2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed revealed

Bentley has revealeda new top-rung, performance-focused version of its Continental GT grand tourer –the Continental GT Speed. Described as “the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history,” the new Speed brings in a raft of chassis upgrades over the standard car.

• It can do 0-100kph in 3.5sec and has a top speed of 335kph
• New Continental GT Speed gets tweaked interiors and exteriors
• Features an electronic differential at the rear – a Bentley first.

2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed: what’s powering it?

The 2021 Continental GT Speed is powered by an uprated version of the Bentley’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, putting out 650hp and 900Nm of torque.Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The most potent version of the luxury coupé can do 0-100kph in just 3.5sec, and it tops out at 335kph. That makes it roughly as quick in a straight line as a rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracán.

In Sport mode, the W12 has been retuned to extend the 'power band' by shifting up a gear later, and down earlier –keeping revs towards the top of the range. The faster gear changes are accompanied by a "greater exhaust character" in Sport mode.

2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed: what’s under the skin?

The 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed gains carbon-ceramic brakes and 10-piston front calipers as standard and uses an uprated version of the larger Flying Spur's all-wheel steering system. At low to medium speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front’s to reduce the turning circle, while at higher speeds, they match the front wheels to improve stability.

And in a first for Bentley, an electronic differential has been installed at the rear, which is said to improve "lateral capacity", "longitudinal stability" and "on-throttle adjustability" –while enhancing traction in adverse conditions.

Bentley claims the new Continental GT Speed gives "a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley's racing machines" when the electronic stability control system is deactivated. When driving on track, the manufacturer says, drivers can "choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles".

2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed: exterior and interior details

In line with its performance aspirations, the Speed is marked out from the standard Continental GT by way of its dark front grille, unique side skirts and subtle chrome badging on the front wings. The 22-inch wheels are unique, too, and buyers can optionally specify jewel-encrusted fuel filler and oil filler caps.

The interior is largely identical to that of the standard car but is marked out by liberal use of Alcantara and embroidered headrests. There’s also Speed badging on the dashboard and the seats.

Bentley in India

It remains to be seen whether Bentley will offer the new Continental GT Speed in India. However, the British carmaker recently launched the facelifted Bentayga SUV in India, which is priced from Rs 4.10 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). Apart from the luxury SUV, Bentley also offers the Continental GT grand tourer and the Flying Spur luxury sedan in India.

Also see:

Upcoming Bentley EV to use all-new Audi-developed platform

Bentley to switch to EV-only range by 2030

Bentley Bentayga Speed facelift unveiled