Bentley Continental GT Speed

Which model is that?

Good question, actually. This is the Continental GT Speed. It’s obviously a coupé, but nowhere on that muscular, elegant frame will you see any indication of exactly which model you’re admiring.

The differences between the GT Speed and its sibling GT are subtle – wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes, the front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix and not much else .

The Bentley ‘B’ and wings take up their regular position atop the grille, on the boot and on the hubcaps, but there are no other indicators.

Where is it made?

At the company’s plant in Crewe. I have toured the factory and seen at first hand the attention to detail and craftmanship that goes into creating a Bentley. You don’t see many robots there.

How much does it cost?

Hardly surprising that this question cropped up more than any other, once the admirers had taken in the beauty of its cabin. In short, about £140,000... and even with a high level of specification, there are lots of options available.

How fast can it go?

Very, very fast. Only a few production cars in the world will match its top speed of 202 mph. Inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed’ models of the 1920s, it became the most powerful production Bentley ever, and the first to top 200 mph, although a Continental Supersports has now been launched, with a top speed of 204 mph.

It’s a car for the driving enthusiast with a big wallet looking for outright performance and agile handling.

But isn’t this a heavy car?

Yes, 2,350g (5,180 lb). And that’s the extraordinary thing about it... the fact that despite its weight it can live with the best of ‘em when it comes to handling and speed thrills. Actually, the weight has been reduced by 35kg (77lb) over previous GT models.

What’s the acceleration like?

Breathtaking. The 0-60 mph acceleration time is 4.3 seconds, and that’s only a fraction behind the Audi R8 sports car. It will also reach 100mph from standstill in only 10.3 seconds.

The power just keeps coming until you are forced to rein it in to stay within the legal limits. Overtaking is effortless, and if kick-down is utilised on the accelerator pedal it hurtles past traffic with a whoosh of immense power.

How does it manage such performance figures?

Let’s start with the engine. It’s a beauty, a higher power output version of the six-litre twin-turbo-charged W12 found in the regular GT.

It generates 600 bhp and develops 15 per cent more torque and nine per cent more power than the standard Continental GT.

Those turbochargers are a key factor in producing the flat torque curve characteristic of every Bentley.

In addition, the lowered ride height, uprated spring/ damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars allow for improved agility and body control.

And the transmission?

A six-speed automatic gearbox is supplemented by paddle-shifters on the steering wheel if you want even more fun.

What’s it like to drive?

Wonderful. From the very start, when a touch of the start button unleashes a subdued roar from the engine, it’s an experience to savour. I am in a privileged position in which I get to drive some of the most fabulous cars in the world, and this is one of them. It’s one of the finest Bentley cars ever built, and by definition near-peerless.

The tuned chassis is key to the tauter handling and improved agility that can leave you gasping with admiration.

I took a neighbour – a keen driver – out for a spin along a favourite B-road to demonstrate its capabilities. “My palms are sweating and I’m shaking,” he said, as we went through a series of manoeuvres that seemed to defy the laws of physics.

Defying the expected limitations caused by its weight and bulk, the all-wheel drive GT Speed behaves like a premium class sports car.

Self-levelling air suspension that constantly monitors and adjusts the ride height and damping according to road conditions help to ensure that despite the GT Speed’s performance capabilities you will never feel anything but cosseted.

How big are those wheels?

Yes, they are huge – 20-inch – and the Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres provide superior grip.

And the brakes?

Thankfully, they are up to the job, and fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Complementing the braking system are hydraulic braking assistance, anti-lock braking and electronic brakeforce distribution, which monitors the level of grip available to each tyre and apportions braking force accordingly.

Does it use a lot of fuel?

Your local petrol station manager will become your friend. Don’t expect more than 11 mph around town, although you might be able to halve that consumption rate on a run. On average, the GT Speed uses 17 mpg.

That’s another reason why you can’t afford one.

What’s it like inside?

Don’t expect the gentleman’s club ambience of other Bentley cars. There is a fusion of luxury and technology. Diamond quilted hide for the seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels vie for attention with the drilled alloy foot pedals, knurled chrome and hide gear lever, metallic finish to the dashboard and three-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel. The seats are embroidered with the Bentley logo and there are ‘Speed’ logos on the footplates. The driver and front passenger seats even have a massage facility. It’s very special.

What does it sound like?

I drove the Bentley from York down the spine of England into the Cotswolds and never tired of listening to the engine. Cruising on a motorway, you are accompanied by no more than a gentle hum.

Press on the accelerator and it almost gurgles before spitting out that muffled roar.

Every change of speed is accompanied by the most delicious soundtrack, especially when pulling away from standstill.

How big is the boot?

Surprisingly large, given the coupé shape. It has a 370-litre capacity, so there’s no problem accommodating the golf clubs and weekend bags. Oh, and it opens and closes at the touch of a button.

Would you buy one?

If I had the money, I would be straight down to the dealership, but unfortunately I am not in that income bracket.

The GT Speed offers that rare combination of exclusivity, comfort and luxury, driving thrills and – being a genuine four-seater – even practicality.

Most people will never even sit behind the wheel of a Bentley, nevermind drive one.

Yet we should celebrate the existence of cars such as the GT Speed, which not only showcase man’s automotive achievements but have that ability to thrill, even at a distance.