What's the news?

Bentley has updated its Continental range; there are styling enhancements and more power for the Continental GT Speed while the Flying Spur saloon is now available with the 4.0-litre V8 engine. The updated models will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 4th March.

Claiming the title of 'the fastest production Bentley ever', with a quoted top speed of 206mph, the Continental GT Speed now has 635hp and 820Nm from its 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine. The Speed model gets its own look with a front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, which are all now painted to match the main body colour. It also comes with a dark tint finish applied to the wheels, headlights and tail lamps. Behind the 21-inch alloy wheels the brake callipers are painted red, the front wings carry 'Speed' badging and there is a new colour - Candy Red - just for the Speed model.

The interior also gets a new look with a colour split designed exclusively for the GT Speed. Contrasting accent strips across the doors, rear panels, console and gear lever compare with a dark main colour. Matching contrast stitching is used with the option to extend the contrast colour through the quilted panels on the seats and doors. 'Speed' branding is applied to the headrests and as a chrome badge on the passenger side of the fascia.

Mirroring the addition of V8 power to the Continental GT range the Bentley Flying Spur now gets the option of the smaller engine. With 507hp it is claimed to do 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and 183mph flat out. Thanks to cylinder deactivation, thermal management and energy recuperation, the Flying Spur V8 can cover 520 miles on a tank of petrol. The release of that figure rather than the official economy data reveals that distance between stops is probably of more importance to Bentley's buyers than the actual cost of fuelling up.

Clues to identify the V8 model are subtle; the Bentley logo sits on a red background, the exhaust tips have a 'figure 8' design and the front bumper grilles are finished in black with a black wing insert. Standard wheels are 19-inch alloys and customers can choose from seven paint colours. Four interior hues are offered along with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer. The back seat is a single-piece, three-person bench and a single front armrest is fitted.

The Flying Spur V8 can be upgraded to Mulliner Driving Specification, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels and 'Jewel' fuel and oil filler caps. On the inside, the seating configuration is changed to a '4+1' layout with heated, adjustable chairs. There is also an indented leather headliner, drilled pedals and an alloy gear lever. Mulliner specification includes a greater choice of interior colours and veneer finishes too.

Anything else?

Bentley has also announced a series of option packs for the rest of the Continental GT range. These include exterior styling, technology and interior trim packages. All will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show.