2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed
On Sale: November
Price: $217,725
Drivetrain: Twin-turbo, 616-hp, 590-lb-ft W12; awd, eight-speed automatic w/ torque converter
Curb Weight: 5115 pounds
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds, (mfg.)
Fuel Efficiency: 13 city/20 hwy/15 combined
The Bentley Continental GT Speed is the fastest production Bentley ever made, with a top speed of 205 mph. How fast was the second-fastest Bentley ever made? The 2009 Continental Supersports went 204. The 2007 Continental GT Speed went 202. So we're splitting hairs to some degree but the hairs are all on very fast heads. Granted, you're not likely to ever find a place where you could actually go that fast, but it's nice to know you could and to be able to throw out the 205 figure and the phrase "fastest ever" when you're talking about your car.
The first Bentley Speed appeared in 1923 as the Bentley 3.0-liter "Speed Model." That one used twin SU carburetors and higher compression on its four-cylinder engine to reach its performance goals. Ninety years later, the 2013 Speed uses changes to the Bosch ME17 engine management program to wring 49 more horsepower out of the twin-turbo W12, increasing boost 0.3 bar from 1.65 in the standard W12 to 1.95 in the Speed. Thus, horsepower goes from 567 to 616. Torque peaks at 590 lb ft on a broad plateau from 2000 to 5000 rpm. To make the most out of all that power Bentley stiffened the springs, bars and bushings and set it down on 275/35ZR21 Pirelli PZeros. There are even optional carbon ceramic disc brakes to replace the standard iron discs.
Other differences distinguish it from the GT, including ten-spoke 21-inch wheels, dark trim in the grille, quilted leather seats and "Speed" script on the door sills.
By: Mark Vaughn
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