Tuesday 25th February 2014

Revised Bentley GT Speed for Geneva

V8 Flying Spur being launched too, along with a few optional extras. Actually, lots of extras

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Six hundred and thirty five horsepower. Even spelt out with the impact of the bare numbers lessened slightly, that's a ridiculous amount of power. It's the maximum output of Bentley's latest Continental GT Speed, to be revealed at Geneva as part of a range refresh for the 2015 model year.

Speed numbers huge: 635hp, 2,320kg, 206mph

The Speed makes 605lb ft from its W12 as well, enough for a 206mph top speed (up 1mph on before) on the coupe and 203mph for the convertible. That makes the coupe the fastest production Bentley ever; it's also capable of 0-100mph in nine seconds. In a car that weighs 2,320kg.

Aside from the slight power and torque increases, the GT Speed is unchanged from previously. Did you know rear diffusers could be elegant? Well they are on the Speed, along with discrete side skirts and 'a dark tint finish' to the 21-inch wheels. Contrast stitching and a 'Speed badges' distinguish the interior.

Another new Bentley on show in Switzerland is the Flying Spur V8. Using the same 507hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo as already features in the GT V8, it sends the Spur to 62mph in 5.2 seconds and 183mph. Apparently the cylinder deactivation and intelligent thermal management of the V8 gives the Spur a range of 520 miles. There's an economy challenge to attempt...

Flying Spur V8 makes do with 507hp

The same styling identifiers used for the coupe mark out the Flying Spur V8 from the W12. The chromed exhaust pipes are in a figure-eight shape, the Bentley badges get a red insert and the front grilles are black.

The introduction of the V8 Spur also means the Mulliner Driving Specification is available on the Continental saloon. It brings diamond quilted leather, drilled alloy pedals, larger 20-inch wheels and 'Jewel' caps for the fuel and oil. The man who looks after your Spur will be chuffed.

For further final indulgence, Geneva will also see Bentley introduce seven 'luxury tailored packages' throughout the Continental range. The gentleman selling your Bentley will do a far better job of detailing each pack but they are as follows: Premier, Interior Style, GT Classic, All-Seasons, Sport (for the V8 S), Classic Mulliner Styling and the aforementioned Mulliner Driving Pack. Phew.

We're told customers will receive their V8 Flying Spurs in the spring with the updated Speed arriving in the summer. Price info to follow, if you have to ask...

[soad]

Luxury, comfort and speed. W12 engine too!

[Matt UK]

If I were wealthy I'd have me a GT V8S as my daily.

And no, I wouldn't care about the all the image/bling/'footballers car' comments

[sideways man]

That really is quite beautiful. Great colour too.

[Burnham]

Blimey, that's a lot of car. It would be on my lottery list.

Does make an early leggy GT at £30k seem like good value for money though.

[rare6499]

The new speed looks great, really nice, and that colour is perfect. I also like the speed logo on the wings. Its the little things!

Its just a shame they never heavily updated the interior more. There is nothing wrong with it of course, its a nice place to be, but they might of been a bit braver.

[Klippie]

That is awsome...in black my number 1 dream car.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Paint it pink and call it Mr Blobby! Don't see the appeal. Unless you're a footballer. Or an Arab.

[0a]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Paint it pink and call it Mr Blobby! Don't see the appeal. Unless you're a footballer. Or an Arab.

I think they look great - as you seem to do, some people simply dismiss them because of the owner profile. I would not be that shallow if I was offered one or in that market! Lovely looking thing:

[Matt UK]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Paint it pink and call it Mr Blobby! Don't see the appeal. Unless you're a footballer. Or an Arab.

I see the humour, but worth mentioning that some have exceptional taste in cars!

[Bladedancer]

It might be a great car but why does it have to be so ugly?
Come on Bentley, you can design something that looks better than this!

[pSyCoSiS]

Thats a lovely, imposing machine with great power to match it's brutish looks.

Love it.

[Raman Kandola]

Luxurious, dignified, quick and a beautifal machine

[nelly_h]

Generally looks great to me. If picky, I'm not totally a fan of the rear view as the lights don't look right to me, but it doesn't put me off buying one.

The whole footballer/arab put down on PH is so tired now. Footballers/arabs buy Aston, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Range Rover etc. You could level that comment at any prestige car. I wish people would stop now.

[swollencrankshaf]

2,320kg, it's a light truck.

[bobberz]

swollencrankshaf said:

2,320kg, it's a light truck.

Reminds me of a similar comment made by a certain Monsieur Bugatti!

I still don't get all the hate leveled against these cars on PH. I think they have quite a nice shape and good-looking lines, as opposed to the cartoonish brick that is the Phantom, which seems to be universally loved on here.

I mean, how can this shape be ugly?



One thing that does irk me slightly: I've got the myriad versions of 911 down pat and I'm pretty good with BMW chassis codes, but when it comes to the CGT, the differences between trim-levels are so subtle, it's almost impossible to tell the difference when you see one actually driving. Also, is the Speed better than the Super Sport? Will there be a Super Sport on the current generation? Is the V8 S really so much more engaging as to justify the loss of 100-odd ponies (vs. the W12)?

[RemyMartin]

Offft!

Looks awesome, especially in that colour! Massive levels of want.

[Jim AK]

Had a go in a W12 Speed.a,few weeks ago, what a machine.

It's owner told me it was so different from his previous,Super Sport,he couldn't believe it.

Seems the 8 speed box has totally transformed the car in his opinion.

It's on my lottery list along with a LWB Ghost & a 4x4 of some sort.