THESE sumptuous, exciting beasts are the new S models for Bentley’s Continental GT family, with a focus on driving performance and road presence.
A number of tweaks to the exterior design, interior specification and dynamics system make the grand tourer more appealing to enthusiastic motorists – enhancing the range following the launch of the comfort-centred Azure variant.
The S cars are powered by the upmarket British brand’s 550PS 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that gives a 0-62mph sprint time of just four seconds, while an added thrill comes from a sports exhaust system to enhance the sound.
For the record, fuel economy is rated at 22.6 to 23.3mpg, which equates to CO2 emissions of 275 to 284g/km. Clever engineering using motors in the anti-roll bars minimise body wallow under hard cornering, while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds.
The exterior is given a more dramatic, assertive look thanks to the gloss-black grille and brightware, black sill extenders and quad tailpipes, as well as dark-tinted lights front and back.
Buyers can also choose between special S 21in tri-spoke wheels or 22in Y-shaped five-spoke rims that house red-painted brake calipers.
Inside, there’s a special two-tone colour split to make the cabin stand out, as well as tactile suede-like Dinamica and leather hide upholstery throughout the cabin.
Driver instrumentation is similar to the Continental GT Speed and fluted seats bear an S emblem, which is repeated on the fascia and illuminated treadplates.
Cars are available to order, prices are expected to range from £198,600 for the GT S and £218,300 for the convertible, with first deliveries due towards the end of the year.
A Bentley spokesman said: “The combination of striking design, performance and agility gives the Continental GT S and Continental GTC S strong appeal for all those who love powerful, extrovert performance cars.”
