2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed Review
October 29, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
To anyone who’s not a Bentley owner or an avid enthusiast of the brand, the Speed will look pretty much identical to the standard, but still hugely expensive Continental GT.
However, there are a few subtle differences, apart from those magnificent 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
The Speed’s matrix grille has a dark tint to the chrome, which is continued throughout the lower air intakes (the stock Continental GT is open air and no grille)
At the rear of the car, you’ll see a black lower bumper valance and those rifled exhaust tips I mentioned earlier, which are specific to the Speed.
Open up either the driver or passenger doors and you’ll notice the Speed logos on the kick plates of the car. It’s the only place on the car where you can do so.
It’s all a little to understated for my liking; as I would want the bloke next door to know that I paid more than him and that my Bentley was quicker than his Continental GT.
There’s also a smaller diameter, three-spoke sports steering wheel, which although a joy to hold, although I’m not a fan of the two-tone look, which seems overdone to me.
I’m not going to itemise the Bentley’s safety systems or fuel consumption numbers suffice to say, both are considerable.
“With unparalleled levels of luxury, performance and ride quality in the GT class, the Bentley Continental GT Speed could easily be considered a bargain at $428,300”
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
• Engine: 6.0-litre 12-cylinder (48 valves)
• Power: 449kW @
• Torque: 750Nm @
• Induction: Twin-turbochargers
• Transmission: ZF six-speed automatic with paddle shift
• Driven Wheels: All-wheel drive
• Brakes: Carbon Ceramic, cross drilled 8-piston with ABS, HBA, MSR, EBD
• Top Speed: 326km/h
• 0-100km/h: 4.5 seconds
• 0-160km/h: 10.2 seconds
• CO2 Emissions: 396g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 16.6-litres/100km (combined)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 90 litres
• Fuel Type: 98RON Petrol
• Safety: Bosch 8.1 ESP System
• Weight: 2350kg
• Wheels: Forged alloy 20×9.5-inch
I love this car but I have to say that if I was getting one, I would get the standard one because I have driven the speed and its hardly convincing as a super car and the standard is already a fantastic GT. I do love those wheels though…
Awesome review! Much better than Rolls any day!
Awesome car, but for $400k+ that gear lever surrounding look so cheap just like your $20k VW.
Now lets not go crazy Zahmad, It’s a fantastic car but have you driven the Rolls Royce coupe? Or Phantom? Or DHC? Im afraid Bentley havn’t quite gotten to Rolls Royce standards yet.
gorgeous interior. Fantastic pictures guys!
Not bad I guess. Would I have one? No cos nearly every premiership footballer has one. Its a bit Chavs-ville here i’m afraid. Sorry Bentley!!
TC ! Are there any 20k VW? I have never seen one
makes me salivate….they seem a lot smaller in the flesh than they look in the pics, but I’ve never driven in one. I suppose that if you can afford one, you could also afford to hire someone to clean the brake dust out of those gorgeous wheels
Hmmm, this or the Aston Martin DBS?
I’m leaning towards the Aston
Very nice pics.
Bentley Continental has more gadgets but still luxurious, but Rolls Royce like to keep it simple and luxurious. So it’s up to you to decide what makes you smile more.
Personally, I would go for the Rolls Drop Head. By the time I can afford one, I’ll be too old for all the buttons and settings to worry about.
4 valves per cylinder and overhead camshafts in 1926. The Chevrolet/Holden V8 can’t manage that 82 years later.
beautiful…
i think that’s all i need to say? haha.
GTC Speed for me please!
i’d still take on of these though, really stunning.
i think this, and the DB9 have to me in my top3.
Beautiful vehicle… beautiful interior…
But for that price I would want close to perfection – unfortunately there are a few cheap touches.
Nice review, took a while to read but worth it in the end. So, who’s the lucky bloke who got to drive it? I’m envious!
How much would a DB9 set you back?
I’d still prefer one of those to this, but its definitely an astonishing car. I just can’t imagine how it can be nimble to drive with that much weight.
Pure decadence. I love the front 3/4 view. I guess if you can afford one of these its purely a question of personal preference. Why not have an Aston and a Bentley?!
Story and photographs really captured the glory of this car. Well done!
As a parent of a toddler, I would be concerned about whether the rear will accommodate a baby capsule and the impact of food and other toddler ’stuff’ on the leather.
I was just wondering if this car available in Brisbane, Queensland? I have been looking in Bentley Brisbane, but there is no information about the car
you could always have a look at http://www.bentleymotors.com for information. The dealer in Brisbane would definately have information and cars to look at.