Bentley Unveiling 617hp Continental GT Speed at Goodwood

BentleyBentleyUnited Kingdom, 1919 > present37 models
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5 videos
said that they would reveal a new car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and that car is the Continental GT SpeedBentley Continental GT SpeedUnited Kingdom, 2012 > present20 photos
with 617hp and 800Nm of torque. 

The car has a 6.0 liter, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine that accelerates the GT Speed to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 205mph (329km/h). It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission that Bentley says improves fuel economy and reduces emissions by 12%.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the Speed model gets improved steering, lowered suspension and 21in wheels exclusive to the Speed model. LIke all ContinentalBentley Continental GT (modern) Gen.2United Kingdom, 2011 > present34 versions
218 photos
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models, the Speed model has all-wheel drive and Torsen limited-slip differential.

The exterior style is changed slightly with a dark-tinted front grill, lower front air intakes and 'rifled' exhausts. The inside gets the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, which includes diamond-pleated leather on the seats and doors. 

“For nearly a decade, the Bentley Continental GT has defined high luxury, high performance grand touring and the unique W12 engine has been so successful that Bentley is now the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines. The new GT Speed with its harder-edged, sportier character reaffirms this pinnacle positioning and continues to broaden the worldwide appeal of the Continental coupe," said Bentley Chairman Wolfgang Dürheimer.  

The Speed name references the car that Bentley sent to Le Mans starting in 1923. Founder W.O Bentley saw the need for a faster version of his 3.0 liter model. He added SU carbs and higher compression. 

Bentley created the first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007. 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed where the GT Speed will debut runs from June 28 to July 1. 

Bentley Introducing New Model at the Goodwood Festival