NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED TURNS ON THE POWER AND STYLE

Geneva, Switzerland – Bentley unveils a suite of luxury specification updates to its Continental family of grand tourers at the Salon International De L’auto 2014. This is headlined by enhancements to the styling, power, torque and performance of the flagship model, Continental 6.0-litre W12 GT Speed, which makes its global debut at the show in both coupe and convertible guise.

Also being unveiled for the first time in Geneva is the new Flying Spur V8. Bentley is now offering this luxury sedan with its renowned 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, introducing the appeal of this acclaimed sedan to a wider premium audience. A strong presence at Geneva is completed by the introduction of two new specifications for Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne which offer even more comfort and advanced, in-car entertainment options.

“Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the new Continental GT Speed is the ultimate expression of the modern Bentley grand tourer. This one car effortlessly combines immense, dramatic levels of performance with the exemplary standards of luxury, individuality and refinement our company is renowned for,” comments Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors.

Enhanced power and style for Continental GT Speed

The capabilities of Bentley’s flagship grand tourer, the Continental GT Speed are dramatically underlined in 2014 with enhancements to its unique combination of supercar performance and unrivalled refinement.

Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine is now even more potent and develops 635 PS (626 bhp / 467 kW) and a record 820 Nm torque. The ultimate new Bentley GT Speed coupe reaches a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h) – the fastest production Bentley ever – while the convertible reaches 203 mph (327 km/h).

The extra dynamic performance to the Continental flagship model is complemented by an even more distinctive road presence. The sharp front splitter, discreet side skirts and elegant rear diffuser of the Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint colour and a dark tint finish applied to the 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps. The new appearance is further complemented by red-painted brake calipers and a stylish chrome “Speed” badge fitted to the front fenders and inside the luxurious cabin there is a completely new colour split reserved exclusively for the Speed models.

2014 enhances luxury in the Continental family

The Geneva show also sees the debut of seven distinctive packages for the Continental family. Each option, true to the Bentley ethos, enables customers to shape the car to their needs by putting an added accent on sporting, comfort or styling features.

For example, the Premier Specification, which enhances the cabin of the Continental GT with additional technology and comfort whilst the Interior Style Specification uses the very best of Bentley hand-craftsmanship for the ultimate tailored cabin.

Deliveries of the new Continental family models commence in the summer.

The new V8 – an introduction to the world’s best luxury sedan

A new V8 powertrain is introduced to the Bentley Flying Spur, giving customers the option of a new interpretation of this luxury sedan.

Complementing the Flying Spur flagship W12 model, the V8 sedan provides the opportunity to experience the Flying Spur’s unique blend of sculpted, sleek coachwork, exquisite craftsmanship and advanced onboard technology. The Flying Spur V8 will draw new customers to Bentley, looking to upgrade from a premium sedan.

Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine develops 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW) and 660 Nm, powering the Flying Spur V8 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (0?100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) and on to a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h). This impressive performance comes with a fuel range of 520 miles (840 km).

Subtle styling differentiates the Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of eight chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, while the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine.

Customer deliveries of the new Flying Spur V8 will commence in spring.

Pinnacle specifications for Mulsanne flagship

Bentley’s Mulsanne flagship showcases its impressive luxury credentials with a suite of comfort as well as entertainment and communication options at the Geneva Show.

The Comfort Specification, including cossetting headrests, comfortable footrests and soft duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm the Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Meanwhile, the Entertainment Specification transforms the rear cabin into a luxurious office or cinema, complete with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard, and an on-board Wi-Fi router. Further enhancements include twin, eight inch LCD headrest screens, incorporating a 20 GB hard drive and DVD player, played through a ‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system.