Known for crafting vehicles that blend opulence with thrilling performance, Bentley has long been a symbol of prestige and power. Among its most celebrated models is the 2012 Bentley Continental GT Speed, a car that redefined what a high-performance grand tourer could be.
Engine and Performance
This upgraded version of Bentley’s signature W12 engine produces an impressive 616 horsepower (625 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, making it significantly more powerful than the standard Continental GT.
Acceleration and Top Speed
With this immense power under the hood, the GT Speed accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), an astonishing feat for a car that weighs over 5,100 lbs (2,300 kg). The top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h) made it the fastest production Bentley ever built at the time.
Transmission and Drivetrain
To complement the powerful engine, Bentley paired it with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, which replaced the previous 6-speed gearbox.
Enhanced Handling and Driving Dynamics
The chassis has been retuned for sharper handling, featuring:
- Revised steering system for more precise and responsive feedback
- Stiffer anti-roll bars to reduce body roll at high speeds
- Adaptive damping system, which adjusts the ride quality based on driving conditions
Despite its size and weight, the GT Speed feels agile and composed, making it just as comfortable on winding mountain roads as it is on the highway.
Exhaust and Sound
To match its increased performance, Bentley also gave the GT Speed an enhanced exhaust system. Under hard acceleration, the W12 engine produces a rich and aggressive exhaust note, adding to the driving excitement.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
While the GT Speed is undeniably a performance car, Bentley also made efforts to improve its fuel efficiency compared to previous models. Although fuel efficiency is not the main focus of this car, it achieves a combined fuel consumption of around 19 mpg (12.3 L/100 km)—a respectable figure for a luxury grand tourer with over 600 horsepower.
Exterior Design
While it retains the classic grand tourer silhouette, Bentley has introduced subtle yet impactful design changes that give the GT Speed a more dynamic and muscular presence on the road.
Front Fascia: A Powerful First Impression
- A redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, improving both cooling and aerodynamics
Side Profile: A Blend of Elegance and Performance
From the side, the GT Speed retains the classic coupe proportions of the Continental GT but with enhancements that emphasize its power and agility:
- 21-inch alloy wheels, available in multiple finishes, filling the wheel arches perfectly and adding to the car’s aggressive stance
Rear Design: A Statement of Power
- A subtle lip spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, improving aerodynamics at high speeds
- Dark-tinted oval exhaust tips, a signature feature exclusive to the GT Speed, reinforcing its sportier personality
- LED taillights with Bentley’s signature "floating ellipse" design, adding a touch of sophistication
Aerodynamics and Performance Enhancements
- Lowered suspension and revised aerodynamics enhance downforce and reduce drag
Color and Customization Options
As with all Bentleys, the GT Speed offers a high degree of personalization. Additional customization options include:
- Polished or dark-tinted wheels
- Chrome or black exterior trim
- A wide variety of brake caliper color choices to match the car’s personality
Interior and Luxury Features
Bentley has long been known for exquisite craftsmanship, and the GT Speed takes this to another level by combining premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and bespoke customization options. The result is a cabin that delivers both ultimate comfort and a true high-performance driving experience.
Handcrafted Cabin: A Symphony of Luxury Materials
Every element inside the GT Speed is handcrafted to perfection, with Bentley’s artisans using the finest materials to create an interior that feels both elegant and sporty. Notable features include:
- Diamond-quilted leather upholstery, available in a variety of colors and stitching patterns
- Real wood veneers, including classic options like Walnut, Burr Oak, and Piano Black, carefully selected and polished for a flawless finish
- A leather-wrapped dashboard and door panels with meticulous hand-stitched detailing
- Deep-pile lambswool floor mats, ensuring maximum comfort underfoot
Seating: Comfort Meets Performanc
Key features include:
- 14-way power-adjustable seats with memory functions for a personalized driving position
- Optional massage function, adding an extra layer of relaxation on long journeys
Infotainment and Technology: Advanced Yet Intuitive
Bentley seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art technology into the cabin without compromising its classic luxury aesthetic. The GT Speed features a high-end infotainment system with:
- A premium Naim for Bentley sound system, offering crystal-clear audio with 11 or 15 speakers, depending on the selected package
- Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, allowing easy hands-free operation
- iPod, USB, and SD card compatibility, ensuring seamless music and media playback
Driver-Centric Features: Blending Luxury with Performance
- Drilled alloy pedals, enhancing the performance-oriented feel of the cockpit
- An exclusive GT Speed instrument cluster, featuring unique dials and graphics that reflect the car’s higher performance capabilities
- Customizable ambient lighting, allowing drivers to set the mood inside the cabin
Storage and Practicality: Grand Touring Ready
Despite its high-performance nature, the GT Speed is still a practical grand tourer. The cabin provides:
- Ample trunk space (358 liters), enough for luggage on long road trips
- Multiple storage compartments, including a center console, door pockets, and glovebox
- Rear seating, which, while best suited for shorter journeys, adds extra practicality compared to some competitors
Customization and Bespoke Options
Owners can tailor their interior with:
- A vast selection of leather colors and contrast stitching options
- Unique wood veneer finishes, including dual-tone options
- Monogrammed headrests and personalized treadplates
Driving Experience
The 2012 Bentley Continental GT Speed is more than just a luxury grand tourer—it is a performance-driven machine designed to deliver an exhilarating yet refined driving experience. While Bentley is known for crafting cars with opulent interiors and timeless styling, the GT Speed sets itself apart by combining powerful acceleration, agile handling, and an engaging ride. Whether cruising on the highway or attacking winding roads, the GT Speed provides an unmatched blend of performance and comfort.
