For this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed which will take place between June 28 and 1st of July in the UK, Bentley released a few pictures ahead of time depicting a new version of the Continental GT which will make its debut at this year's event. Dubbed the Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013, the new soon to be revealed model lives up to its name and the name of the event as well.
Under the Speed's hood beats a tuned-up version of the engine found in the 2012 Bentley Continental GT and Continental GTC announced earlier this year. The modified 6 liter W12, twin turbocharged engine with 48 valves now delivers 616 horsepower at 6000 RPM and 589 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a brand new 8-speed ZF gearbox able to deliver quick and imperceptible gear changes with the help of adaptive control software, Bentley's upcoming model can go from 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds and has a top speed of 205 mph (329 km/h). Despite the fact that the power has increased considerably, the new gearbox manages to increase fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions as well.
Evidently in order to keep all that power in check the GT Speed also benefits from a chassis tune-up that includes a new suspension system, a lowered ride height and an uprated steering. The new model sits on a set of 21-inch Speed wheels mated with 275/35R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires for extra grip, improved handling and agility.
Standard equipment also includes permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential which improves stability even further.
In terms of aesthetics the Speed hardly differentiate itself from the Continental GT, but a few design touches such as the dark-tinted matrix lower air intakes in the front bumpers, as well as the front grille and the "rifted" finish to the exhaust tailpipes help making a difference between the models.
On the interior the soon to be revealed sports car makes no compromise and delivers the same level of refinement and comfort as expected from a Bentley, with craft handed cabin and the finest natural materials being used in order to meet the standards of the most demanding customer.
Expect to see the Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013 between 28th June and 1st of July in the UK if you've bought tickets for the event, time in which we hope to learn more about the new mode's price and availability.
