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2016 Bentley Continental GT keeps it fresh for another dozen years [w/video]

The reveal of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept is without a doubt the bigger news – maybe the most exciting thing the British automaker has shown in years – but it's not the only piece of new metal on display at the Bentley stand in Geneva this year. Alongside the sports car concept, Bentley is showcasing revised versions of just about its entire bread-and-butter lineup, including the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur. The latter sedan may have only received some new trim inside and out (along with a subtly massaged engine), but the two-door models benefit from a raft of enhancements. Most notable is the side vent that now features a metallic B emblem, but the updated sheetmetal also includes a more pronounced character line along the flank, revised front-end styling, a reprofiled trunk lid and more. There are new wheels of course, and the more performance-oriented versions get a new rear diffuser. The inside hasn't been left alone either, and the W12 engine packs a bit more power and a cylinder deactivation system. Hardly groundbreaking stuff, but vital revisions, we're sure, to keep the Continental fresh after a dozen years on the market. Featured Gallery 2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed: Geneva 2015 View 14 Photos Related Gallery 2016 Bentley Continental family View 29 Photos Related Gallery 2015 Geneva Motor Show Videos View 25 Photos Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Steven J. Ewing / AOL Geneva Motor Show Bentley Luxury Videos 2015 Geneva Motor Show bentley flying spur

Bentley Continental GT Speed gets a little more juice

The latest version of the Bentley Continental GT Speed packs 633 horsepower, up ever so slightly from the 626 hp in the outgoing version launched in 2014, the 616-hp model that arrived in 2012, and the 602 hp offered in the first iteration from 2007. It also leaves the previous, 621-hp Supersports model in its wake, and further separates the flagship twelve-cylinder version from the lighter but less potent V8 model. Along with the relatively negligible 7-horsepower increase, the crew from Crewe also raised the torque figure by 15 pound-feet to a total of 619. As a result, Bentley says the latest flagship Conti will hit 60 in 3.9 seconds, down from the 4.0 flat the previous version was quoted at. No word on the top speed changing, but at 206 miles per hour, it didn't need much improvement in the first place. The Flying B marque has also launched a new Black Edition of the same model that offers a whole array of visual enhancements inside and out. As you might have guessed, it consists mostly of black trim, but also some contrasting aero components and leather trim. That's all well and fine, but we doubt most occupants would be paying much attention once all that power is deployed. Related Video: BENTLEY LAUNCHES NEW GT SPEED AND STRIKING BLACK EDITION - Continental GT Speed increases power and torque - Bold new Black Edition joins GT family - New and unique styling cues handcrafted to perfection at Bentley's Crewe factory (Crewe, 4 April 2016) Bentley unveils today the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h), now delivers even more power and torque, and a striking new Black Edition model joins the Speed family. Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental's iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 642 PS - up from 635 PS - and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the Grand Tourer's renowned "torque plateau" of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2,000-5,000 rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-60 mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).

Bentley fires staff priest before Christmas

This sounds like a scene out of A Christmas Carol, but it appears to be real. The resident chaplain for Bentley at Crewe was removed from his post - just days before Christmas. Reverend Francis Cooke had visited Crewe once a week for the last decade, but was relieved of his duties when it was feared by management that his presence at the factory might offend a multi-faith workforce.
According to Rev. Cooke, "The reason I have been given is that there are too many people of different faiths to warrant a Christian chaplain." Cooke pointed out that no complaint had ever been brought against him, and that he helps all faiths at the factory - not just Christians.
Bentley issued a statement, addressing its decision, "We have a wide range of faiths and want to take a multi-faith outlook. It would be very difficult to have somebody from each faith."