Detroit 2009: Bentley Continental GTC & GTC Speed

Not satisified with the 552 HP W12 of the Continental GT and GTC? Well then, Bentley has the car for you! Along with some revisions to the standard Continental GTC, Bentley has unveiled an new sport model to the Continental line, the GTC Speed.

 There's not a whole lot going on with the standard GTC' model other then some minor changes.  They include a new, more upright grille, reworked intake area, some new colors (Aquamarine & Blue Crystal), a retuned power steering and the addition of ceramic brakes and and Adaptive Cruise Control (bit late to the party on that one Bentley) as options. Available with only the 20 inch wheels, Bentley says the carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are the largest and most powerful brakes ever to be offered on a production car. Underneath, new low-friction dampers improve the response of the car to poor road surfaces.

The GTC Speed is differentiated visually from it's GTC counterpart by the lowered suspension, dark tinted grilles in the upper and lower air intakes, a new aerodynamic spoiler, silver painted multi-spoke alloy wheels and black lower bumper valence.  Efficiency improvements result from the use of lighter, lower fricture components inside the engine and new engine control software. 

Other improvements unique to the GTC Speed and in keeping with it's sporting mission include bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires, retuned steering and Continous Damping Control (CDC) system and stiffer rear axle bushes. The GTC Speed's Bentley W12 is rated at 600 bhp and 553 lb ft. of torque, for improvements of 9 percent more power and 15 percent more torque over the standard W12 engine.

Ah, that interior, nice as ever! The only change to the inside of the GTC is the addition one color, Aquamarine. Changes of note in the interior of the Bentley GTC Speed include "Speed" treadplates in both doors, a 3-spoke steering wheel, drilled alloy foot pedals, diamond quilted hide on seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels, and the availability of aluminum inserts in place of the wood trim.

I've had the privelege of getting to examine a Continental GT quite thoroughly and I can tell you already it's an amazing vehicle! Definitely one of the best ever. These improvements help to keep the GTC fresh, and in a segment of excess, the GTC Speed offers a new model for those looking for something with more power and sportiness. Here's to over the top excess!