"BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC – NEWS IN BRIEF
Continental GTC range
* New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake
* Chrome headlamp bezels
* Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel
* Optional follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system
* Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 - inch wheels)
* Two new exterior colours – Aquamarine & Blue Crystal
* New interior colour – Aquamarine
Continental GTC Speed
Technical
* 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque
* Top speed (roof up) of 200 mph (322km/h) and 0–60 mph in 4.5 secs (0–100 km/h in 4.8 secs)
* Top speed (roof down) of 195 mph (312 km/h)
* Lowered suspension (10mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimised ride quality, comfort and refinement
* New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tyres
* New ‘Dynamic’ mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention
Exterior
* Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes
* Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option
* Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option
* Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes
* New aerodynamic rear spoiler
* Black lower bumper valance
Interior
* ‘Speed’ treadplates to both doors
* 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel
* Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
* Knurled chrome and hide gear lever
* Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels
* Optional turned aluminium inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.
Continental GTC
* Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS)
* Top speed is unchanged at 195mph (312km/h) with a 0–60mph time of 4.8 secs (0–100 km/h in 5.1 secs)
* Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers
* Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal
Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque
Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company’s Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley’s W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC.
Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine’s flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the ‘crackle black’ finish to the intake manifold.
This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).
The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.
Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP 8.1). The ‘Sport Traction’ mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The ‘Dynamic Mode’ of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine."

Read the full version here:Bentley Continental GTC Speed: Staple Your Crown On Before You Hit The Pedal