| Range Update | Frankfurt Motor Show | Bentley Continental GT |

It's not as though the 'standard' Continental GT is underpowered - far from it. But Bentley has seen fit to enhance the car's specification further, offering a new 'Speed' model with 600bhp from its W12 engine.

Bentley's Chairman and CEO, Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen, speaks modestly of the new model, but must be just as excited as the rest of us: "The Continental GT is a modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success."

The GT Speed is said to be inspired by the 'Speed' models first introduced nearly 85 years ago. Even then, W.O. Bentley, the company's founder, knew there would be no shortage of takers for a very high performance derivative of a successful existing model - that hasn't changed, even if the owners have.

Bentley's latest model retains the four-wheel drive system utilised across the Continental series, and is based on the revised Continental GT Coupé, but does gain a unique chassis tune (altered spring and damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars) to tighten things up and provide extra agility (a must for a sporting version that weighs 2.35 tonnes). New 20-inch wheels and a set of bespoke Pirelli performance tyres will fit nicely over the optional carbon ceramic brakes.

Top speed is officially 202mph and it'll charge to 60mph in 4.3 seconds too, which are seriously impressive figures for a vehicle of such size and luxury. The W12 6.0-litre engine installed in the sensible version of the GT makes do with 552bhp, but it achieves gains through the use of lightened cylinder head and bottom-end components and a modified engine management system.

Both the GT and GT Speed will benefit from minor revisions; saving 35kg and reducing CO₂ emissions in both cars from 410g/km to 396g/km.

A wider, lower air intake and more pronounced radiator grille furnish the GT Speed with plenty of visual attitude; more than enough to get noticed, and if buyers never reach 200mph or don't care how pointy it is, a reminder that their money at least makes it look impressive.

The GT Speed will start at £137,500, while if you want the standard, revised, GT 2008 model you'll be looking at £120,500. Both will be available to order this month. The car is likely to be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though we'll be behind the wheel before that...

Richard Tanner - 3 Aug 2007