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Bentley Continental GT Speed


Sitting next to Volkswagen in the corner to the right of Hall 5 was the stand for prestigious marque Bentley.

Given the small handful of models in the current Bentley line-up, it was no surprise that the stand itself was small but on par with the size other prestigious marques on display at the motor show.


Bentley Continental GT Speed


What surprised me the most, however, was how bland the design of the stand was compared to the likes of Maserati, Lamborghini and Maybach. It just seemed so unimaginative and bland.

The same can't be said for the two lovely vehicles on show though.

Taking centre stage was the beautiful Continental GT Speed based on the standard GT but boasting a range of upgrades including a revised version of the 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that produces 449kW (610hp) at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 750Nm at just 1,750rpm.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur



Subtle design touches including a dark-tinted front grille, larger sports tailpipes and exclusive 20-inch wheels gives the Continental GT Speed just the right amount of aggression.

On the left sat the Continental Flying Spur - finished in sleek black livery and matching wheels with a polished outer lip - the stunning sedan demanded just as much attention as its coupe brother.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur


The front grille appeared to be finished in brushed aluminium with matching bumper/fascia which contrasted beautifully with the dark paint work.

The Continental Flying Spur can be yours for RRP $358,000 exc. on road costs.


*Click on images for ultra hi-res versions. Copyright © 2007 ZCars.com.au.


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The new Bentley Continental GT Speed

August 2nd 2007 05:07
Bentley Continental GT Speed


Luxury car-maker Bentley has long been synonymous with style, luxury and sophistication.

Despite its luxury tag, the auto manufacturer from Crewe, England has a strong racing pedigree from its presence in motorsport (LeMans) and have been building luxury performance vehicles since the 20s with their 'speed' models.

Bentley Continental GT Speed wallpaper


However, none have been as serious, fast and powerful as their latest creation: the Continental GT Speed.

Based on the 'standard' Continental GT first released in 2003, the GT Speed boasts a revised version of the 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that produces 449kW (610hp) at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 750Nm at just 1,750rpm.

Bentley Continental GT Speed


This is an increase of 9% more power and 15% more torque than the standard Continental GT making it the fastest Bentley ever with a top speed of 326 km/h (202mph) and a 0-100km/h time in just 4.5 seconds.

Other upgrades to the Continental GT Speed includes an unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility with new wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke Pirelli performance tyres as standard fitment.

Bentley Continental GT Speed wallpaper


Obviously such brutal power and performance figures requires greater braking and this is available in the form of fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes as an option.

Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Bentley Continental GT Speed steering wheel

Bentley Continental GT Speed interior

Bentley Continental GT Speed interior

Bentley Continental GT Speed pedals

Bentley Continental GT Speed engine


*Click on images for hi-res version.

The Official Bentley Press Release:

Introduction.

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the company’s highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow to the more powerful GT Speed. Its 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Continental GT, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 202mph (326km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s) and effortless overtaking capability.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed’s high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 9.5J 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres as standard fitment. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley’s engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company’s founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance. His response, the 3-litre ‘Speed Model’, complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys.

Both the GT Speed and the 552bhp (560PS) Continental GT benefit from internal efficiency improvements to deliver reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).

The all-wheel drive Continental GT changed the face of the luxury coupe market and attracted a wider audience to the Bentley marque. It also represented the first step in Bentley's renaissance, positioning the company at the pinnacle of both technology and consumer aspiration. Since its launch, demand for a sportier version of the Continental GT was met by the successful introduction of the 2005 GT Mulliner Driving Specification and the limited edition GT Diamond Series in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Now, with the launch of the Continental GT Speed, customers will enjoy even greater choice. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model offering:

“The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

MODEL TYPE: Two-door pillarless coupe

ENGINE
Type 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
Installation Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
Construction Alloy heads and block
Bore/stroke 84 x 90.2mm
Capacity 5998cc
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valve gear Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder,
cam phased inlet and outlet
Power GT Speed: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
GT: 552bhp/560PS/412kW @ 6100rev/min

Torque GT Speed: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
GT: 479lb ft/650Nm @1600rev/min
Fuel 98 (95) RON

