The new Bentley Continental GT speed has been unveiled at an exclusive preview event, on the eve of the Moscow motor Show.
It’s powered by a tweaked 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, which now produces 616bhp – that’s up 49bhp compared to the standard Continental GT. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 4.2 seconds and 0-100mph is completed in just 9.0 seconds.
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For the first time the W12 engine is mated to an eight-speed transmission rather than a six-speed, and Bentley has extended that change throughout the Continental range, too.
The new gearbox and the addition of an energy recuperation system have improved fuel economy in the Continental range by 12 per cent. This puts the official figure at 19.5mpg for the GT range, including the GT Speed.
To match the updated powertrain, Bentley has also reworked the chassis of the GT speed with tweaked air suspension and dampers. The ride height has also been lowered by 10mm over the standard GT.
Helping the new flagship model to stand apart are exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, a darker grille and rifled exhausts. The Mulliner Driving Specification comes as standard, and includes diamond-quilted leather, sports pedals and a knurled gear lever.
The Bentley Continental GT speed costs £151,100 and is available to purchase now, for first deliveries in October.
Also on Bentley’s Moscow show stand was the Mulssane iPad specification, which featured two electrically deployed veneered picnic tables incorporating twin iPads with wireless keyboards.
The Continental GT V8 also makes its Russian debut, powered by a new 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. That translates to a top speed of 188mph and acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.