New Continental GT Speed and GT Speed Convertible Ready for Action!

Bentley Motors has revealed a new flagship version of their open-top Grand Tourer - the Continental GT Speed Convertible. 

The third generation of the vehicle  is considered the most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the benchmark convertible Grand Tourer.

Featured in the performance-oriented Speed model is an enhanced 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine with dual-clutch and eight-speed transmission shift, which produces 649 hp and 900 Nm, a century sprint of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h. Handbuilt in Crewe, the engine is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Both engine and transmission have been revised to suit the vehicle’s powerful credentials.

The new vehicle addition is fitted with an exclusive ‘Z-fold’ roof which can be deployed or stowed in approximately 19 seconds, converting the vehicle from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button. Included are also unique exterior and interior detailing such as Speed sport sills, dark tint grilles and Speed badging as well as 22-inch forged Speed wheels. Interior-wise, the vehicle is fitted with Speed badging on the passenger fascia, Alcantara steering wheel and unique colour split trim. 

Designed, handcrafted and engineered in Bentley’s carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, these features deliver superior vehicle agility without compromising the ride comfort that the Continental GT Convertible is known for. The vehicle also features enhanced chassis technology as well as the All-Wheel Steering, an electronic rear differential and the option of carbon ceramic brakes. 

Speaking of which, the Continental GT Speed Convertible adds the Active All-wheel drive, where the traction control and torque distribution has been recalibrated in all driving modes to ensure a noticeable character shift, in relation to the standard Continental GT convertible. 

Working alongside three different driving modes, BENTLEY, COMFORT and SPORT, are the key chassis technologies - Bentley’s three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping and the Bentley Dynamic Ride, which is a 48V active anti-roll control system pioneered by Bentley themselves. The combination of these technologies allow for better body control and ride comfort with no issues. 

A Carbon Ceramic Brake system was also introduced as an option on the Speed. The system utilizes high-performance material to reduce the brake force required for high-speed deceleration, as well as to lower the risk of brake fade.

The new open-air Grand Tourer will be joining its coupe sibling, the Continental GT Speed which was unveiled in March shortly before the GT Speed Convertible. 

The Continental GT Speed is said to be Bentley’s most capable, performance-focused vehicle which runs on the same engine and transmission as the GT Speed Convertible. This results in the same 649 hp and 900 Nm with 335 km/h top speed and a century sprint in 3.6 seconds. 

Exterior-wise, the detailing compliments the powerful and athletic stance which is inherent to the Continental GT. Included are also Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, updated sports sill, 22-inch Speed wheels as well as Bentley treadplated to both sills. 

On the other hand, the cabin is fitted with handcrafted materials only available in the Speed such as an unique duotone colour split  as well as an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia, which matches the exterior badging of the vehicle. Included as standard is Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting and Speed embroidered headrests for both models. 

As with all Continental GTs, four seats are offered with a grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres. This would allow users to fit a few carry-on suitcases, as well as easily taking on a set of golf clubs. 

Not only does the Continental GT Speed offer astounding performance, it also maximizes efficiency with Bentley's Stop-Start technology. This technology allows the engine to rest not only when the vehicle is idle, but also when at near-to-stop speeds. 

In certain circumstances, Bentley's Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine's 12 cylinders, with the transitions between the two being unnoticeable to the driver. For improved fuel efficiency, intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection, and ignition are all turned off on defined cylinders, resulting in the engine operating as a six-cylinder.

Alongside a technologically advanced instrument panel, the Continental GT Speed also features the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display - a new driver-focused model which widens the Continental GT’s performance credentials. 

The Continental GT Speed Convertible and GT Speed is available to order in all markets, excluding mainland China, and is currently available in EU27, UK, Switzerland, Israel, Ukraine, Norway, Turkey and Vietnam.