Bentley Debuts Continental GTC Speed

Bentley's Continental GTC, the drop-top version of the gorgeous VW Phaeton-based Continental GT Coupe, has been mildly updated for model year 2009, including minor cosmetic changes as well as the addition of the "Speed" package available on other Continentals (GT, Flying Spur sedan) since late 2007.

The Speed package consists of basic upgrades to the Bentley-specific 6.0L 48v Twin Turbo W12 unit.  In standard form, this engine produces a seemingly sufficient 552 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque (650nM).  The Speed package consists of reworked engine internals, slightly tweaked turbos for quicker spool-up and better peak boost holding abilities, and other unnamed modifications Bentley   The upgraded powerplant now produces 600 horsepower (a 9% increase) and 553 lb-ft of torque (750nM), a 15% increase.

In Speed form, this W12 motor pulls the 2485kg(5478 lb!) Continental GTC Speed to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and tops out at an honest-to-god 200 miles per hour, which should be more than sufficient to ruin the $500 haircuts of the lucky bankers/oil barons/Paris Hiltons that can afford this car.

Thankfully, Bentley realizes the importance of being able to negate such considerable inertia, and puts some SERIOUS braking hardware on the GTC Speed: optional with the upgraded 20" wheels are the largest brakes available on a production passenger car anywhere.  16.5" (420mm) Carbon/Ceramic cross drilled rotors with 8 piston calipers in front, 14" Carbon/Ceramic cross drilled rotors with 4 piston calipers in the rear should certainly bring the heavy GTC to a stop in time - for a small child, an LA call girl, that sort of thing.

Thankfully, cues specific to the GTC Speed edition are rather subdued, letting the knowledgeable observer know there is something special going on without being too crass about it.  The intimidating Bentley radiator grill is tinted black, as are the lower intake and foglight grills, with chrome headlight surrounds to provide contrast.  Out back, larger twin chromed tailpipes hint at the extra power, while the 20" two-piece alloy wheels and the lowered sports suspension give it the proper stance.

Obviously, seeing as how the GTC Speed is a "If you need to know, you can't afford it" sort of car, Bentley hasn't announced pricing for this new addition.  Don't expect a whole lot of change back from $400,000, though.