TRANSMISSION

Type Continuous all-wheel drive
Gearbox ZF 6-speed automatic
Ratios 1st: 4.17
2nd: 2.34
3rd: 1.52
4th: 1.14
5th: 0.87
6th: 0.69
Final drive: 3.526
PERFORMANCE
Top speed GT Speed: 202mph (326km/h)
GT: 198mph (318km/h)

0-60mph (0-100km/h) GT Speed: 4.3 seconds (4.5 seconds)
GT: 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds)

0-100mph (0-160km/h) GT Speed: 10.3 seconds (10.2 seconds)
GT: 11.1 seconds (11.1 seconds)

30-50mph (50-80km/h) GT Speed: 1.7 seconds (1.7 seconds)
GT: 1.8 seconds (1.8 seconds)

50-70mph (80-120km/h) GT Speed: 2.3 seconds (3.0 seconds)
GT: 2.5 seconds (3.2 seconds)

SUSPENSION
Front Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlled
self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-
levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar

STEERING
Type Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
Turns lock to lock 2.7
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.2m (36' 9")

BRAKES
Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm carbon/
silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm carbon/
silicon carbide, cross-drilled discs)
Anti lock Standard with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

BODY & CHASSIS
Construction Steel monocoque
Length 4804mm (189.13in)
Width (inc. mirrors) 2102mm (82.76in)
Weight 2350kg (5180lb)
Height GT Speed: 1380mm (54.33in)
GT: 1390mm (54.72in)
Wheelbase 2745mm (108.07in)
Front track 1623mm (63.9in)
Rear track 1607mm (63.27in)
Wheels GT Speed: 9.5J 20-inch Alloy
GT: 9.0J 19-inch Alloy
(optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy)

Tyres GT Speed 275/35x20 bespoke Pirelli P-Zero
GT 275/40x19 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
(optional 275/30x20 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso)
Luggage volume 370 litres (13.1 cu.ft.)
Fuel tank capacity 90 litres (19.8 gallons/23.8 US gallons)

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Front legroom 1075mm (42.32in)
Rear legroom 766mm (30.16in)

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
Fuel consumption Urban: 11.2mpg (25.3 litres/100km)
Extra Urban: 24.3mpg (11.6 litres/100km)
Combined: 17.0mpg (16.6 litres/100km)
Carbon dioxide emissions 396g/km
Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV II
EPA Drive Cycle City Driving: 10.0mpg (US)
Highway Driving: 17.0mpg (US)

CONTINENTAL GT FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR FEATURES Bright chromed grille
Twin oval stainless steel tail pipes

INTERIOR FEATURES Single tone, hide-trimmed multi-function
steering wheel in a 4-spoke design
Footpedal with Bentley 'B' emblem
Hide and chrome trimmed gear lever with
manual shift change facility

CONTINENTAL GT SPEED FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dark chromed radiator and lower grille
Twin rifled oval stainless steel sports tail pipes
Lowered sports suspension
Painted black finish to engine cover

INTERIOR FEATURES Unique treadplates bearing model name
Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors
and rear quarter panels
Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
Indented hide headlining
Single-tone,hide-trimmed multi-function
steering wheel in a 3-spoke sports design with
silver switch surround
Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals

THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION
(STANDARD ON CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, OPTIONAL ON CONTINENTAL GT)

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings,doors and rear quarter panels
• Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
• Indented hide headlining
• 20'' 2-piece alloy sports wheels (Continental GT only)
• 20'' multi-spoke alloy wheels in painted finish (Continental GT Speed only)


THE FOLLOWING MULLINER FEATURES ARE AVAILABLE SEPARATELY FOR BOTH
MODELS:
• Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap
• Exterior paint match service to customer specification
• Exterior paint colour from Arnage range
• Contrast stitching to seats and door panels
• Cross-stitching to seats and door panels (in contrast)
• Embossed 'BENTLEY' to seat facings
• Choice of premium veneers – Chestnut and Olive Ash
• Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium
• Fascia panels, header and centre console in bright or dark tint aluminium*
• 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
(choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Chestnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
Madrona, Piano Black)
• Lambswool rugs to front footwells (matched to carpet)
• Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming to front and rear footwells
(matched to carpet)
• Boot carpet to match interior carpet

*Available on Continental GT Speed only
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Bentley Continental GT/GTC

Technical Specifications:
[ Click here to read more ]
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