BENTLEY has unveiled the new 600 horsepower Continental GT Speed - the most powerful production Bentley ever built and the first to top 200mph.

The £137,500 car is inspired by Bentley's legendary Speed' models of the 1920s and the company says the coupé will deliver a harder-edged, more sporting Bentley driving experience.

The exterior style of the new Continental GT and GT Speed models is defined by a wider, lower air intake and more upright radiator grille that also provide increased airflow. The W12 engine develops 15 per cent more torque and nine per cent more power than the standard Continental GT, while the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system improves the efficiency of the engine.

The resultant performance gives a top speed of 202mph and a zero to 60mph time of just 4.3 seconds.

Complementing the Continental GT Speed's high performance is its unique chassis tune that delivers tauter handling and improved agility, with new, wider 20-inch wheels and bespoke performance tyres. Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Subtle design touches, including a dark-tinted front grille and larger sports tailpipes, reinforce the sporting character of the Continental GT Speed.

Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary Speed' models that first appeared in 1923. The standard Bentley 3.0-litre had already established Bentley's engineering superiority in terms of roadholding, handling and braking, but W.O. Bentley, the company's founder, recognised the market potential for a more potent version aimed at the enthusiast driver.