Nobody in their right mind would ever think of associating the big slab-like look of the Bentley Continental GT Speed and the huge inherent weight with sporty handling and a fingertip-precise driving experience.
However, it seems that somehow, the VW-owned luxury automaker has managed to defy physics, as Motor Trend magazine’s Carlos Lago reports that the car is surprisingly agile, and much better to drive around the twisties than anticipated.
The 616 hp GT Speed, here in Le Mans edition with special upholstery and badging, was recorded doing a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.8 seconds and the standing quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds. Furthermore, with a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), it is the fastest car they have ever made.
It has the customary all-wheel drive system fitted throughout the range, now sending drive through a new eight-cog self-shifter, and with the massive heft pushing the tires into the ground, grip is said to be immense, as well. Even the steering is praised, for being sharp and direct, thus allowing the driver to do spirited cornering maneuvers without drama.
The only thing that wasn’t up to the level of the entire package were the brakes, which despite being carbon-ceramic, suffered from excessive fade and wear after having been leaned on for extended periods of sustained quick driving, according to Lago. In order to get the full picture, do scroll down and watch the video posted after the jump.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO