mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to all four wheels via continuous All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
