The GT story began in 1952 with the R Type Continental. It was fast beautiful exclusive and arguably the world's first GT. Above all it was also a Bentley and the fastest car to ever carry the 'Flying B' badge at its time of production with a top speed of 120mph.

Since its conception the British marque's Continental GT family has continued to grow along with its record breaking prowess and its popularity as one of the region's best selling Bentley models.

The history of the Continental GT began when the Bentley team set out to produce an extraordinarily fast car - one that would allow their customers to enjoy driving far and fast. This concept remains ingrained in the brand's DNA 64 years on.

In 2015 the Continental GT Speed the R Type Continental's younger sibling created two all-new world records. Flouting the almost century old 'Flying Mile' (the UK land speed record) of 174.8mph a striking Spectre Continental GT Speed driven by acclaimed actor Idris Elba hit a top speed of 180.361mph at Pendine Sands in Wales.

Not content with this extraordinary achievement the Continental GT Speed brought the record to new heights just months later. On the derestricted Stuart Highway deep in the Northern Territory of Australia racing legend John Bowe took the Continental GT Speed to a top speed of 206mph during a controlled Vmax run.

The 635 PS (626 bhp) 820 Nm (607 lb.ft) W12-powered GT Speed reached Vmax in just 76 seconds covering a distance of 9.4km in the process. At top speed it covered a staggering 92m (or one football pitch) per second.

Speaking about how the Continental GT has developed from the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its 1952 inception to the stylish high performance vehicle it is today Robin Peel head of marketing and communications - international Bentley Motors said 'Today's Continental elegantly fulfils the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. It has immense W12 power a top speed of 331kmph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort.

'Like many Bentleys designed at Derby and Crewe throughout the 1930s 40s and 50s the Continental range conveys evident Bentley design DNA. The fundamental part of the Continental's make up is apparent through its elegant styling cues. The striking power line muscular rear haunches and swooping fast roof line all pay homage to its reputation as a record setting pioneer.'

To continue the GT's extraordinary legacy the 2016 model of Bentley's GT Speed has been refreshed with a complement of new exterior design features aimed at sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand Tourer.

A revised front bumper has been introduced while the fenders now feature a new vent complete with a graceful metallic 'B' adornment which serve to emphasise and enhance the renowned Bentley 'power line' that flows rearwards from the front arches.

In true Bentley Speed tradition outstanding performance is matched by an enhanced chassis with up-rated springs anti-roll bars and bushes a lowered ride height (by 10mm front and rear) together with re-tuning of the electronically controlled damping and steering systems.
The visual upgrades continue inside the luxury cabin of the Continental range. A new and contemporary straight-fluting pattern adorns the four generous seats while the Mulliner Driving Specification (standard on GT Speed) gains a tightened 'small-diamond' quilting.

Driver controls are all-new with an optional more ergonomic and sports-orientated steering wheel and larger gear-shift paddles incorporating tactile knurled metal embellishers.

Under the revised skin of the Continental GT W12 lay three changes to the mighty 6.0l twin turbo W12 powertrain. Firstly the engine receives a power and torque increase from 575 PS (567bhp / 423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb ft) to 590 PS (582 bhp / 434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb ft) to maintain the model's reputation for effortless performance.

Follow this link to a new film telling the story of the evolution of an automotive icon: youtube.com/bentleymotors.