Bentley is expected to debut the ultimate version of its GT, the Continental GT Speed, at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.
It’s become as much a rite of the summer season as the upcoming solstice, tens, if not hundreds of thousands turning out for the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. And among those in attendance will be some very senior executives from Bentley Motors.
For good reason, it seems. The British marque will be one of the key sponsors of the event – which is marked by its iconic supercar climb up Goodwood Hill – and will have its largest-ever presence at the show.
The Festival focuses on classic supercars, some dating back to the dawn of the automotive era. But occasionally, something new squeezes in a run up the hill. A Bentley news release is promising “the international debut of a new model (that combines) stunning performance with exquisite luxury in the Bentley tradition” though it says details only “will be released before the start of the Festival.” No matter. Barring an unexpected surprise, it appears the model the German-owned maker has in mind is the next-generation Continental GT Speed, according to word that inadvertently was leaked out by Festival of Speed organizers.
Also scheduled for a tour of Goodwood: the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification.
Sitting atop the Continental line-up, the new GT Speed will likely maintain the sparse interior of the outgoing model, all the better to hold down weight and maximize performance. Insiders report the new model will punch a full 620 horsepower out of its 6.0-liter W-12 engine, maximizing tire grip by spreading torque out to all four wheels. The next-generation GT Speed will likely feature a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new supercar is expected to help Bentley break the prestigious 200 mph barrier while delivering 0-60 times of just over 4 seconds – an impressive number for such a big vehicle.
Whether the Continental GT Speed will make the run up the dog-legged Goodwood Hill remains to be seen, though Bentley is expected to send up the new Continental GTC V-8 to demonstrate the performance of its new 8-banger engine.
Bentley will have an assortment of other models on hand for the lavish event, sponsored by Lord Charles March on his baronial estate.
That includes the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification sedan, which Bentley claims to be a more performance-oriented version of its flagship sedan. It features a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels and a specially-designed interior.
Also on hand will be the controversial Bentley EXP 9F sport-utility vehicle concept.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed — not to be confused with the later Goodwood Revival — takes place from June 29 to July 3.