AIMS: Bentley confirms exclusive Speed

British-built but Volkswagen-owned luxury marquee, Bentley, will remain an exclusive brand with its range limited to just two model lines and sales pegged at an annual global rate of about 10,000 cars a year.

Speaking at the Sydney motor show launch of the latest addition to the range, the Continental GT Speed, worldwide operations director Geoff Dowding followed up on the brand execs' Frankfurt sentiments saying there were no plans to expand into any other market segments and stating both a smaller car and SUV were definitely off the agenda.

"We have two families of vehicles -- the Continental family and the Arnage family -- and we are absolutely committed to both of those today and in the future."

What is, however, on the agenda is a greater degree of personalization of cars (more here) and more variations of the lineup like the Speed.

And it's definitely speed in nature and name, being the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever produced and the first production car to top 200mph (322km/h) and managing the 0-100kmh sprint in just 4.5sec

Performance comes courtesy of an upgraded version of the 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine that generates a massive 449kW of power and 750Nm of torque -- an increase of 37kW and 100Nm over the standard GT.

As you would expect, the four-seater coupe features a lowered and stiffened suspension, retuned steering assistance and ESP system and bespoke 20-inch alloys shod with 275/35 Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

Minor exterior and interior highlights mark the car apart from its lesser kin as does the price which starts at $407,500.

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