The Bentley Continental GT Speed is a car that literally screams to be driven: small wonder, given that an 8-speed transmission delivered from the twin turbochargers of a 6-litre W-12 engine feeds this coupé’s wheels, functioning as seamlessly as a 12-cylinder engine. Making waves on the international front, Bentley’s fastest addition to the Continental family was launched in India in February this year.
This year’s model, priced at Rs 2.9 crore bases its design philosophy on the 2008 version, with a few additions: “The new Continental Speed expresses a darker side to the marque’s character,” offers Satya Bagla, MD, Exclusive Motors Pvt Ltd. “Each design feature taken individually is a subtle one, yet the overall effect is dramatic: open the bonnet and the (dark) theme continues, with a black inlet manifold giving a visual clue to the 625PS W-12 engine.”
The Speed sits lower than the average car ‒ based on road conditions, it can adjust its height at the push of a button. As for the brakes, there are two choices: the standard cast-iron brakes found in a typical Continental or (optional) cross-drill carbon silicon carbide brakes that are not only lighter by roughly 20 kilos, but also arm the driver with super stopping power. “The coupé also delivers lower emissions (15 per cent less) and better fuel economy (12 per cent more) than its predecessor, matching the figures achieved by the 557PS Continental GT,” says Bagla. Bentley’s engineers have also moulded the car’s bodyline to cut through wind better, to lend its speedy ride a helping hand. Taking off at 0-100km in 4.2 seconds, the GT Speed pulls off the classic DNA of the British marque with effortless ease. The interiors comprise of a mix of signature diamond-quilted, perforated leather interiors and textured aluminium detailing.
Disappointingly, even though the rear legroom has been increased, it is still a tight squeeze, however the front seats are cut out strategically to allow a little breather for the knees. Bluetooth microphones have been fitted on the top front on the inside of the car to facilitate better hearing; while the air-conditioning system has independent zone selections for passengers. A cellular phone has been fitted into the vehicle, and the music system (that comes with an iPod station) with touch screen is also activated via voice commands. The driver can also easily access tyre pressure and system set-up, manually raise and lower the vehicle, and activate cruise control, or adjust the damper settings to smooth or comfort ‒ all of which prove this car’s calibre as a wonderfully handcrafted automobile.
Text: Aashmita Nayar