British luxury carmaker Bentley took the wraps off its facelifted Continental GT Coupe which features subtle styling, engine and suspension enchantments and most importantly, the addition of a more powerful edition dubbed GT Speed.
Starting with the Continental GT Speed, the new edition is equipped with a revised version of the 6.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged W12 engine that produces 610Hp at 6,000 rpm (9 percent more power than the GT) and a maximum torque of 750Nm (553lb ft) at 1,750 rpm that represents an increase of over 15 percent versus the standard engine. As a result, the GT Speed is not only the most powerful production Bentley ever produced but also the first to top 200mph (322km/h), with a maximum speed of 202mph (326km/h). The GT Speed accelerates from zero to 60mph in 4.3 sec (0-100km/h in 4.5s). -Continued after the jump
Compared to the standard GT, the Speed also gets a sportier suspension set-up sitting 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear to improve handling dynamics. Uprated springs and dampers, together with revised software control promise enhance agility and body control. Design-wise and apart from the 20-inch alloys (GT: 19-inch), the GT Speed gets dark-tinted chrome matrix grille to the main and lower air intakes while at the rear, a black lower bumper valance and wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes. Inside the GT Speed gets the 'Mulliner' pack that includes a three-spoke steering wheel.
As for the facelifted Continental GT, subtle changes to the fascia (common to both the GT and the new GT Speed) include the revised front grille, the all-new lower bumper design which features a wider central air intake and the chromed bezels around the headlamps. While the GT's W12 output has remained unchanged at 560Hp, a host of engine and transmission enhancements that include a new crankcase design, a lighter camshaft chain and a new engine management system, promise to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions both by 3.5 per cent. Finally, the 2009 Continental GT features minor chassis, suspension and steering modifications. Both models go on sale in August.
