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Bentley has released full technical details of its new 205 mph (330 km/h) Continental GT Speed ahead of its official international show debut at the Moscow Motor Show on 29 August. The car is the fastest road-car Bentley has ever produced.

Powered by Bentley’s 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, the GT Speed develops 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6000 rev/min – up 50 PS versus the standard Continental GT – with 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque available from 2000 to 5000 rev/min (up 100 Nm). Coupled with a new ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission and engine management software, the GT Speed despatches the zero-to-sixty sprint in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s), reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in just 9.0 seconds.

Improved performance is matched by an enhanced chassis with up-rated springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, a lowered ride height (by 10mm front and rear) together with re-tuning of the electronically controlled damping and steering systems. Its all-wheel-drive system is biased 60:40 in favour of the rear.

Design elements distinguish the GT Speed from its stable-mates, including 21-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels, dark-tint matrix to the radiator shell and lower bumper grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tailpipes. Inside the handcrafted cabin, the Speed models are specified exclusively with the Mulliner Driving Specification, featuring quilted, perforated leather and bright metal detailing (along with a broader choice of optional technical finishes).

W12 POWERTRAIN

Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque from 2000 rev/min, the twin-turbo, 48-valve, 6.0-litre W12 is now fitted with the ME17 engine management system. Capable of performing 180 million individual calculations per second, the new system delivers enhanced turbocharger control, better torque management and improvements to driveability.

The W12 engine is mated to a ZF eight-speed transmission for the first time. This features “Block Shifting” technology, capable of shifting directly from (for example) 8^th gear to 4^th gear for instantaneous response.

The sprint from 0-60 mph takes just 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds) and acceleration continues to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). 0-100 mph is dispatched in 9.0 seconds – a level of performance akin to the previous generation Continental Supersports, and almost a full second quicker than the updated 575 PS Continental GT.

The exhaust system of the new GT Speed has been developed from the free-breathing, low back pressure design first used on the Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record car.

Powertrain developments have not been restricted to the pursuit of outright performance. Bentley’s engineering team has also focused on enhancing efficiency, and the power and torque increases for the new GT Speed are accompanied by an improvement of up to 12% in fuel economy, range and CO₂ emissions across the two-door model range.

The new eight-speed transmission delivers six per cent of the total efficiency gain. The eight close-ratios ensure that the engine operates in its most efficient range during relaxed driving, while software developments ensure that gear changes are both faster and smoother.

The new transmission, together with the ME17 engine management system, is fitted to the standard Continental GT and GTC models from now.

The W12 engine features recuperation for the first time, delivering a 1.6 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions alone. Recuperation is a technology involving precise control of the vehicle’s electrical system and alternator to allow flexible generation of electricity. The output of the alternator is increased during low engine load conditions, for example when decelerating, with the excess electrical energy stored in the car’s battery. When the engine is then under load, the alternator output is reduced, increasing overall engine efficiency while the battery provides the previously stored energy to compensate.

Reflecting the improvements in efficiency, the Continental GT and GT Speed now feature a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km) and CO₂ emissions of 338 g/km (subject to certification). Meanwhile, the GTC has a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km) and CO₂ emissions of 347 g/km.

The efficiency improvements also benefit the performance of the standard GT and GTC models. The standard 575 PS GT now takes just 4.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) with 100 mph (160 km/h) reached in 9.8 seconds from a standstill. The performance of the Continental GTC is similar – 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.7s) and 0-100 mph (and 0-160 km/h) in 10.3 seconds.

CHASSIS

The new Continental GT Speed features significant changes to both chassis hardware and software. Aluminium double wishbone front suspension and a trapezoidal multi-link rear setup are retained, but now feature revised air suspension springs and dampers for improved agility and body control, with roll, pitch and heave all being reduced.

The self-levelling system constantly monitors ride height and damping according to road conditions, and positions the car with a ride height 10mm lower than the standard Continental GT. Bentley’s chassis engineers have also fitted stiffer suspension bushes and uprated anti-roll bars to optimise handling.

Stability control
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system has been optimised to work in tune with the new ME17 engine management system. The ESC system retains the “Dynamic Mode” setting that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds, with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. Steering feel and feedback to the driver are both improved, while mindful tuning of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system means less degradation in ride comfort despite the uprating of the suspension components.

Stopping power
In line with the standard Continental models, the new GT Speed is fitted with 405 mm diameter front and 335 mm rear ventilated, cast iron brake discs and eight-piston callipers as standard. Braking performance can be further extended by specifying 420 mm front / 356 mm rear cross-drilled Carbon Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs as a cost option. Providing a 20 kg weight saving over the standard brakes, the fade-free CSiC discs last the lifetime of the car under normal driving conditions, while brake pad life is doubled. ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Assistance, Drag Torque Control and aquaplane detection are all fitted as standard.

All-wheel drive
For all Continental models, the new eight-speed transmission feeds torque to a permanent all-wheel-drive system which retains the 60% rear / 40% front torque split first introduced on the Supersports. The rear-biased torque split reduces understeer during hard cornering and varies torque between the front and rear axles for better grip.

BODY DESIGN

The usual Bentley DNA is evident through the lines of the car.

