Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013 Review
Only a company like Bentley could get away with naming a car "Speed" without incurring the wrath of the world's wousers. Bentley has a long history of models with the word "Speed" in the name, and the iconic British brand is not going to abandon it now.
During a day I spent at Bentley's Crewe plant in the UK a few years ago, I learned the reason for the ultra-fast model that led to the resurgence of the Speed as part of the name. It seems that when the Continental GT was released in 2003, everyone at the company was disappointed that its top speed was 197 mph, painfully short of 200 mph.
The infamous figure persisted until the introduction of the Bentley Continental GT Speed hot rod in 2007, with the power to reach speeds of up to 205 mph. These figures translate to 315 and 330 km/h in Australian terms. Bentley has always been a car for tough individualists, so it is not surprising that he holds the world speed record on ice (!) - 322 km / h.
Styling
The styling of the Bentley coupe is amazing and people look at it from all angles. Although the bodywork received a major facelift in 2011, the original shape was so well received that it remained virtually intact, with the slight sharpening of the corners being the easiest distinguishing feature.
However, the shape of the big coupe was only a second topic of discussion for this Bentley - the sound of the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine was number one for anyone discussing the British car.
DRIVING
Rough idle sounds more like the sound of a retuned V8 racing engine, and the purr it produces sounds like music to your ears, even when you're gently meandering through traffic. The way it snapped the throttle as it shifted to the new eight-speed automatic indicated that the car was serious about taking advantage of the extra torque on offer.
Acoustic experts in the UK obviously understand their customers very well, and there are rich people who will turn down Ferraris, Lamborghinis and even Maserati just because of the sound that Bentley makes.
800 Nm of torque at just 2000 rpm and 625 horsepower at 6000 rpm make driving exciting. When you push the right pedal to the floor, there's a momentary delay as the turbos get the message that you want to act, followed by a hard rear thrust and a purposeful engine roar. The drive is sent to all four wheels, so there is no sign of wheel spin, and the big coupe just gets up and rushes to the horizon.
Inside, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is pure luxury, while high-quality pleated leather trim creates a nice traditional vibe. As well as the chrome dash vent controls, racing-style gauges and neat little clocks take pride of place in the spotlight.
At the forefront of modern high-performance vehicles, there is a solid carbon fiber insert. This ultra-lightweight material is also used for exterior mirrors and lower body aerodynamics.
The front seats are large and comfortable, yet support well under heavy cornering efforts. The rear seats can fit a couple more adults, but it's best if they're not too big and those in front are willing to give up some legroom.
VERDICT
I loved this big extroverted coupe, it's just a pity my budget is over half a million less than $561,590 for a Bentley Continental GT Speed that just got returned from the most enjoyable road and restaurant test weekend.
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Price
: from $ 561,690 XNUMX
Chassis: two-door coupe
ENGINES: 6.0 liter twin turbo W12 petrol engine, 460 kW/800 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Thirst: 14.5 l / 100 km
