Bentley’s third generation Continental GT reached a performance apex in 2021 with the launch of the latest GT Speed. The unrivalled combination of luxury and performance synonymous with the Continental family was pushed to a new extreme, with the application of new chassis technologies and an uplift in engine power delivering the most dynamic Bentley road car yet.

A History of Speed

The third-generation model built on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 – itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s – the latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.

New Chassis Technology

Two advancements and a suite of chassis changes focused the Speed’s abilities on the driver. An electronic Limited Slip Differential brought fully active torque management between the front and rear axles, polished by torque-vectoring-by-brake, meaning that should the driver wish it, this was a Continental that could drift. Agility was further improved by the addition of electronic all-wheel steering.

An Even Mightier W12

For the new GT Speed an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine was prepared, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). To match the engine performance, the dual clutch gearbox was reworked for even faster shift times – half those of the standard W12 model

A Standout Interior

A unique duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara was chosen for the GT Speed. The exterior badging is matched with an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.

The Heritage Collection Example

Y44 BML is the Collection’s GT Speed, finished in Julep with a Beluga leather and Alcantara interior, black wheels, black chrome and the carbon fibre Styling Specification. Y44 was a Global Media Drive car, and starred in ‘Continental Drift’, a unique short film produced by Bentley at the abandoned Comiso Air Station on the island of Sicily.