2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed: Tech and Coachbuilding Blend

Bentley Motors: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation

Bentley Motors represents a unique intersection of tradition and progress. For more than 100 years, the company has consistently defined automotive luxury and high performance.

Throughout its history, Bentley has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve, yet the core principle of handcrafted, bespoke coachbuilding has always been central to its identity.

The Challenge of Modern Luxury

This dedication to traditional craftsmanship might appear incongruous with today’s rapid technological advancements and the expectations of contemporary luxury car buyers.

However, Bentley has successfully navigated this challenge, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation.

The 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed: A Prime Example

A compelling illustration of this mastery is the 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed.

This powerful, two-door grand tourer offers an unparalleled driving experience, setting it apart from all other vehicles currently available.

It exemplifies Bentley’s commitment to both performance and timeless elegance.

The Continental GT Speed showcases how the brand continues to refine its approach to automotive excellence.

Bentley Continental GT: A Detailed Overview

The Bentley Continental GT serves as the two-door counterpart to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a four-door luxury sedan. While sharing numerous components, the GT is significantly more than a shortened version of its larger sibling, exhibiting distinct characteristics in both design and performance.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the GT lies a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine. This substantial power plant represents a unique offering in a market increasingly dominated by downsized or eliminated engines. The signature W12 generates 650 horsepower in the Speed variant, an increase of 24 hp over the standard Continental GT W12.

This engine delivers an impressive 664 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a sophisticated dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission.

Power delivery is managed via an all-wheel-drive system, complemented by an advanced chassis configuration designed to maximize its potential.

Chassis and Technology

“Our chassis engineers possess an extensive toolkit of technologies, enabling the vehicle to achieve a genuine balance between ride comfort and handling precision, all controlled by the driver through Drive Dynamics Control,” explained Mike Sayer, head of Product Communications for Bentley Motors Ltd., in an interview with TechCrunch.

“To facilitate chassis variability, we employ three-chamber air springs, offering three distinct spring stiffness levels. Sport mode utilizes a single chamber within each air spring, resulting in a firmer ride. Comfort mode engages all three chambers at a lower pressure, providing a more compliant experience. Furthermore, we incorporate Bentley Dynamic Ride – our 48V electric anti-roll control system.”

The latest iteration of the Speed introduces new technologies to the GT, notably an electronic rear differential and rear-wheel steering.

Enhanced Handling Features

The electronic rear differential actively distributes torque across the rear axle, enhancing balance and control during cornering maneuvers when driven spiritedly. Rear-wheel steering was initially implemented in the Flying Spur to reduce the turning radius of the full-sized luxury sedan and improve high-speed stability.

On the GT Speed, this feature is designed to provide sharper turning responsiveness and exhibits a more proactive engagement compared to its application in the sedan.

Performance Statistics

Despite its substantial weight exceeding 5,000 pounds, the GT achieves a top speed of 208 mph. Acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph is accomplished in a swift 3.5 seconds, a feat challenging for vehicles lacking the extensive luxury appointments found within the Bentley.

Bentley Integrates Advanced Technology

Image Credits: Alex Kalogianni

The Continental GT Speed showcases a meticulously designed interior, a hallmark of Bentley’s automotive tradition.

A significant portion of the vehicle’s assembly relies on handcraftsmanship. While automation is present, the vast majority of components undergo inspection and refinement by skilled artisans. The cabin features high-grade leather and authentic wood veneers, ranging from burr walnut to exceptionally rare redwood sourced from naturally fallen trees.

Each seat and the steering wheel are individually hand-stitched. The substantial metal controls are adorned with a diamond-pattern knurling process.

Sayer explained that the knurling applied to the primary rotary controls required 18 months of development. This involved creating an algorithm to precisely define the angles of the knurling facets, demonstrating the dedication to even the smallest details. This elaborately constructed interior serves as the backdrop for a substantial amount of contemporary technology, seamlessly incorporated into the design.

Image Credits: Alex Kalogianni

A 12.3-inch touchscreen is centrally located on the dashboard, as expected in a modern luxury vehicle. It provides access to navigation, entertainment, and various vehicle settings. Drivers can personalize throttle and steering responses, elevate the suspension for increased ground clearance, and consult the complete driver’s manual when needed.

This system is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster, configurable to display information mirroring the touchscreen. An optional thermal night vision system enhances visibility during nighttime driving. This system also incorporates pedestrian detection, highlighting individuals in the vehicle’s path with a red outline.

The high-resolution displays feature graphics designed to harmonize with the surrounding tactile craftsmanship.

