USA - Bentley Motors unveils four new revised models, the GT Speed and Black Edition, in both coupe & Convertible.

• Debut of the most powerful Bentley models ever offered
• Four revised models for 2017 MY
• US pricing starts at $240,300 MSRP

Bentley Motors unveiled the most powerful Bentley vehicles ever offered for sale here this week during an exclusive event in New York City. These four revised models to the Bentley Continental line up are the 2017 model year GT Speed, GT Speed Convertible, the GT Speed Black Edition and the GT Speed Convertible Black Edition.

These GT Speed models can reach a top speed of 206 mph. The vehicle is propelled by the iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. 

The W12 produces 642 PS, up from 635 PS, while twisting force is raised to 840 Nm, a 20 Nm increase. Continuous maximum torque delivery is available from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The GT Speed is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).

Bentley dealers across the US are taking orders now with deliveries beginning this summer. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for the GT Speed models starts at $240,300, including/not including destination, taxes, etc. MSRP for each model is:

• GT Speed: $240,300
• GT Speed Black Edition: $253,235
• GT Speed Convertible: $264,300
• GT Speed Convertible: Black Edition: $277,235

Bentley Follows Rolls Royce with their version of the "Black Edition", but they do it far FAR better.

• Continental GT Speed increases power and torque
• Bold new Black Edition joins GT family
• New and unique styling cues handcrafted to perfection at Bentley’s Crewe factory

Bentley unveils today the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h), now delivers even more power and torque, and a striking new Black Edition model joins the Speed family.

Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. 

The GT Speed now produces 642 PS - up from 635 PS - and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. 

This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the Grand Tourer’s renowned “torque plateau” of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2,000-5,000 rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-60 mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).

Bentley is also introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition which celebrates the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character. 

Available as both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the customers’ choice of body colour is complimented by a high gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels. All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be specified in red or black finishes.

To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colours to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow. Customers can also choose to colour-match the door mirrors as a final exterior accent.

Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fibre adorns the fascia, centre and roof consoles to create  a dark opulent ambiance while a dedicated Black Edition colour split sees the seats and centre console bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats.

Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT, comments: “We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognisable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance.”

It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours. 

Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewellery and watch craftsmanship.

The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models are available to order now, with customer deliveries this summer.

Whether it be a 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental or a 2016 Continental GT, both are just stunning cars.

• New film features 16MY Continental GT Speed and R-Type Continental
• Traces the DNA and design of the Continental from 1952 to present
• 16MY GT Speed is the fastest production car ever made by Bentley

The Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the R-Type Continental – arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer.

With a top speed of 120 mph it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its launch. Many of the 208 examples produced were coachbuilt by Mulliner – a name that is still closely associated with Bentley to this day.

With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – the striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line. These three elegant styling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental’s DNA over six decades.

Today’s Continental elegantly fulfils the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. With immense W12 power, a top speed of 206 mph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort, the Continental GT Speed is a truly extraordinary car.

Follow this link to a new film telling the story of the evolution of an automotive icon.

youtube.com/bentleymotors

For more information about the R-Type Continental, visit this link.

www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/heritage/r-type-continental.html.

More information about the Continental range can be found at this link.

www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/continental.html.

legendary Australian Touring car driver, John Bowe, takes the 2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed to 206mph.

• Continental GT Speed hits 206 mph (331 km/h) top speed on Stuart Highway, Australia
• Northern Territory route one of only three derestricted roads in the world
• Australian racing legend, John Bowe, takes Grand Tourer on extraordinary high-speed run
• Continental GT Speed combines supercar performance with supreme luxury

The 16MY Bentley Continental GT Speed has been taken to its top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h)* by Australian racing legend, John Bowe, on the derestricted Stuart Highway** deep in the Northern territory.

The 635 PS (626 bhp), 820 Nm (607 lb.ft) W12-powered GT Speed Grand Tourer reached Vmax in just 76 seconds, covering a distance of 9.4 kilometres in the process. At top speed, the 6.0-litre twin-turbo Grand Tourer was covering a staggering 92 metres (or one football pitch) per second.

John Bowe said: “This isn’t a modified racecar; it’s a luxurious grand touring road car fresh off the production line. It took us a little over a minute to go from a standstill to 206 mph. That’s extraordinary. Even when you break through the 200 mph barrier, the GT Speed just keeps accelerating.”

The Stuart Highway covers a distance of 1,761 miles (2,834 km) from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Port Augusta, South Australia – approximately the same distance as London to Istanbul or New York to Denver. In October 2013 the local Government announced a trial period of reverting to an open speed limit on the 120-mile (200 km) stretch between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek.

At Vmax the 16MY Bentley Continental GT Speed is circulating 216 litres of coolant through its engine and radiator per minute; drawing over 4,700 litres of air through its radiator each second; and using 80 per cent of its engine power just to overcome aerodynamic loads.

A six-time Australian touring car and two-time Bathurst 1,000 champion, John Bowe was the perfect choice of driver for Bentley’s high-speed run in the ‘Red Centre’. He is also familiar with the Continental as he currently races a GT3 Down Under with Flying B Racing.