Acceleration and Power Delivery: Effortless Speed
With 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the car propels itself from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, an impressive feat for a grand tourer of its size. The 8-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless and rapid shifts, ensuring smooth power delivery across all speeds.
Unlike some high-performance cars that require aggressive throttle inputs, the GT Speed provides instant torque even at low revs, making overtaking on highways feel effortless.
Handling and Cornering: A Surprisingly Agile Grand Tourer
Key enhancements include:
- Lowered and stiffened suspension, improving cornering stability and reducing body roll
- Retuned steering system, providing more precise feedback and quicker response times
- Adaptive dampers, adjusting to different road conditions for an ideal balance of comfort and sportiness
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system plays a crucial role in making the GT Speed feel composed and confident in all driving conditions.
Braking Performance: Confident and Reliable Stopping Power
A car as powerful as the GT Speed requires an equally impressive braking system.
- The ventilated disc brakes provide fade-resistant performance, even during aggressive driving
- The carbon-ceramic brake option reduces weight and enhances durability, ideal for spirited driving
- The advanced ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution system optimize braking in all conditions
Ride Comfort: Smooth and Luxurious Even at High Speeds
Thanks to the adaptive air suspension, the ride remains plush and composed, even when driving at high speeds.
- Comfort mode, which softens the ride for a more relaxed cruising experience
- Sport mode, which stiffens the suspension for improved cornering and road feedback
Even at speeds exceeding 150 mph, the GT Speed remains incredibly stable, absorbing road imperfections while ensuring a quiet and serene cabin experience.
Exhaust Note: A Deep, Sporty Growl
Bentley enhanced the GT Speed’s exhaust system to reflect its sportier character.
- Under hard acceleration, the W12 engine roars to life, delivering a commanding and exhilarating soundtrack
Fuel Efficiency: Improved But Still a Performance Car
While no one buys a GT Speed expecting fuel efficiency, Bentley’s engineers managed to improve it compared to previous models.
- The GT Speed achieves 19 mpg combined (12.3 L/100 km), a respectable figure for a 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12
- Cylinder deactivation technology improves efficiency by shutting off six cylinders when full power isn’t needed
Though still a high-performance machine, the GT Speed’s refined engineering makes it more practical for long-distance travel than many of its supercar rivals.
Long-Distance Driving: The Ultimate Grand Tourer
Whether you’re cruising through the French Riviera or taking on the Autobahn, the GT Speed delivers a serene yet thrilling driving experience.
- The large 90L fuel tank ensures fewer stops on long journeys
The 2012 Bentley Continental GT Speed is not just another luxury grand tourer—it is a statement of power, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. While Bentley’s Continental GT lineup has always been associated with luxury and refinement, the GT Speed takes it to another level by incorporating high-performance engineering, making it the fastest and most dynamic Bentley of its time. Here’s why the GT Speed remains a standout in the world of high-performance grand tourers.
1. A Perfect Blend of Power and Luxury
Most high-performance cars sacrifice comfort for speed, but the GT Speed maintains Bentley’s tradition of handcrafted luxury while adding track-worthy performance upgrades. Key highlights include:
- A handcrafted interior featuring diamond-quilted leather, real wood veneers, and brushed aluminum accents
- A sport-tuned suspension and retuned chassis, offering sharper handling without compromising comfort
- An ultra-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, providing instant acceleration and seamless shifting
This combination makes the GT Speed a true grand tourer, capable of covering long distances in absolute comfort while still delivering exhilarating performance when needed.
2. Exclusive GT Speed Design Elements
- 21-inch alloy wheels, designed specifically for the GT Speed
These elements give the GT Speed a more commanding presence, making it instantly recognizable as the top-performing model in the Continental GT lineup.
3. A More Engaging and Sporty Driving Experience
One of the most significant upgrades in the GT Speed is its enhanced driving dynamics. While the standard Continental GT is known for effortless cruising, the GT Speed adds:
- A retuned all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, optimizing power delivery for sharper handling
- An adaptive air suspension, which can be adjusted for a softer ride or a firmer, performance-focused setup
These changes make the GT Speed one of the most engaging Bentleys to drive, offering a more dynamic feel without compromising on comfort.
4. A True Grand Tourer for Any Occasion
The 2012 Bentley Continental GT Speed excels in all driving scenarios:
- On winding roads, its upgraded chassis and AWD system provide confidence-inspiring stability and agility
- In city driving, it remains refined and comfortable, with a luxurious interior that cocoons its passengers
Few cars can match the GT Speed’s ability to deliver high-speed thrills while remaining composed and comfortable.
5. Limited Availability and Timeless Appeal
Its combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity ensures that it remains a timeless classic, even years after its release.
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