Bentley has announced enhancements to the styling, power, torque and performance of the pinnacle Continental GT Speed as well as the new Flying Spur luxury sedan. These new models will be unveiled as part of Bentley’s presence at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next month.
Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine in the Continental GT Speed has been pushed even further, now developing 626bhp and 820Nm of torque. The new Bentley GT Speed coupe reaches a top speed of 331 km/h while the revised convertible can reach a top speed of 327 km/h. With its Speed chassis setup of a lowered and stiffened suspension, the most powerful car in the Continental family offers the most high performance and luxurious Grand Touring experience.
The extra dynamic performance of the Continental flagship model is complemented by exterior upgrades. The sharp front splitter, discrete side skirts and elegant rear diffuser are finished to match the exterior paint colour. The new GT Speed is given a more signature look through the use of a dark tint finish applied to the 21″ Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps. The exterior modifications are completed with red-painted brake callipers and a chrome “Speed” badge fitted to the front fenders, while a new signature Speed paint colour of Candy Red is now available.
Inside, the GT Speed comes with a completely new colour split reserved exclusively for the Speed models. Starting with a dark monotone interior, accent stripes in a contrasting colour are applied across the doors, rear panels, fascia wings, inner console and gear lever. Matching contrasting stitching is then sewn to various aspects of the cabin, with a new cost option to continue contrast stitching through the diamond quilting of the seats and doors. Speed branding is also sewn to the front and rear headrests, while a chrome “Speed” badge adorns the passenger side fascia panel.
On the other hand, a new V8 powertrain is being introduced to the Bentley Flying Spur complementing the Flying Spur flagship W12 model. Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine is capable of developing 500bhp and 660Nm of torque. This allows the Flying Spur V8 to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 295 km/h. This performance comes with a fuel range of 840km, thanks to the highly efficient engine that includes cylinder deactivation, intelligent thermal management and electrical recuperation.
As in the Flying Spur W12, the engine feeds power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to a continuous all-wheel drive system. With ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the Flying Spur V8 maximises impact absorption and isolation.
There are subtle styling that differentiates the Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of eight chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, while the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine. The front bumper grilles are finished in black, with a black “wing” insert.
The Flying Spur V8 comes complete with a suite of on-board technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.
The Flying Spur V8 has a monotone interior colour split, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer, a single-piece three-person rear seat, single front armrest, 19″ Classic alloy wheels in a painted finish and a choice of seven exterior paints and four interior colours.
Meanwhile, for those who wish to upgrade their Flying Spur V8 can opt for the Flying Spur V8 Mulliner variant. The Mulliner Driving Specification adds diamond quilting, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals, an indented leather headlining, “Jewel” fuel and oil filler caps and embroidered Bentley wings to all headrests. 20-inch five-spoke painted alloy wheels are fitted as standard, as is the 4+1 rear seat system including fully adjustable seats with lumbar support and seat heating. The standard veneer range is extended to include luxurious Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black finishes, while the full range of 17 hide colours and four additional colour splits is available.
