With 12 cylinders and two turbochargers under its regal hood, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is already an impressive machine. But Bentley nonetheless decided to make a few changes, finding a bit more power and a pinch more … er, speed.
Like before, the Speed boasts a performance-tuned version of Bentley’s 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In the updated model, the engine produces 633 horsepower and 619 pound-feet of torque, compared to 626 hp and 605 lb-ft before.
That extra power doesn’t actually add up to much greater performance, not that the Speed needs help in that area. Top speed remain 206 mph, making the Speed the fastest production Bentley ever and something of a physics miracle considering its enormous weight. The 0-60 mph time drops slightly from 4.0 seconds to 3.9 seconds. Both figures likely apply to the coupe; the convertible is probably a bit slower.
Besides the upgraded engine, Bentley is also adding a new Black Edition model. Not to be confused with performance models from a certain German automaker, the Continental GT Speed Black Edition is essentially a trim package. Normally shiny exterior trim gets a gloss black finish, there are black 21-inch wheels, and the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser are available in contrast colors.
The interior gets carbon fiber trim on the dashboard fascia and center and overhead consoles. Black Edition models also feature sections of contrasting leather, matching the contrast pieces on the exterior, and there’s some contrast stitching as well.
While existing tweaks help keep the current model fresh, an all-new Continental GT is expected some time in the near future. It will likely move to the same Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform that supports the Bentayga SUV, and get that model’s new W12 engine along with a smaller V8 option. The current Continental GT has had a good run; it’s basic design dates back to 2003, with major revisions in 2011.
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