Advanced superforming technology uses high temperatures and pressurised air to shape the front fenders into unbroken curves in aerospace-grade 5083 aluminium alloy. The flowing lines and curves of the latest body have been inspired by the original 1950s R-Type Continental..

For the GT Speed, there are further design enhancements. A new 9.5J x 21” ten twin-spoke wheel design is exclusive to GT Speed, available in bright painted or dark tint finishes, and fitted with 275/35 ZR21 tyres. Dark tint radiator matrix and front bumper grilles pay homage to the Le Mans winning Bentleys of the 1920s to give the front of the new GT Speed a more aggressive, sporting look.

At the rear of the car, new rifled exhaust tailpipes are fitted exclusively to GT Speed and are complemented by chrome rear lamp bezels that are also introduced on Continental GT and GTC models. Also fitted as standard to all 6.0 litre Continental models are new W12 badges located on the front fenders. Beneath the bonnet, the twin turbocharged intake manifolds of the Speed model are powder-coated with a black finish. GT Speed treadplates complete the set of exterior design cues.

Mulliner Styling Specification in polished carbon fibre
All two-door Continental models may also be specified with the Mulliner Styling Specification package option. Available as a dealer-fit accessory, the “Classic Pack” comprises a range of features finished in carbon fibre:

• Front bumper grille strakes
• Front splitter
• Side sill extension blades
• Rear bumper diffuser

Complementary features include carbon fibre door mirror cowls, the finishing of the standard rear spoiler in carbon fibre and the fitment of the 21” “Elegant” wheels in a black finish.

As well as the 17 exterior paint finishes available as standard to the Continental models, a range of almost 100 additional paint options is available including solid, metallic, pearlescent and satin finishes. Bentley’s specialist paint team can also create bespoke exterior colours to precisely match customer requirements.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The grand tourer retains a hand-crafted interior created using only natural materials such as leathers, polished veneers and metals.

As standard, the new GT Speed is specified with Bentley’s Mulliner Driving Specification, which features diamond-quilted, perforated leather hides to all four seats, door trims and rear quarter panels. The cabin headlining is finished in indented leather hide, while optional embroidered Bentley emblems can be specified for the headrests.

The sports gear lever has a knurled finish, while the driver uses drilled alloy sports foot pedals. The Bentley “Jewel” filler cap is provided as standard, as are Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Piano Black veneers.

Bentley offers two “engine spin” options for the fascia and consoles – one in Bright Aluminium and the other, unique to the Continental GT Speed, in Dark Tint Aluminium. Alternatively, there is also Carbon Fibre option for fascia, roof and centre consoles.

Seventeen different hide colours are available and as with the rest of the Continental family, the interior of the GT Speed can be specified with duo-tone colour splits, including one split previously exclusive to GT V8. Contrast stitching throughout, including to the steering wheel, is also available.

INFOTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY

A new feature of the 8-inch touchscreen, 30GB on-board Infotainment system is the addition of satellite navigation “Personal Points of Interest”. This allows the user to save places of their choosing (e.g. a specific restaurant) into the system.

The touchscreen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings and navigation information, which uses both the hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data.

An eight-speaker sound system is offered as standard employing the Balanced Mode Radiator technology.  The 11-speaker Naim for Bentley system – created exclusively by British audiophiles Naim – is available across the Continental range.

Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod^® as well as from a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car’s hard-disc drive, which can store up to 15GB of music. DAB digital radio is also available in regions where the infrastructure supports it.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

	GT Speed	GT W12	GTC W12
Engine
Type	6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power	616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rpm	567 bhp / 423 kW / 575 PS @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm	700 Nm / 516 lb.ft @ 1700 rpm
Transmission
Type	ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline	Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios	1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667
Final Drive	2.85
Brakes
Front	405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear	335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels	9.5J x 21”	9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
Tyres	275/35 ZR21	275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21)
Steering
Type	Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock	2.6 turns
Turning circle	11.3 m
Suspension
Front	Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear	Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping	Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall length	4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body)	1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (inc. mirrors)	2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall height	1394 mm / 54.9 in	1404 mm / 55.3 in	1403 mm / 55.2 in
Fuel tank	90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume	358 litres / 12.6 cu ft		260 / 9.18 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU)	2320 kg / 5115 lb		2495 kg / 5500 lb
Gross vehicle weight	2750 kg / 6063 lb		2900 kg / 6393 lb
Performance
Top speed	205 mph / 330 km/h	198 mph (318 km/h)	195 mph (314 km/h)
0-60 mph	4.0 secs	4.3 secs	4.4 secs
0-100 mph	9.0 secs	9.8 secs	10.3 secs
0-100 km/h	4.2 secs	4.5 secs	4.7 secs
0-160 km/h	9.0 secs	9.8 secs	10.3 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban	12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100km)		12.5 mpg (22.7 litres/100km)
Extra Urban	28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100km)		27.2 mpg (10.4 litres/100km)
Combined	19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km)		19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km)
CO2 emissions	338 g/km		347 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg)	13		12
Highway (US mpg)	20		20
Combined (US mpg)	15		15
Emissions Controls	EU 5 and US LEV II

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

Tags: Bentley, GT Speed