Bentley has invited UK media for a first go in their new Continental GT Speed at Silverstone, releasing at the same time all the technical details of the “most dynamic road-going Bentley ever made” and a new image gallery.
In addition to packing more firepower, the new Continental GT Speed is the first to feature a rear-steering system, as well as the first Bentley with a rear electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.
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The result, according to Bentley, is not only a more agile super GT but one that can actually drift itself out of a corner. The newly calibrated Sport drive mode limits the available to the front axle to 28 percent and almost shuts off the counter-oversteer torque applied in the Comfort and Bentley drive modes.
In addition, the new Continental GT Speed can be optioned with the largest car brakes in the world, featuring 440 mm carbon discs at the front with giant 10-piston calipers. Bentley says that their latest-generation carbon brakes save 77 lbs (35 kg) of unsprung mass and are exceptionally fade resistant.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find Bentley’s familiar twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, which has been upgraded to 650 HP (659 PS), up from the regular model’s 626 HP (635 PS). Torque remains the same, rated at a colossal 664 lb-ft (900 Nm). Moreover, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission can change gears in half the time of the standard Conti GT when in Sport mode.
As a result, the new Continental GT Speed can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds) and reach a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).