What's New for 2013

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed takes its place atop the Continental lineup.

Introduction

The 2013 Continental GT Speed is the fastest production car Bentley has built to date. That will be enough for most buyers.

But if you crave details, there's the matter of a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine pushed to its performance edges, making 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's up 49 hp and 74 lb-ft from the standard Continental GT. Bentley says the GT Speed covers zero to 60 in 4 seconds flat, topping out at 205 mph. Improbably, the GT Speed also gets 12 percent better fuel economy, thanks in part to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Continental GT Speed also benefits from improved steering and suspension and a lower ride height, the better to coerce those 21-inch wheels in the direction you want to go.

A dark-tinted grille and lower air intakes give a distinct indication (and subtle intimidation) of this GT's business. The GT Speed also gets the Mulliner Driving Specification -- choice of wheel style, drilled alloy pedals, quilted leather on the seats, doors and rear quarter panels, knurled shifter -- standard.

Bentley hasn't suggested a price on its performance flagship, but it will slot above the standard 12-cylinder Continental GT, which starts at around $200,000. The new Continental GT Speed should arrive in October. Check back for a full review, including driving impressions, specs and buying advice as it becomes available.