Although there are more prestigious badges to be found on Bentley models, the one that says “Speed” is always among the most anticipated ones. The first Continental GT to bear the Speed badge took the brand over 600 horsepower for the first time as well as to over 200 mph. And while the second generation didn’t make such significant milestones, it most definitely took things even further, especially the facelifted 2018 Continental GT Speed. At the time when it was unveiled in 2014, the second generation GT Speed was the fastest Bentley ever made, and then it got more power in 2015, and then again in 2016 making the 2018 Continental GT Speed the fastest one from the second generation together with the 2017 model year. Moreover, the 2015 update brought a more modern design both outside and inside plus a few other advancements. And despite it being the most modern Continental GT apart from the second generation and in the top five fastest Bentleys ever made, you can still pick one up for about the same price as a 2018 GT V8. If that's what you are considering, check out the ones currently for sale Exotic Car Trader before we take this review further.
Already in the intro we mentioned the first Continental GT Speed which took Bentley to extremes where it has never been before. That first generation would go on until 2012 when the second generation came out which was still based on the same VW D1 platform. Surprisingly, that didn’t disappoint anyone given just how good the entire package worked. And just two years after the second generation was unveiled, the greatly anticipated GT Speed came out and was once more, the fastest Bentley ever made. However, that record would be taken over by the Supersports in 2017, but despite that, the Speed broke its own record two times. Once in 2015 when it got ten horsepower more, and once again in 2016 when it got another eight horsepower on top of that. The two small power bumps were good for an additional two mph putting the 2018 Continental GT Speed just one mph under the Supersports. 2015 also brought a thorough facelift which included new front and rear bumpers, new wings, wheels, and an updated interior. That makes the 2018 Continental GT Speed the best of the second generation Continentals. That said, the name Speed did continue into the third generation so the 2018 is no longer the second fastest Bentley ever made but the fourth, but drivers will easily forget that once the speedo passes 200 mph.
The 2018 Continental GT Speed interior is noticeably different not only from the standard GT, but also from the pre 2015 GT Speed. First off, the GT Speed gets bespoke leather color combinations. It’s easily recognizable by contrasting leather inserts in the seats, doors and on the inside rim of the dashboard around the gauge cluster and the glove compartment. That color pattern gives the GT Speed a unique look not only compared to the standard GT, but compared to any car of its generation. The GT Speed is made further bespoke as all the dashboard wood trim is replaced by huge slabs of carbon fiber. Furthermore, Speed badges can also be found on the carbon trim above the glove compartment, as well as on the door sills. The 2015 update also brought new LED ambient lighting, more complex seat stitching patterns, and a sports steering wheel which was standard on the GT Speed. Bigger shifter pedals finished in brushed metal and knurled steering wheel controls further added to the go-fast character of the GT Speed. Overall, the interior of the GT Speed is much more interesting and exciting than that of the standard GT while still being just as luxurious.
Following the 2015 update, the GT V8 and GT W12 got the same exterior design all around including identical front and rear bumpers. And while the new bumpers were noticeably more modern and better looking if you like sportier exteriors, that did make both models a bit less bespoke. The GT Speed, however, did get a special treatment. The front bumper featured an additional lip resembling a splitter making it look more aerodynamic and focused. The lip extends under through the side profile where it’s even more pronounced, and into the rear bumper. Although this detail is subtle, it does make a noticeable difference. The Speed also gets bespoke 21 inch wheels similar in design to those found on the first generation. Moving up from the rear bumper, the ducktail trunk lid got an extension which works with the coupe shape perfectly and adds to stability at high speeds. A new wing flying B shaped wing vent found its way onto the GT Speed as well while the Speed badge was moved under it. All these changes make the 2018 GT Speed design not only more modern, but also noticeably sportier.
One of the great things about the 2018 Continental GT Speed as well all other Bentleys is the VW sourced four wheel drive system. That makes every Bentley as easy and safe to drive as any diesel Audi, provided you keep an eye on the speedo. The 2018 Continental GT Speed can land you in trouble very quickly as it reaches 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and 100 mph in 9 seconds. Even 200 mph comes about fairly quickly at just over half a minute before it maxes out at 207 mph. All these numbers are made even more impressive by the fact that the 2018 Continental GT Speed weighs 5,115 lbs which isn’t much lighter than the Bentayga. Despite that, the 10 mm lower ride height as well as stiffer suspension makes the chassis feel livelier than ever and the 8 speed transmission makes the giant W12 sing. But then the W12 would sing as it has just over 630 horsepower and a whopping 620 lb-ft of torque. But it’s not all about performance with the 2018 Continental GT Speed as the 2015 update brought cylinder deactivation to the W12 engine making it more efficient and friendly to the environment as well.
Although the 2018 Continental GT Speed cost around $235,000 when it was new it has depreciated quite a bit. Today, you can find examples going for less than $100,000 and even those have well under 50,000 miles and are in virtually brand new condition. Garage princesses on the other hand can fetch up to $125,000 and the convertible GT Speeds go for around 10% more on average. That makes the Continental GT Speed one of the best ways to cross 200 mph as all the examples you find are still pretty much brand new only now at more than a 50% discount in some cases.
In the end, the 2018 Continental GT Speed is the pinnacle of the second generation and the D1 platform as well. Sure the Supersports is faster, but it’s also much less comfortable and forgiving plus there are much better cars for track days. The GT Speed on the other hand is as luxurious and as comfortable as any Bentley, while also being one of the fastest ones ever made. And if you are in the market for one or any other luxury vehicle, buying it through Exotic Car Trader is one of the safest and most convenient options out there. Delivery, escrow protection and first inspection are all covered by Exotic Car Trader and the entire buying process can be done without you having to leave your house. The same goes if you are selling a car through Exotic Car Trader only in that case you will have to greet a professional photographer at your door.
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