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2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed First Impressions

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Alexandra Straub
Wooing crowds and drivers alike
Despite its size, this agile and impressive two-door bolts from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and looks good doing it.

20130Bentley Continental GT Speed

Painting a picture
Stepping out into the Bavarian countryside fills the lungs with crisp, fresh air -- not the kind that pierces the lungs like daggers, but the kind that awakens the senses first thing in the morning. The sun is sharp and illuminates the tops of the Alps, while the valley lays still in the shadows. There’s the distant sound of cowbells as bovine creatures graze the sloping countryside.

Aside from the pastoral landscape that looks painted onto the horizon, the hum and purr of W12 engines is also working to awaken my senses.

Colours like Apple Green, Burnt Orange and Dragon Red help rouse sleepy eyes as they juxtapose fading leaves behind that, with a mere whisper, fall limply to their demise.

Breathing life into a sedate mountainous setting is an array of 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed models eagerly awaiting their masters to take them for a drive. I must oblige. I would be rude not to.

Leader of the pack
Taking top honours as Bentley’s fastest production vehicle to date comes with a lot of responsibility. The challenge to create an automobile that offers enticing exterior styling but is still approachable enough to appeal to a wide audience is no small task; then there’s the performance quotient. Blending these two mediums effortlessly together is an undertaking to say the least. However, the proof is clearly in the bread pudding.

2013 entley Continental GT Speed engine
It whisks its passengers from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Belly of the beast
The latest iteration of the company’s W12, 6.0L twin-turbo engine is nothing short of marvellous in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed. Delivering 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, it whisks its passengers from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds thanks to the help of a new ZF 8-speed close-ratio automatic transmission and state-of-the-art engine management software.

Top Speed
Being handed the keys to a vehicle with a top speed of 330 km/h and having access to unrestricted speed zones on Germany’s autobahn is like having iron chef Bobby Flay cook you a meal and not worrying about the caloric intake. It’s sinfully delicious.

Provided that traffic, construction and speed zones don’t cramp your style, the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed can cope with the extreme swiftness without breaking a sweat. Then again, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be able to handle it.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed interior
Looking around and touching the various textures in the Speed’s cabin further solidifies its Grand Tourer refinement. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

What makes you beautiful
Nestling into the diamond-quilted leather seats in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed feels heavenly to the rear end. The handcrafted interior also packs in techy toys, but in a decipherable layout. Looking around and touching the various textures in the Speed’s cabin further solidifies its Grand Tourer refinement. The only thing that didn’t tickle my fancy in the cabin was the slightly robust ‘A’ pillars. While they didn’t impede my vision too much, their presence was noted in my sightline.

Bon voyage, indeed
In comparison to the base Bentley Continental GT, the Speed experiences a 10 mm lowered ride height in both the front and rear. The ground-hugging attributes make it even more planted and ready for Bavarian roads.

As for the way the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed drives, it's amazingly nimble and agile for a four-seater vehicle with a gross weight of 2,750 kg (6,063 lbs.) It has the grace of a ballerina, with the brawn of a linebacker. While the two (in most cases) wouldn’t really work together, this is a perfect venue for their amalgamation.

On top of that, the Speed is an everyday supercar that has a 60/40 (rear/front) all-wheel drive system, so it can take you up the mountain or to the beach.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed side view
In comparison to the base Bentley Continental GT, the Speed experiences a 10 mm lowered ride height in both the front and rear. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Dual personality
“Comfort” mode in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed allows you to enjoy the luxurious pleasures of life along roads well travelled. Whether winding through narrow rural roads or taking on the straight stretches, this mode creates an ambience that inspires feelings of mirth behind the wheel.

Yet, “Sport” mode evokes another set of emotions that cater to one’s desire to drive the Speed for what it was created for: performance. Switching personas is done through the 8” touchscreen. Immediately, the exhaust takes on another note, with a more aggressive grunt and gurgle. Steering is tightened and throttle response is sharpened.

Numbers
Chances are if you’re looking at a 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed, fuel economy isn’t going to be a deal breaker. The estimated fuel consumption results come in at 22.2L/100km in urban areas and 10.1L/100km on open roads. Then again, put this vehicular wonder on Germany’s autobahn and it’s almost impossible to contain anyenthusiasm for its driving dynamics -- then watch the fuel gauge go down.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed rear view
The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed can cope with the extreme swiftness without breaking a sweat. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Make me yours
With 17 different exterior colours and a host of interior hues and gadgetry to choose from, the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed can be as unique as its owner. With an estimated 10-15 units scheduled for Canada, this 2013 model can be yours for $236,500 USD. Delivery for the 2013 model is expected by the end of the year.

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Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
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