Bentley Continental GT Speed; il canto del cigno W12

Grand Tour travelling with the Bentley Continental GT Speed, and the melancholic W12 swan’s song

The Continental GT equipped with the sonorous W12 engine void of electrified elements signals the end of a very special era; here is what makes this model unique

The latest and possibly last edition of the Bentley Continental GT Speed equipped with the sumptuous W12, marks the end of an era because as early as next year, all propulsion systems from Crewe will incorporate some form of electrification before becoming 100% electric within 2030. The die is therefore cast and with the radical and imminent shift in paradigm, the spectacular Bentley Continental GT with the 6.0L engine utilised for this Grand Tour in Costiera Amalfitana, a model for car collectors.

Speed and style

Even before entering its lavish and slick interiors embellished by fine upholstery, black lacquered panels and soft lambskin mats, the Bentley Continental GT Speed commences its work of seduction through elegant lines and symmetries. Design and amenities, evoke the main criteria for contemporary grand touring such as style, power and comfort; every nook and cranny of the model, is adorned with refined and precious elements. Artisanal work on surfaces and materials, heighten the perception of utmost well-being while the overall uniqueness of the experience, is constantly underlined by the impressive performances of the 6.0L W12 engine producing 659bhp.

A collectible W12

If torque and power of the Continental GT W12 are enough to revive a dying star, the petrol twin-turbo engine can deliver monumental accelerations but also be exquisitely refined and almost inaudible. This happens at both urban and motorway speeds when the sensation of floating above the asphalt, finds ideal compendium in the whisper from an engine that at 140km/h, settles at about 1,500 rpm while half of its 12 cylinders are shut off in order to pollute less. At the same time and once the right pedal is pinned to the floor, the Bentley coupé will reach its top speed of 335km/h with aristocratic momentum. Very long journeys and more precisely Grand Tours - nomen omen - are in fact a favorite hunting ground for this extraordinary 2+ 2 coupè model in Speed trim.

The art of Gran Turismo

The evolution of the Continental GT species (which first arrived on sale in 2003) has also brought an ever-improving agility. In the winding Amalfi Coast roads and despite the grandeur of its bodywork, dynamism of the vehicle revealed excellent tuning for every control, intelligent suspension system annihilating any road imperfection and an excellent four-wheel drive system keeping the wheels firmly on the tarmac. Driveability is developed around the main attributes of a GT car where comfort, potency and luxury are predominant features.

A world of elegant performances

As a noble and elitist machine, the Bentley Continental GT doesn’t convey any sense of urgency even when accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds. This happens because aside from the supercar top speed assisted by huge gobbles of torque, the centre of gravity lies within delivering an elegant sense of performance. The same consideration is equally evident in the cockpit where contemporaneity and sophistication of the Speed trim level (a name coined by Bentley in the 1920s when the Speed Six racers dominated Le Mans) combines heritage and avant-garde to create a living room of automotive bon vivre, coupled by a double choice (analog and digital) for almost every action.

On-board data from the Rome

Proverbial result of at least 110 hours of fine manufacturing work, all Bentleys amaze with a long series of special effects. The latest Continental GT Speed limited to 120 units, is of course no exception. The high-ranking courtesies for guests include amenities such as massaged seats, night vision, air ionization and exquisite materials throughout. The boot for example, is better trimmed than the interiors of any car produced by premium brands. Furthermore, the Continental exudes charm, drama and a highly coveted historical, further elevating the overall driving experience. Another impressive feature (especially considering weight and power of the Continental GT Speed) is efficiency. On our 650km journey from Rome to Amalfi Coast and back to the Italian capital, the on-board computer recorded an overall average consumption of 12l/100km. At motorway speeds, where coasting is common and peace reigns supreme, the above value drops to around 10 l/100km.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed starts at around 300.000 euros; rentals usually start at 2.000 euros a day.

Matteo Morichini

My childhood memories are of arts, literature and visits of far away lands and now, I love writing about tourism, travel&motoring experiences as well as gastronomic cultures. Following the Degree in History & Politics and the Masters in International Relations at London School of Economics, I start my journalist career in 2004. Since then, I made it a point to visit all of the seven continents, while daily enhancing my passion and curiosity towards cuisine, charming hospitality and millenial traditions from the beautiful Italian territory