Effortless Speed

App.author_image
by Luiz F. Costa Senior Contributor
January 21, 2023
Effortless Speed

The most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the benchmark convertible Grand Tourer is hand built with the signature carbon-neutral luxury Bentley is known for.

The new GT Speed is the ultimate performance-focused expression of Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer, yet maintains the luxury, comfort and usability of its siblings.

Equipped with an up-rated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine—the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world— it delivers 659 PS (650 bhp), a 4% increase of 24 PS over the current W12 model, while maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.

With this exceptional handling, the third generation Continental GT Speed Convertible handles 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h. Designed, handcrafted and engineered in Bentley’s carbon-neutral luxury automotive factory in Crewe, the 2022 model offers enhanced chassis technology—namely Bentley’s three- chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping and the Bentley Dynamic Ride—that delivers body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another. A carbon ceramic brake system has also been introduced as an option on the Speed for incredible stopping power. Using the high-performance material reduces the brake force required for high- speed deceleration and lowers the risk of brake fade.

“The new Speed is the most driver-focused Continental GT Convertible available and unique in its ability to offer extremely refined, all-season open-top Grand Touring with the added edge of astonishing performance and dynamism,” commented Chris Craft, member of the board for sales and marketing at Bentley Motors.

The new sports exhaust has been made to focus on maximum strength, minimum weight, optimum flow
and maximum heat resistance, all contributing to the highest performance possible. The exhaust has been made completely from titanium with the complex parts manufactured at Akrapovič’s own in-house titanium foundry. The use of titanium together with super-alloys achieves a seven-kilogram weight saving over the standard exhaust system and is visually different, with quad oval tailpipes with a matte titanium finish and subtle Bentley and Akrapovič’ branding. The exterior is sandblasted and then coated to give a uniform surface finish with increased durability and scratch resistance.

“Combined with exquisite, handcrafted interior details, the Continental GT Speed Convertible exemplifies all Bentley knows about creating the world’s most stylish and elegant cars for roof-down motoring,” said Craft.

The Speed’s tailored convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds with the car travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Seven exterior roof colors are available.

Inside a luxuriously-appointed cabin, the new Continental GT Convertible model includes Speed badging on the passenger fascia, an Alcantara steering wheel, Diamond in Diamond quilting and Speed embroidered headrests, while the muscular exterior’s distinguishing features include Speed sport sills, dark tint grilles, speed badging and a choice from three finishes to the unique 22” forged Speed wheels.

Price: from €247,600


author_image

Luiz F. Costa

Senior Contributor

Luiz F Costa is a contributing editor at Monaco Voice, specializing in “all things Monte Carlo”. Luiz is a former CEO, publisher and executive editor of Forbes magazine (Monaco and Netherland’s editions) . You can find more of his many opinions on Instagram , and Facebook.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MonacoVoice™

Disclosure: Monaco Voice enhances the editing process with the help of carefully selected AI tools. These tools provide valuable support without taking over the editing process completely, ensuring that the final product is the result of human creativity and expertise augmented by the benefits of enhanced technology. This article is protected under the copyright of Monaco Voice. Unauthorized reprinting, republishing, or rewriting of this content is strictly prohibited without explicit permission from Monaco Voice. Quotations from this material are permissible provided that a direct link to the full article on Monaco Voice is included.