LONDON: The Bentley Continental GT Speed was already one of the most comfortable and exclusive ways for a driver, three passengers and their overnight bags to hit 331kph, thanks to an incredibly smooth twin-turbo six-litre W12 engine calling the shots.
However, the company's engineers have decided to give that hefty powerplant a spring clean and in doing so have found some more horsepower - seven to be exact.
That might not sound like much but it takes engine output to 633hp (from 626hp) and torque up to 840Nm. This has shaved a fraction of a second off the 0-100kph sprint (4.1 seconds a 0.1-second improvement) plus at every increment onwards up to its still conservatively estimated 331kph top speed.
More importantly for daily use, all of that power is available between 2,000 and 5,000rpm, the "everyday" rev range of inner city and highway driving, rather than powering through Switzerland on the way to Milan.
That alone might not be enough to seal the deal for the most discerning of drivers so Bentley is paring the improved performance with a new Black Edition specification which adds a special high-gloss black finish to external brightwork, unique 21-inch alloys and special brake callipers.
Other little exterior details include a choice of four contrasting colors for the car's aerodynamic elements - front splitter, side skirts and diffuser.
The cabin also boasts heavily contrasting hide and carbon fiber tones including for the first time, the option of a new Cyber Yellow leather.
"We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognisable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance," said Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT.
