The new Bentley GT Speed relies on a dynamic ‘cutting edge’ like no other
It is only when taking a deep dive into Bentley’s technology that Iain Robertson is able to more fully comprehend its wealth of investment in what might be considered thoughtlessly as ‘engineering excess’, when it is actually pinnacle achievements.
VW Group having acquired the Bentley brand in 1998, to culminate, in 2003, in the first and most successful Continental GT Coupe that used mass production techniques, rather than strictly bespoke, to the uninitiated might be perceived as resulting in little more than a ‘big Audi TT’. Be aware, this car has never been less than a seriously engineered, sportingly biased machine of the highest pedigree that, when peeled open, reveals first order technology at levels that can silence even the most cynical automotive critic.
From my earliest Conti driving experience to the most recent, I have never been less than impressed with the car’s incredible dynamic balance…which only seems to improve, with each subsequent model introduction. The means by which this two-tonne plus behemoth deals with boy racer cornering aggression, simply shrugging off derring-do manoeuvres with the aplomb of the aforementioned Audi TT (albeit in enhanced RS guise!) is something to be witnessed and remembered forever. Yet, it can be incredibly tough to understand, because just multiplying tolerances and increasing weight, while logical, are not the answers.
Sometimes that only way to get your head around Bentley achieving its aims involves taking to the test track, where applying a punishing regime of dialling-in steering angles, both under harsh braking and variable road surface conditions, combined with inducing power oversteer, as well as plough-on understeer that could tear shreds out of the massively expensive tyres, let alone boiling damper, steering and brake fluids, are the only solutions. Regardless, that the Conti recovers so speedily and seemingly ready for its next run of assaults can be stultifyingly impressive. No large car yet produced has ever been so capable and competent and each successive model has the power to lap up ever increasing demands, however harsh.
Taking just one aspect, brakes, serves to highlight the efficacy of Bentley’s endeavours. Equipped with the largest car brakes in the world, the latest carbon ceramic system boasts 440mm diameter front discs, combined with new ten-piston front calipers, to result in not only the biggest such devices ever fitted to a Bentley but also the most impactful, specially formulated system, by which to provide class-leading braking performance, with copper-free brake friction materials, for reduced environmental effect.
The system offers a weight saving of 33kg, compared to the iron braking medium, but most importantly this is un-sprung weight, which lowers inertia and gives the Continental even more responsive handling. As you might expect, the ceramic brakes have been tested extensively around the world, including at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, where it set levels of braking performance never before achieved by a Bentley. In objective tests the ceramic brakes have proven themselves to be exceptionally fade resistant and, after ten consecutive full-bore stops from 80mph, the stopping distance increased by only 1.1metres, to a still remarkable 61.1metres. I remind you of the car’s kerbweight, which should make this level of performance consistency unattainable!
Naturally, a broad application of the latest electronic chassis management programs employed on 99% of the world’s most sporting machines is sure to help the Conti to achieve its aims. However, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom, before the GT Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. With the ESC engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers, or in inclement weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC extends the freedom of the driver, allowing the experienced pilot to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at their discretion.
With the ESC switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed comes to the fore, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only witnessed and faced in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance, thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and the e-LSD, on track the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles, which can be seldom less than enticing and exciting. The large car just shrinks around the driver’s demands.
The four-wheel steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed model in each of the driving modes, more so in SPORT, as the steering combines with Bentley’s Dynamic Ride and the e-LSD for a remarkable level of agility that is unlike any other Bentley road car, using up to four degrees of steering lock on the rear wheels. At lower and medium rates, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the fronts to aid rapid changes of direction that increase the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper, with a quicker ratio and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even greater driver confidence. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the fronts, to enhance stability.
Overall and without reordering my inner organs, which I admit are somewhat looser than they used to be, pushing on regardless has a plethora of judiciously engineered solutions available to ensure that no harm will result. They all work compliantly and without overt protectionism, to ensure the ultimate driving rewards, without destructive or unruly dullness. Instead, the GT Speed feels connected and natural in its responses, in ways that are both engaging and totally involving, aspects almost ethereally unrealistic, when you consider the car’s overall dimensions. No other car is as supremely well engineered, or as capable of placing a broad smile on a knowing driver’s face.
It is hard to believe, until you experience it first-hand, and that is what makes the GT Speed the most competent sporting coupe in the world. If you really want to experience a genuine out-of-body moment, try driving a latest Bentley like a hot hatch. However, also remember that it costs £212,000, scorches to 60mph from standstill in 3.2s and tops out at 209mph.
