2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Review

2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Review

Since Bentley began producing the Continental in 2003, they've consistently labeled sporting variants with a "Speed" moniker. However, the tradition goes way back to the Bentley Speed Six, which, even by today's standards, is considered the most successful racing Bentley ever, with several podiums, including two consecutive Le Mans wins in 1929 and 1930. 180 horsepower in the Speed Six might be incomparable to today's Bentleys, including the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed. But for its time, it sure was something. At its debut, the GTC Speed had more power than the standard model and slightly different design cues pronouncing its character, such as larger air intakes and a Mulliner Specification cabin. Bentley retained the same formula for the 2013 model year while incorporating an upgraded suspension, a revamped tech suite, and more interior options if you were to buy one then.

It Still Got Some Get-Up-And-Go

By the name alone, it's straightforward that the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed offers more than the standard Continental GTC. It might not say so from the exterior or the cabin, as it still has the refined Bentley aesthetic. But underneath the hood sits a 616 horsepower and 590 lb.ft twin-turbocharged W12 that can take it to 60 mph from a standstill in around 4.0 seconds. Sure, most exotic cars today do 0-60 in well under that, but remember, the car in question is over ten years old and has weight, almost equaling a small townhouse tipping the scales at around 5,500 pounds. The speedo maxes at nearly 200 mph if you keep the top down and feel the wind gushing over the cabin. And with the top shut, you'll not even notice reaching the Bentley claimed 205 mph.

A Cabin Evoking Power, Yet Refined And Tranquille

Only a few cars within its price range can match the level of quiet you'll experience inside the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed, even at high speeds. Of course, you'll have to keep the roof down, but even without doing so, the wind buffeting is minimal. Diamond quilted leather adorns the seats, and on the dashboard and center console, you'll find wood or carbon fiber, depending on the car's original spec. Both materials beautifully complement the leather, but we recommend wood for a timeless appeal. As part of the Mulliner specification, which the quilted leather seats are a part of, Bentley also added the drilled alloy pedals and "Speed" treadplates on the doors, evoking the automaker's racing heritage.

An Appeal That's A Shadow Swifter

From the outside looking in, the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed, resembles the standard Continental, which heavily takes over the Coupes design with the obvious roof difference. However, like today's Continental GTC Speed, it has less sparkle announcing its sporty character. The Bentley Matrix grille has a dark finish instead of chrome, as do the air intakes and the center grille, all of which have a matrix mesh like the grille. The only noticeable shine is on the Bentley emblem atop the grille, the headlight surrounds, and the headlights themselves. The rear end is just as minimalistic as the front end, with the only major noticeable cue being the oval-shaped dual-tip exhaust. Did you know that Bentley uses oval exhaust tips for the W12 engine and elliptical exhaust tips for the V8 engine? Now you know.

A Symphony Of Comfort And Performance

It's evident that the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed isn't a tech haven isn't a tech cabin especially in the cabin. But from the front seats, none of that matters. All you can feel is the luxurious comfort of the seats equipped with heating and cooling adjustments and multi-way adjustability enabling you to sit in any position you fashion comfortable. Carrying the drive is an air suspension that tweaks the ride depending on your preference. Engaging sport mode not only firms up the ride for a more dynamic feel but also sharpens the throttle enough to feel the difference in snappiness with every throttle blip.

Luxury Doesn't Have To Empty Your Wallet

In the Market for a 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed? $70,000 is an ideal price to pay for one, although prices can range from as low as $60,000 to nearly $100,000. The latter might sound overpriced, but it's dependent on the car's history and condition, among other determining factors. Exotic Car Trader features among the exotic car market's premier Bentley listings including some 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed examples.

Final Thoughts

So, does the 2013 Bentley Continental GTC live up to Bentley's legacy of speed? Notwithstanding its age, every aspect, from impressive performance to the serene cabin environment, showcases a symphony of comfort and performance, a quality satisfactory to characterize it among Bentley's definitions of speed. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The 2013 Bentley Continental GTC Speed might not be a purebred race car like the Bentley Speed Six, but it injects a thrilling dose of power into the open-air driving experience.