We know that the realm of 200-mph cars is typically reserved for supercars and hardcore, stripped-down track weapons. But then there’s the 2015 Bentley Continental GTC Speed, a grand tourer that makes 200-mph sprints seem like a ‘jog’ in the park, all the while pampering its occupants in a lavish embrace. Beneath its bellowing hood lies a monstrous 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine developing enough power to lead the GTC Speed from 0 to 60 mph in a hair-standing 3.9 seconds. Flat-out, it achieves a jaw-dropping top speed of 203 mph. Despite the symphony of power, it is still a Bentley, indulging you in a world of handcrafted leather, polished wood veneers, and massaging seats. Of course, all this luxury and exclusivity comes with a big, fat price tag. So, back when it was new, the Continental GTC Speed graced a launch price of a cool $252,825 – with room available for optional extras.
Bentley’s ‘Continental’ lore dates back to the early 1950s when Bentley set to introduce the R Type Continental, a sleek grand tourer pairing a potent powerplant and unparalleled comfort for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Eventually, the automotive world progressed, and so did the 'Continental' nameplate, now spanning fast, two-door coupes like the iconic S1, S2, and S3. After a brief hiatus, Bentley revived the ‘Continental’ nameplate yet again in 2003, introducing its first mass-produced car – the (first gen) Continental GT (2003 – 2011) – and this time under the new VW AG management. Building on its success, a drop-top convertible version – called the GTC – made its way into the Continental GT lineup, closely followed by the performance-focused, more exclusive ‘Speed’ and ‘Supersports’ variants, pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury further. By 2011, the Continental GT lineup evolved, ushering in a bold, sleeker design language, new technology, and loads of features. Over the years, the GT lineup received steady streams of refinements, updates, and special editions for a new era of grand touring.
The GTC Speed’s secret behind its power lies in a mighty VW-borrowed 6-liter W12, fed by two turbochargers to output a staggering 626 horsepower and an eye-goggling 607 pound-feet of torques – an additional ten hp and 17 lb-ft over the previous Speed variants. Also, the engine pairs a revised 8-speed automatic gearbox, lighting up all four wheels in lavish fury. The power is enough to charge the 5,500-pound Bentley from 0 - 60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds before hurtling to a breathtaking top speed of 203 mph. Still, a few noticeable Speed-specific upgrades include a lowered ride height, finetuned suspension, massive carbon ceramic brakes, and on-demand cylinder decoupling that deactivates a cylinder bank under light throttle for maximum efficiency gains.
The GTC Speed's exquisite cabin is a testament to Bentley's enduring legacy of uncompromising and best-in-class craftsmanship. Inside, the cabin unfolds an oasis of fine, soft-touch leather surfacing from top to bottom in flawless elegance. Complementing the sumptuous leather are the intricate handstitched weaves, adorning the cabin in meticulous workmanship. Meanwhile, polished wood veneers cascade across the interior, studding the dash, center stack, steering wheel, and door trims in a range of distinct, equally attractive options like Dark-Stained Burr Walnut, Fiddleback Eucalyptus, and Piano Black. And then there’s the solid, quite satisfying knurled knobs and switches, adding a touch of vintage charm to the overall cabin. Speaking of a ‘vintage charm,' the GTC Speed incorporates old-school analog instrument dials – including an elegant Breitling timepiece perched atop the center stack – for a nostalgic nod to classic, luxury motoring.
Outside, the Continental GTC Speed sports sculpted lines that are both aggressive and exclusively Bentley-esque. So, towards the front, the GTC Speed adorns the imposing Bentley's trademark matrix grille, finished in dark accents for a minimalist aesthetic. Meanwhile, flanking it are round-shaped LED DRLs and headlamps (featuring bi-xenon technology) that pierce through the dark like diamonds. Over the sides, a distinct, quite sleek profile reigns supreme, followed by wide haunches hinting at the power lurking within. Then, a set of 21-inch aluminum alloys beckons, available in various finishes and styles. Still, the Bentley’s crowning jewel – the soft-top roof – deserves a spotlight, neatly unfolding within seconds to reveal a luxurious open-air oasis. Finally, we move to the Bentley’s sophisticated, very elegant rear end that couples no more than dual oval-shaped exhausts and smart, quite sleek elliptical LED taillights to create an uncluttered rear-end aesthetic.
As the years progressed, the Continental GT continued to evolve, equipping cutting-edge technology for an unparalleled driving experience. These include features in the form of multi-way (driver and passenger) powered seats (with heated and ventilated functionalities), a premium (NAIM) sound system, self-leveling suspension, drive modes, and a high-res touchscreen infotainment system featuring user-friendly controls for sat-nav (Google Maps), iPod integration, and multimedia functions, creating a haven of technological prowess. Luckily, the technological prowess extends towards the car's safety system, incorporating features like parking sensors, rear-view camera, airbags, adaptive cruise control, ABS, and Traction Control System for unparalleled comfort and safety.
The 2015 Bentley Continental GTC Speed, when new, graced a launch price of a strong $252,825 – excluding options. However, add the lavish optional extras – like the premium NAIM sound system, upgraded wood veneers, Mulliner Driving Specification, adaptive cruise control, carbon ceramic brakes, and Interior Style Specification – and you'll end up breaking the bank above $260,000. Dream of seeing a Bentley Continental GTC Speed parked in your driveway? Head over to the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to capture the essence of grandeur.
The 2015 Bentley Continental GTC Speed stands true to Bentley’s enduring principles of sculpting fine cruisers that are (exquisitely) fast, (exceptionally) good, and the best in class. Are you tired of dealing with private buyers and dealers or struggling to navigate the complexities (and possibly scams) of the used luxury market? Well, lucky for you, Exotic Car Trader has your back. Explore a comprehensive list of exotic cars meticulously selected from a set criterion. At Exotic Car Trader, we encourage an effortless car-buying journey courtesy of our straightforward, very easy car-buying process. Additionally, we offer car-selling (and trade-in) services, leveraging our market-best industry practices and expert-vetted team to ensure a safe and secure transaction.
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