Styling enhancements and even more power for flagship Continental GT Speed as the fastest production Bentley ever
- Luxury tailored packages introduced across Continental family
- New Flying Spur luxury sedan attracts new customers with V8 power
- New GT Speed and Flying Spur V8 debut at Geneva Motor Show 2014
(Crewe, England. 25 February 2014) Bentley announces a suite of luxury options and specification updates to its Continental family of luxury Grand Tourers, led by enhancements to the styling, power, torque and performance of the pinnacle Continental GT Speed. Meanwhile, the new Flying Spur luxury sedan is now available with Bentley’s powerful yet efficient 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, introducing the appeal of this luxury sedan to a wider premium audience. These new models will be unveiled as part of Bentley’s presence at the Geneva Motor Show from 4th March 2014.
Enhanced power and style for Continental GT Speed
The capabilities of Bentley’s flagship Grand Tourer, the Continental GT Speed are cemented further in 2014 with enhancements to its supercar performance and unrivalled refinement.
Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine has been pushed even further, now developing 635 PS (626 bhp / 467 kW) and a record 820 Nm of torque. The new Bentley GT Speed coupe reaches a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h) – the fastest production Bentley ever – while the revised convertible can reach 203 mph (327 km/h). With its Speed chassis setup of a lowered and stiffened suspension, the most powerful car in the Continental family offers the most high performance and luxurious Grand Touring experience.
The extra dynamic performance of the Continental flagship model is complemented by a more distinctive visual presence. The sharp front splitter, discrete side skirts and elegant rear diffuser are finished to match the exterior paint colour for the first time. The new GT Speed is given a more signature look through the use of a dark tint finish applied to the 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps. The exterior modifications are completed with red-painted brake callipers and a stylish chrome “Speed” badge fitted to the front fenders, while a new signature Speed paint colour of Candy Red is now available.
The visual changes continue inside the cabin of the GT Speed, starting with a completely new colour split reserved exclusively for the Speed models. Starting with a dark monotone interior, accent stripes in a contrasting colour are applied across the doors, rear panels, fascia wings, inner console and gear lever. Matching contrasting stitching is then sewn to various aspects of the cabin, with a new cost option to continue contrast stitching through the diamond quilting of the seats and doors. Speed branding is also sewn to the front and rear headrests, while a subtle yet elegant chrome “Speed” badge adorns the passenger side
fascia panel.
2014 enhances luxury in the Continental family
Alongside the launch of the new Speed models, 2014 also brings enhancements across the entire Continental family. While options are still offered on an individual basis, seven distinct packages are now available:
- Premier Specification: enhances the cabin of the Continental with additional technology and comfort. It includes massaging and ventilated seats, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system, a rear view camera, twin front arm rests and a valet key.
- Interior Style Specification: combines the very best of Bentley hand‑craftsmanship for the ultimate tailored cabin. Includes contrast stitching to the entire cabin, whilst deep pile overmats are included and feature contrasting leather binding. Including the optional cross‑stitching element brings unparalleled attention to detail, with 37 hours of additional crafting and over 600 metres of thread.
- GT Classic Specification: Available for GT W12 model and enhancing traditional styling cues, including bright chrome front matrix grilles, veneered door and rear quarter panels, boot carpet matched to the interior and the hand-crafted stowage case complimenting the centre console finish.
- All-Seasons Specification: makes the Continental Convertible models even more comfortable when driving roof-down in cooler temperatures. It includes the in-seat neck warmers, removable wind deflector and a heated steering wheel.
- Mulliner Driving Specification: available on all Continental models, this package brings a sporting set of features to the specification, including diamond quilting to seats and doors, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy foot pedals and the “Jewel” fuel and oil filler caps.
- GT V8 S Sport Specification: includes Carbon-Ceramic brakes with red-painted callipers, a Sports exhaust and carbon fibre fascia panels.
- Classic Mulliner Styling Specification: Available for GT W12 and GT Speed models, this accentuates the elegant shape of the Continental with a front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser all in carbon fibre.
Deliveries of the new Continental family models commence in the summer.
An introduction to the world’s best luxury sedan
A new V8 powertrain is being introduced to the Bentley Flying Spur, giving customers the option of a new interpretation of this luxury sedan. Complementing the Flying Spur flagship W12 model, the V8 sedan provides the opportunity to experience the Flying Spur’s unique blend of sculpted, sleek coachwork, exquisite craftsmanship and advanced on-board technology. The Flying Spur V8 will draw new customers to Bentley, looking to upgrade from a premium sedan.
Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine develops 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW) and 660 Nm, powering the Flying Spur V8 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) and on to a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h). This impressive performance comes with a fuel range of 520 miles (840 km), thanks to the highly efficient engine that includes cylinder deactivation, intelligent thermal management and electrical recuperation.
As in the Flying Spur W12, the engine feeds power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to a continuous all-wheel drive system that provides reassuring stability and traction in all road and weather conditions. With ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the Flying Spur V8 maximises impact absorption and isolation.
Subtle styling differentiates the Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of eight chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, while the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine. The front bumper grilles are finished in black, with a black “wing” insert.
