GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Bentley Continental GT Speed updated

Bentley used last September’s Frankfurt motor show to roll out its go-faster Continental GT V8 S , and now comes an uprated Continental GT Speed to ensure the 12-cylinder model remains unchallenged at the top of the pecking order.

The company’s boffins have massaged the twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine, and the result is that power and torque rise to 467kW (+7kW) and 820Nm (+20Nm) respectively, enabling the Continental GT Speed coupe to hit an impressive 331km/h.

The convertible isn’t far behind at 327km/h.

As before, drive is relayed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but Bentley says it has lowered and stiffened the suspension to deliver sportier dynamics than the outgoing model.

Visually, the updated GT Speed is distinguishable via its new carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser. In addition, the wheels are now dark tinted, as are the head- and taillights.

Other cosmetic tweaks bring red-painted brake calipers, chrome ‘Speed’ badges, and an optional new colour has been added to the palette – Candy Red.

The interior of the GT Speed has been given the once-over too, now with new stitching and colour options.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Continental GT range also gains seven new options packages, each bringing a different selection of goodies. Among these are new in-seat neck warmers, drilled alloy foot pedals, new boot carpeting and a heated steering wheel.

The four-door Flying Spur hasn’t been overlooked either, as it’s now available with Bentley’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, which pushes out 373kW and 660Nm.

Although it gives away four cylinders and 2.0 litres to the W12 flagship, the V8 Flying Spur is still no slouch, sprinting to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, on its way to a top whack of 295km/h. It’s the ideal continent-crossing machine, backed up by a theoretical range of 837km between refills.

The new variant rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, upgradeable to 20-inch alloys as part of a Mulliner package.

Both the V8 Flying Spur and the new Bentley GT Speed will be revealed at the Geneva motor show, and they go on sale in Europe shortly after.

Bentley Australia was unavailable to comment on the updated vehicle's Australian arrival times, but a massive 86.2 per cent jump in sales last year, from 65 cars in 2012 to 121 vehicles sold in 2013, means the local market will certainly be on the British marque's radar.