Order books now open for Bentley's fastest production model ever, the new continental GT speed

Orders for the new GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to commence in December 2012.

At the heart of the new Continental GT Speed is an up-rated version of the unique Bentley 6-litre, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine.

For the new model, the legendary Bentley W12 develops 625 PS (616 bhp/460 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm of torque to deliver thunderous, supercar performance with effortless overtaking capability. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in a mere 4.2 seconds and the GT Speed has a top speed of 329 km/h.

Channelling the extreme performance of the GT Speed is a unique chassis tune that includes uprated steering and suspension systems and a lowered ride height. The enhanced chassis is complemented by unique 21-inch Speed wheels, available in two lustrous finishes, and fitted with 275 35 R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres. The result is a sportier and more engaging Bentley driving experience with tauter handling and improved agility.

Standard fitment on all Continental models, the permanent all-wheel drive system, employing a central Torsen differential, harnesses the prodigious power and torque of the new GT Speed and ensures huge levels of grip and stability whatever the road or weather conditions.

Commenting on the new GT Speed, Chris Buxton, Regional Director for the Middle East said, "For nearly a decade, the Bentley Continental GT has defined high luxury, high performance grand touring and the unique W12 engine has been so successful that Bentley is now the world's largest producer of 12-cylinder engines.The new GT Speedwith its harder-edged, sportier characterreaffirms this pinnacle positioning and will continue to broaden the appeal of the Continental coupe in the Middle East."

Despite the GT Speed's sporting overtones, this grand tourer retains a hand-crafted interior created using only the finest natural materials. Soft, supple leathers, polished veneers and cool-touch metals combine with the meticulous craftsmanship for which Bentley is renowned to provide a cabin of exceptional quality.

As standard, the new GT Speed is specified with Bentley's luxurious yet sporting Mulliner Driving Specification, which features diamond-quilted, perforated leather hides to all four seats, door trims and rear quarter panels. The cabin headlining is finished in indented leather hide, while optional embroidered Bentley emblems can be specified for the headrests.

The sports gear lever has a classic knurled finish, while the driver uses drilled alloy sports foot pedals. The unique Bentley "Jewel" filler cap is provided as standard, as are Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Piano Black veneers.

Seventeen different hide colours are available and as with the rest of the Continental family, the interior of the GT Speed can be specified with duo-tone colour splits, including one split previously exclusive to GT V8. Contrast stitching throughout, including to the steering wheel, is also available.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary 'Speed' models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3-litre had already established Bentley's engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company's founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver who demanded superior performance.

His response, the 3-litre 'Speed Model', complete with twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio engine, became one of the most coveted of all Bentleys. The first generation Continental GT Speed was introduced in 2007 and quickly enjoyed major sales success across the globe.