The Flying Spur V8 comes complete with a suite of on-board technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.
The Flying Spur V8 has a monotone interior colour split, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer, a single-piece three-person rear seat, single front armrest, 19” Classic alloy wheels in a painted finish and a choice of seven exterior paints and four interior colours.
Customers wishing to upgrade their Flying Spur V8 can opt for the Flying Spur V8 Mulliner. The Mulliner Driving Specification adds diamond quilting, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals, an indented leather headlining, “Jewel” fuel and oil filler caps and embroidered Bentley wings to all headrests. 20-inch five-spoke painted alloy wheels are fitted as standard, as is the 4+1 rear seat system including fully adjustable seats with lumbar support and seat heating. The standard veneer range is extended to include luxurious Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black finishes, while the full range of 17 hide colours and four additional colour splits is available.
Customer deliveries of the new Flying Spur V8 will commence in the spring.
| Bentley Continental GT Speed | |
| Engine | |
| Type | 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 |
| Max Power | 635 PS / 626 bhp / 467 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 820 Nm / 607 lb.ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Transmission | |
| Type | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift |
| Driveline | Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias) |
| Ratios | 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667 |
| Final Drive | 2.85 |
| Brakes | |
| Front | 405 mm ventilated discs (optional 420 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Rear | 335 mm ventilated discs (optional 356 mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Wheels and Tyres | |
| Wheels | 9.5 J x 21” |
| Tyres | 275/35 Z R 21 |
| Steering | |
| Type | Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF Servotronic |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 2.6 turns |
| Turning circle | 11.3 m / 37.1 feet |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Damping | Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2746 mm / 108.1 in |
| Overall length | 4806 mm / 189.2 in |
| Width (across body) | 1944 mm / 76.5 in |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2227 mm / 87.7 in |
| Overall height | 1394 mm / 54.9 in |
| Fuel tank | 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons |
| Boot volume | 358 litres / 12.6 cu. ft |
| Kerb weight (EU) | 2320 kg / 5115 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2750 kg / 6063 lb |
| Performance | |
| Top speed | 206 mph / 331 km/h |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 secs |
| 0-100 mph | 9.0 secs |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.2 secs |
| 0-160 km/h | 9.0 secs |
| Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)* | |
| Urban | 12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100 km) |
| Extra Urban | 28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100 km) |
| Combined | 19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100 km) |
| CO2 emissions | 338 g/km |
| Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)** | |
| City (US mpg) | 13 |
| Highway (US mpg) | 20 |
| Combined (US mpg) | 15 |
| Emissions Controls | EU 6 and US LEV II |
| Bentley Flying Spur V8 | |
| Engine | |
| Type | 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Max Power | 507 PS / 500 bhp / 373 kW @6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 660 Nm / 488 lb.ft @1750 rpm |
| Transmission | |
| Type | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift |
| Driveline | Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias) |
| Ratios | 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667 |
| Final Drive | 2.85 |
| Brakes | |
| Front | 405 mm ventilated discs (optional 420 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Rear | 335 mm ventilated discs (optional 356 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Wheels and Tyres | |
| Wheels | 9.0 J x 19” |
| Tyres | 275/45 Z R 19 |
| Steering | |
| Type | Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF Servotronic |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 2.8 turns |
| Turning circle | 12.1 m / 39.7 feet |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Damping | Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3066 mm / 120.7 in |
| Overall length | 5299 mm / 208.6 in |
| Width (across body) | 1976 mm / 77.8 in |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2208 mm / 86.9 in |
| Overall height | 1488 mm / 58.6 in |
| Fuel tank | 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons |
| Boot volume | 475 litres / 16.8 cu ft |
| Kerb weight (EU) | 2425 kg / 5341 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2972 kg / 6552 lb |
| Performance | |
| Top speed | 183 mph / 295 km/h |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 secs |
| 0-100 mph | 11.2 secs |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.2 secs |
| 0-160 km/h | 11.2 secs |
| Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)* | |
| Urban | 18.1 mpg (15.6 litres/100 km) |
| Extra Urban | 34.9 mpg (8.1 litres/100 km) |
| Combined | 25.9 mpg (10.9 litres/100 km) |
| CO2 emissions | 254 g/km |
| Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)** | |
| City (US mpg) | 14 |
| Highway (US mpg) | 24 |
| Combined (US mpg) | 17 |
| Emissions Controls | EU 6 and US LEV II |
* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification
- Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. In 2013 one in every four luxury cars delivered to customers worldwide was a Bentley. 2013 was Bentley’s record year in the company’s 95-year history. Global customer deliveries grew by 19% over 2012 to 10,120 cars. The Americas remained Bentley’s largest sales region, with 3,140 cars delivered. China continued its position as the second biggest market with 2,191 cars, while in Europe, deliveries reached 1,480 cars. Sales in Bentley’s home market, the UK, were 1,381 and in the Middle East, Bentley delivered 1,185 cars. By the end of 2013 Bentley had nearly 200 dealerships in 54 countries.
- Bentley Motors’ headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 3,700 people at Crewe.
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