Photo: CarPix
After the twin-turbocharged W12, the third generation of the Continental GT will welcome the more potent Speed for the 2019 model year. Spied without camouflage in Spain with British license plates, the performance-oriented derivate comes with black accents for the front grille, headlights, body-side trim, taillights, and aerodynamic diffuser.
The pre-production prototype also features Diamond Black-painted BBS RGR wheels at the rear axle, extremely different in design from the front wheels. The marker lights make this Continental GT Speed as close to the U.S. specification as it can get for the time being, and at the end of the day, it’s certain the newcomer will be available in North America.
Like previous Speed models, the heir-apparent will be more compelling than the Continental GT in bone-stock specification. With 635 PS (626 horsepower) and 900 Nm (664 pound-feet) at its disposal, the W12 could be improved to 650 ponies and even more torque with modifications to the engine control unit, intake system, and exhaust.
For reference, the previous model had 642 PS (633 horsepower) and 840 Nm (620 pound-feet) to offer from 6.0 liters displacement. As opposed to its predecessor, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Speed will lose the ZF 8HP torque-converter automatic in favor of a dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Sharing the Modularer Standardantriebsbaukasten vehicle architecture with the Porsche Panamera, the British land missile will feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for the Bentley Dynamic Ride. The system controls and adjusts electronic actuators on the anti-roll bar of both axles, improving handling and ride comfort so that the Continental feels light on its feet when it comes down to carving corners.
Last, but certainly not least, this prototype doesn’t feature the decklid spoiler and deeper side skirts you would expect from the Continental GT Speed. With time, however, the design team will add those pieces of exterior trim to the vehicle.
In regard to pricing, don’t expect the newcomer to cost more than $250,000 in the United States. For the 2017 model year, the fixed-head coupe used to retail at $240,300 while the soft-top convertible was $264,300.
Like previous Speed models, the heir-apparent will be more compelling than the Continental GT in bone-stock specification. With 635 PS (626 horsepower) and 900 Nm (664 pound-feet) at its disposal, the W12 could be improved to 650 ponies and even more torque with modifications to the engine control unit, intake system, and exhaust.
For reference, the previous model had 642 PS (633 horsepower) and 840 Nm (620 pound-feet) to offer from 6.0 liters displacement. As opposed to its predecessor, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Speed will lose the ZF 8HP torque-converter automatic in favor of a dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Sharing the Modularer Standardantriebsbaukasten vehicle architecture with the Porsche Panamera, the British land missile will feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for the Bentley Dynamic Ride. The system controls and adjusts electronic actuators on the anti-roll bar of both axles, improving handling and ride comfort so that the Continental feels light on its feet when it comes down to carving corners.
Last, but certainly not least, this prototype doesn’t feature the decklid spoiler and deeper side skirts you would expect from the Continental GT Speed. With time, however, the design team will add those pieces of exterior trim to the vehicle.
In regard to pricing, don’t expect the newcomer to cost more than $250,000 in the United States. For the 2017 model year, the fixed-head coupe used to retail at $240,300 while the soft-top convertible was $264,300.
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