Bentley Unleashes 636hp Continental GT Speed Black Edition
The skilled artisans from Crewe, England, have let loose upon the world yet another handcrafted masterpiece in the form of the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition. Both the Continental GT Speed Black Edition and concurrently debuted Continental GT Speed (also new for 2017) waft through any thoroughfare with ease, thanks to six liters of twin-turbocharged W12 majesty. Besting the outgoing (cir. 2014) GT Speed’s output of 626hp and 604lb-ft., the new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition both have 633hp on tap and 619lb-ft., increases of 7 and 15, respectively.
Performance figures are very impressive for both vehicles as grand tourers (the differences between the two models are cosmetic only): The Continental GT Speed is the fastest production Bentley ever, capable of reaching 206mph, and 60mph from 0 in 3.9s. Bentley cite they have re-optimized the engine’s boost control settings to make best use of the additional 15lb-ft. across the powerband, augmenting the W12’s already impressive “torque plateau” — a period of steady maximum torque delivery from 2,000rpm to 5,000rpm. The eight-speed automatic and AWD drivetrain carry over from the previous model.
Individuals interested in joining the exclusive Continental GT Speed owner’s club who want just a little bit of extra flair to standout will want to opt for the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, as Paul Jones, Product Line Director for the Continental GT explains: “We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues.”
The GT Speed Black Edition is available as a coupe or convertible and features high gloss black finish exterior trim pieces, including the window surrounds and headlamp bezels. Another easily recognizable styling cue is the black 21” five-spoke wheels, which serve as nice picture frames to display the red or black brake calipers.
It’s not all menacing dark bits on this Black Edition, however. The front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser can be specified in four different colors: Hallmark (metallic gray), Beluga (black), St James’ Red, and the newly introduced Cyber Yellow. Optionally, the door mirrors can be ordered to color match the rest of the non-black trim pieces.
Step inside the GT Speed Black Edition and the contrasting dark and bright theme dominates. The “color split,” as it’s known, allows customers the choice of a few different contrasting leather hues to match the bright exterior accents, including Porpoise (light gray), Beluga, Pillar Box Red, or Cyber Yellow. Contrasting stitching in the selected color will also be used on the diamond quilted door panels and Mulliner GT Design seats.
Pricing details are not yet revealed, but we expect the Bentley Continental GT Speed to start at around $250,000 with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition close to the $300,000 range. Both will arrive as 2017 models this summer.
