Bentley would like its new Continental GT Speed to be crowned the best GT car in the world. While sounding a bold claim that could leave you open to untold levels of questioning and scrutiny, Bentley could be on to something.
With the fitment of four-wheel steering and an electronically controlled diff in the rear axle, the GT Speed is equipped to lift its dynamic capability to better suit the 650bhp twin-turbocharged W12 engine that resides behind its not inconsiderable front grille. If you’re counting, that’s a 24bhp increase (or 4%) over a regular W12 and torque remaining at 664lb-ft, with the former neither here nor there in a car weighing 2436kg when tested in convertible form as we are here.
But while Bentley insists comfort was the priority over lap times for its new Speed, the engineering story is somewhat more diverse. The ESC has been recalibrated to better suit the driving modes front comfort, through Sport and onto Bentley mode – the engineers’ interpretation of the best of everything. Even the four-wheel-drive system has been overhauled, with 95 per cent of the torque now deployable at the rear axle compared to only 80 per cent of a regular W12 engined GT.
The fitment of the dynamic technology brings a new level of connection to the driver and car. It is refreshing to feel that those initial good first impressions of driving the GT Speed coupe on track translate to an equally nimble and agile GT Speed on the road.
Not that it lacks the speed element of its name, cracking 208mph flat out with the roof up, having reached 62mph in 3.6-seconds. And talking about the top, you can choose seven different colours, including tweed. There are 15 billion combinations of roof, body and interior colour on offer via the Bentley configurator.
Distinguishing a GT Speed externally isn’t easy with little more than a few badges on its flanks and its design of 22-inch forged wheel available in three finishes. Inside the ornate cabin, amongst the exquisite leatherwork and veneer detailing, is now the option of Alcantara trim for the seats and a few other vital touchpoints.
Ceramic brakes with 10-piston callipers and 440mm front discs are an option and wise option if you wish to exercise the GT Speed’s performance. They also save 33kg of unsprung mass.
Where luxury and comfort prioritise apex clipping and ultimate dynamics, the GT Speed, more so in coupe form, nails the GT brief like few others, blending Bentley’s fundamental principles to create the finest of its kind. Could the Conti GT be improved further still? Yes, by applying the Speed DNA to the V8, which would result in an ideal combination we’re fascinated to sample. What a shame they have no intention of doing just that.