I recently had a chance to spend some time with Bentley’s new Continental GT Speed Edition 1 and all I can say is “WOW.”  Having driven the second and third generation GTs, I’d thought the amazingly progressive jump between the two of them was about as much as a manufacturer could make, but what Bentley has accomplished between the third and this-newest, fourth generation, is hard to believe.  If that sounds like I’m putting it on extra thick like one of those old, scratchy wool sweaters, keep reading.

Firstly, Bentley’s celebrated W12 that made its debut in the first generation Continental GT (2003) has been put out to pasture.  As a gearhead who grew to admire the complexity and competency of Bentley’s 650hp, 6.0 liter twin-turbo merged V6es (which were of Volkswagen’s massively massaged origins, but that’s another story), it is a true moment of silence to see this powerplant go away permanently.  Seemingly predicting this sad moment (for many of us)  in automotive time, the crew from Crewe has satiated us by equipping the latest GT with the most powerful engine it’s ever produced.  Specifically, Bentley took us from 650 horsepower in its most powerful W12 to an astounding 771 horsepower (along with 738 lbs/ft. of torque, mated to an eight speed dual clutch transmission) in this new Continental GT Speed.  The way this is achieved is with a hybrid motor that seamlessly sends power, in conjunction with a twin turbo V8, to all four wheels; thus, giving drivers a feeling of never-ending acceleration as the coupe goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds, and from a standsitill to a top speed of 208 miles per hour in a fleet 33 seconds.  

Let that last tidbit of information sink in real quick…  This Coupe is hellllllllllaaaaaaaa fast.

There are a lot of cars that are plenty fast, however.  How this 6,000+ pound(!) coupe goes fast is simply with complete and utter… 

Class.  

Dignity. 

Elegance.

Superiority.  

Yes, those descriptions are bold enough in practice to stand on their own.  

Other elements that make this Bentley stand out are attributes that many vehicles cannot deliver in such effortless fashion.  Specifically, interior and exterior materials, fit and finish, attention to detail, and straight up prowess are bestowed on any driver of these cars so completely that one leaves the driver’s seat feeling different than they’ve felt in any other car.  Your author realizes that is saying a lot considering today’s offerings, but the feelings that are generated when one is piloting a 2025 Continental GT Speed Edition 1 on any road are genuinely and marvelously unique.  Every single point that is touched, felt (as in, seat-of-the-pants), viewed, and even smelled is extravagant, and this glowing review has glossed over the GT Speed’s more technical features like rear axle steering and anti-roll air suspension without mentioning their nearly-invisible inclusion in the vehicle’s whole.  Altogether, a full 67% of the latest Continental GT Speed has been changed from the previous version, and those changes have resulted in a machine that is one of the most svelte, sensuous, and downright sexy automobiles that one can ever hope to drive.  In all, and I say this with the thickest sweater I have in my closet heavily weighing down my shoulders, (my) extraordinary has been found.

*Special thanks to KS for bringing me up to Speed (get it?) quickly, effectively, and humorously.