If a 550-horsepower two-door Bentley wasn’t bonkers enough for you, luckily, Bentley had yet another trick up its sleeve that would surely satisfy your hunger for ‘Speed’ – pun intended. We are no strangers to how Bentley has been at the forefront of sculpting effortless grand tourers that look the part but also perform like no other. Continuing these very essentials, the 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed showed the world what the British marque is capable of. So, the GT Speed now featured a new, quite thunderous 6-liter twin-turbo W12 powerplant, propelling the coupe to 60 mph faster than you say, "2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed" (4 seconds) before topping out at a wind-slicing 202 mph. Other Speed-specific changes include cosmetic and performance enhancements, all done in the name of modernity and unforgiving driving dynamics. Of course, all this power and luxury came at a premium – $231,000, to be precise. Fast forward to today, the Continental GT Speed remains a sought-after icon, embodying not just the pinnacle of British craftsmanship and engineering prowess but a bang-for-the-buck budget price range in used markets, costing an average of $35,000.
Bentley’s Continental GT started off its life as a concept called the Java, unveiled at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show. Essentially an ‘accessible’ Bentley, the Continental GT was a two-door, four-seater coupe aimed at a new set of demographics. However, it wasn't until 2004 that the Continental GT received the green light for mass production, becoming Bentley’s first production car under the Volkswagen Group umbrella. It retained (and enhanced) the Java’s design ethos, effortlessly combining speed with comfort in an unmistakable ‘Bentley’ flair. The transition, however, was of paramount importance, allowing Bentley to embrace modern manufacturing without losing the brand’s ‘exclusive’ appeal. Regardless, all Continental GTs featured a 6-liter W12 and an endless list of interior and exterior color choices, including a variety of wood veneers. Soon, though, a 2005 update added the 'Mulliner Driving Specification,' allowing drivers to opt for greater personalization. Still, it wasn’t as important as the 2008 update that introduced an even more potent, highly revised 'Speed' version, solidifying the Continental's position as a true luxury grand tourer.
Camouflaged beneath its sleek, quite streamlined skin is a beastly Volkswagen-sourced 6-liter twin-turbo W12 engine cranking 600 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power is routed to all four wheels, catapulting the 5,200-pound Bentley to 60 mph in a smooth 4.3 seconds before reaching a supercar-worthy top speed of 202 mph. However, straight-line performance is not the only highlight of the GT Speed. Complementing the ‘Speed’ badge are a number of performance upgrades that include a lighter, more nimble steering, fine tuned suspension, lowered ride height, carbon-ceramic brakes, bespoke P Zero’s, stiffer chassis, and a ‘Sport Traction’ mode to up the ante on the driving dynamism.
The 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed is as visually stunning as it is exhilarating. So, awaiting inside is a sumptuous, leather-lined cabin, wrapping the diamond-stitched seats, dash, center console, and door panels in a symphony of luxury. Meanwhile, the imposing presence of analog instruments, finished in immaculate chrome bezels, speaks volumes of the GT Speed's timeless elegance. Eventually, a Breitling timepiece – nestled right in the center – completes the picture, adding a subtle yet powerful nod to Bentley’s rich heritage. The attention to detail extends further as the rich wood veneers, chosen from a selection of enticing finishes and hues, dominate across the dashboard and center console for a touch of understated opulence that whispers an 'old money' refinemen. A similar level of luxury is carried to the rear passengers, who are coddled with individual climate control, heated seats, and leather-adorned walls for an unparalleled sense of extravagance and comfort.
Step outside the 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed and prepare to be struck by a vision of assertive elegance, where classic Bentley-esque lines grace a touch of modern aggression to form a muscular, quite imposing stance. So, upfront, a majestic matrix grille surfaces, closely flanked by the sleek, bi-xenon headlights and jewel-like DRLs that light the front up in a dazzling display. Meanwhile, an artfully sculpted, rather muscular bonnet flows from the grille, hinting at the GT Speed’s raw power beneath. Moving down the flanks is a low, very streamlined roof incorporating a frameless window for an authentic 'grand touring' experience. Adding a touch of modernity are the standard 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that fit snugly under flared fenders, emphasizing the GT Speed's hunger for traction (and speed). The back finally concludes the visual drama, showcasing a set of elliptical taillights, oval-shaped exhaust pipes, and an active rear spoiler that deploys around 90 mph for added downforce.
In an attempt to bridge the gap between classic luxury and modern tech, the Continental GT Speed came equipped with an impressive array of features. So, at the heart of its interior lay an infotainment screen, displaying sat-nav, multimedia controls, and Bluetooth connectivity for added convenience. Meanwhile, a 13-speaker premium (NAIM) sound system and massaging (and heated) seats pave the way for an unparalleled driving experience. Still, safety was also paramount, utilizing a blend of active and passive safety features like airbags, ABS, adaptive cruise control, parking cameras, and traction control, creating high-speed cruising nothing short of effortless.
Being a Bentley, the Continental GT Speed carried a price tag that mirrored its exclusivity – and unmatched craftsmanship. So, back in 2009, the GT Speed retailed for a cool $231,400 – a $25k premium over the base budget-ish Bentley Continental GT. Fast forward to today, the enchanting allure of the 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed hasn’t waned, but its price certainly has. According to used markets, the GT Speed is valued between $20,000 – $27,000, while well-preserved, more bespoke examples may set you back by a modest $35,000. Dream of having a GT Speed in your garage? Head over to the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to source your perfect match.
The 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed remains true to Bentley’s storied heritage of blending performance with utter luxury like no other. Exotic Car Trader presents an online platform for your exotic car buying and selling needs. It outlines a clear and precise car-buying process for a simplified car-buying experience. Alternatively, users looking to sell their cars may use Exotic Car Trader's streamlined selling process to guarantee safe and secure dealing. Several evolutions and mid-cycle updates later, the GT Speed nameplate has positioned itself as a revered icon within the Bentley lineup.
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