2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Episode 3240
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While the pursuit of speed has been around for much longer than the automobile itself; when the internal combustion engine first merged with 4 wheels that search greatly intensified. Now fast-forward to this latest Bentley Continental GT, not only does it ooze sex appeal and extravagance, but it’s the fastest Bentley ever. And it’s fittingly called… the GT Speed.

What’s in a name? Well, as Speed is in the name of the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed, it’s clear that that’s what this car is all about. As its top speed of 205 miles-per-hour, is indeed 1 mile-per-hour faster than the Bentley Continental Supersports. And while there are no public roads in this country where you can actually do that legally, just knowing that you can is enough for most people. 

Making the speed possible is a slight tweaking of the Continental’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine. Turbo pressure is boosted to 28 psi, and the ECU gets reprogrammed to manage it. The result is 616-horsepower and an even more impressive 590 lb-ft. of torque. 

Exterior tweaks to the GT Speed are subtle, but like any luxury item, those “in the know” will quickly spot the 21-inch split-spoke wheels and the darker finish to the front air intakes. And those that aren’t “in the know” can appreciate the new chrome trim around the tail lights and unique rifled exhaust tips as you streak past them. And if our car’s flaming orange paint job is not ostentatious enough, Bentley will be happy to mix up a custom color just for you; as in Crewe, all things are possible for a price.  

Streaking down the track like a freight train out of control, the GT Speed reaches the end of the ¼ in just 12.1-seconds and 119 miles per hour, and it feels like it’s just getting started. With Speed in the name it had better bring it, and it surely does as it leaps off the line with authority and, thanks to all-wheel-drive, no wheel spin, launching to 60 in just 4-seconds flat.

It sounds mean under full throttle, but still not as aggressive as the V8 Continental. With almost 16-feet of length and over 600-horsepower connected to your right foot, navigating through the cones is an exercise in restraint. Initiating the Speed’s Dynamic Mode helps a little. 

But unless you have your own private race track, most of your time will be spent at more sedate speeds, and that is where this Continental really impresses; with a smooth manner and solid ride that can only be found in cars of a certain exclusivity. This basic chassis has been around for a while now and we love it just as much now as we did when it first appeared. It has spawned some great automotive machinery over the years, but this one’s the best yet. 

Inside, the feel is still incredibly “high end”, but there’s still a decidedly sporty turn with a perforated leather headliner, turned metal trim, metal pedals, and color stitching throughout the cabin. There’s something for almost every sense to enjoy, whether it’s the feel of the controls, the smell of the leather, or the sounds coming from the 11-hundred watt “naim” audio system. The front seats look great and provide both incredible comfort and support. 

If there’s any bad news to report, it’s that the Speed will cost you a trust fund busting $215,000. At that price, there are quite a few options out there; most of which are actually more entertaining to drive. But none can touch the Bentley’s mix of exquisite style, personalized luxury, and sheer performance. It’s not an exotic sports car, just an incredibly well-done high-end luxury coupe. 

Is it worth it? Well if you’ve got enough money to consider it, it probably doesn’t matter. All we know is, we loved the Continental before and we love it more now. And while it is currently nowhere near the Christmas season, we’d put up a tree any time if there was even a chance that we’d find a 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed underneath.

Specifications

  • Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12
  • Horsepower: 616
  • Torque: 590 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 4 seconds
  • 1/4 mile: 12.1 seconds @ 119 mph
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
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Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW