Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition goes on sale

Bentley’s Continental GT Speed has got even faster – and there’s a new Black Edition model to give buyers another way to differentiate their Conti from that of their neighbour.

Changes to the GT Speed revolve around its 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12, with improvements brought about thanks to recalibration of the way the engine delivers boost. The result is a peak power output of 633bhp (previously 626bhp) and 620lb ft of torque, developed all the way from 2000-5000rpm.

The upshot is a trimming of the 0-60mph time, down from 4.1sec to 3.9sec, while those with a long enough stretch of private road – a gravel driveway, say – will eventually reach 206mph – making it the fastest production Bentley yet.

To this, the Black Edition adds a series of visual alterations for a distinctive new take on the familiar Continental GT form.

Customers are free to choose their own body colour – within reason, one suspects, though a few will no doubt slip through the net into the hands of vinyl wrappers – which is then contrasted with a high gloss black finish to certain exterior elements, such as the headlamp bezels and window surrounds.

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The 21-inch alloy wheels are also black, behind which lurk red or black-painted brake calipers and sizeable discs. A choice of four further contrasting shades (Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and Cyber Yellow) are available for the mirrors, front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, for the effect visible in Bentley’s images.

The interior can be rendered in similarly striking shades, with Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red and Cyber Yellow accents for the leather trim, dashboard and door elements, the gear shifter and the contrasting stitching. Carbonfibre trim can be found across the facia, and centre and roof consoles.

Order books are open now with deliveries beginning in the summer. The Continental GT Speed range starts at £168,300.