2013 Bentley Continental GT 5.6 LE 4x4

One of the highest points where speed and luxury converge; world-class cabin; 12-cylinder's improved fuel economy., , The 2013 Continental GT Speed is the fastest production car Bentley has built to date. That will be enough for most buyers., , But if you crave details, there's the matter of a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine pushed to its performance edges, making 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's up 49 hp and 74 lb-ft from the standard Continental GT. Bentley says the GT Speed covers zero to 60 in 4 seconds flat, topping out at 205 mph. Improbably, the GT Speed also gets 12 percent better fuel economy, thanks in part to an eight-speed automatic transmission., , The Continental GT Speed also benefits from improved steering and suspension and a lower ride height, the better to coerce those 21-inch wheels in the direction you want to go., , A dark-tinted grille and lower air intakes give a distinct indication (and subtle intimidation) of this GT's business. The GT Speed also gets the Mulliner Driving Specification -- choice of wheel style, drilled alloy pedals, quilted leather on the seats, doors and rear quarter panels, knurled shifter -- standard., , Bentley hasn't suggested a price on its performance flagship, but it will slot above the standard 12-cylinder Continental GT, which starts at around $200,000. The new Continental GT Speed should arrive in October. Check back for a full review, including driving impressions, specs and buying advice as it becomes available.