“The graphical design of the gauges received the same level of scrutiny as the physical components,” Sayer stated. “Furthermore, our design philosophy prioritizes retaining physical buttons and rotary controls over an abundance of touchscreens.”

Should the technology prove overwhelming, the screen retracts into the panel, revealing three analog gauges: a clock, a compass, and an air temperature monitor. This feature could be considered a touch of in-car technological flair. Alternatively, it can be viewed as a method of future-proofing the vehicle’s interior.

The cabin’s aesthetic will likely age more gracefully than the display itself. Providing a way to conceal the screen aligns with the adaptable nature of this luxury grand tourer.

The User Experience

Initially, sitting behind the wheel of the GT Speed can be somewhat overwhelming due to its lavish chrome accents and refined finish. However, it quickly establishes its driver-centric design upon starting the engine.

Features like a head-up display and traffic sign recognition enhance awareness of the surroundings. Furthermore, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control lessen driver fatigue during extended trips. These are convenient additions, yet the GT Speed truly shines when driven with full engagement.

The W12 engine produces a robust and resonant sound as its exhaust note emanates. Accelerating feels akin to piloting a single-engine fighter plane, reflecting the GT Speed’s historical roots. Despite this connection, the vehicle is far from outdated.

Power is delivered smoothly, yet with considerable force, and remains strong across a broad range. Reaching the engine’s limits necessitates a long stretch of open road.

In this aspect, the GT Speed shares characteristics with the Flying Spur, exhibiting a substantial and grounded feel, much like a steam engine. Consequently, approaching tight corners can induce a noticeable degree of reluctance.

However, with a degree of confidence and courage, the GT Speed reveals a surprisingly agile nature.

The vehicle performs optimally when presented with a winding country road. While its size and weight remain apparent, the active technologies employed enable the Bentley to navigate curves with assurance.

As the road becomes more demanding, however, the enjoyment lessens. Even the most advanced engineering cannot fully conceal the car’s considerable mass. This prompts a realization that a smaller, more nimble vehicle might be preferable in such conditions.

Whether in sport or comfort mode, the GT’s dual-clutch transmission shifts gears with remarkable smoothness. This provides enthusiastic drivers with the responsiveness they desire and offers a greater sense of calm for those prioritizing a relaxed cruise.

As a daily driver or on the open highway, the GT Speed performs flawlessly, potentially justifying its price exceeding $274,000. At least, one would expect as much.

• Engine: W12
• Transmission: Dual-Clutch
• Key Features: Head-up display, Adaptive Cruise Control

Driving Dynamics

The GT Speed balances power and handling, offering a unique driving experience. It’s a grand tourer that can also deliver surprising agility.

While its weight is noticeable, the active technology helps mitigate its effects. This allows for confident cornering, though limitations are apparent on extremely challenging roads.

Overall Impression

The Bentley GT Speed provides a luxurious and engaging driving experience. It’s a vehicle that excels on long journeys and winding roads, offering a blend of comfort and performance.

Rivals in the Market

Considering its competition, the GT Speed occupies a distinctive position, not due to a scarcity of sporty luxury coupes, but because of its singular approach to fulfilling the same objective. Established brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are unable to replicate the degree of opulence and exclusivity offered by Bentley.

Consequently, any vehicle offering comparable performance would inevitably fall short. The AMG S63 Coupe presents a strong challenge in terms of both handling and power, and is available at a comparatively accessible starting price of $173,100.

However, despite being in a similar weight category, the Continental GT Speed consistently outperforms it.

A genuine competitor is the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a close relative of the Bentley. Beyond its comparable heritage of luxury and exclusivity, the Wraith boasts a substantial power plant – a 6.6-liter V12 engine producing 624 horsepower.

This two-door grand tourer carries a similarly impressive price tag of around $300,000 and delivers comparable performance in acceleration and ride comfort to the GT Speed.

Bentley's Future Plans

The future direction of Bentley, and how it will continue to blend tradition with innovation, remains to be seen. However, the company has demonstrated a proactive approach to planning for the future.

According to Sayer, “Our product line will be hybridized first – we’ve already introduced hybrid versions of the Bentayga and Flying Spur, and the Continental range will be next. The first all-electric Bentley will arrive in 2025, paving the way for Bentley to become a fully electric brand by 2030.”

Currently, the Bentley Continental GT Speed remains a uniquely anachronistic luxury vehicle, establishing the benchmark within its segment.

It represents the successful combination of Bentley’s unwavering commitment to its core strengths and its adaptability to evolving industry trends.

The GT Speed continues to operate with a powerful 12-cylinder engine, setting it apart from the competition.