Bentley released its most powerful Continental yet with the 2013 Speed edition, boasting 616 horsepower.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Bentley combines extreme levels of sport and luxury in its Continental GT, and none so much as in the new GT Speed, a version of the Continental boasting the highest power yet from a Bentley model. The 2013 GT Speed generates 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
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Bentley says the new GT Speed will hit 60 mph in 4 seconds, and a top speed of 205 mph. Its acceleration comes in below that of many supercars, most likely due to the coupe's weight. Bentley also emphasizes luxury, so the GT Speed is more likely to have wood and leather than carbon fiber in the cabin.
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Bentley uses a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the GT Speed from ZF, along with an all-wheel-drive system. The GT Speed also gets custom 21-inch wheels.
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The 616 horsepower engine has 12 cylinders in a W arrangement, and 48 valves. Twin turbochargers force air through this powerplant to help it achieve its massive power.
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Under the auspices of Volkswagen, the GT Speed should have a solid cabin tech package. In this photo we see a single navigation head unit, which is a good sign. Bentley also has a partnership with Naim for audio components, which deliver true audiophile sound quality.
