Speed Bug

As the world’s largest carmaker, VW Auto Group owns iconic automakers including Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini. Of these, Bentley has the longest tradition of blending luxury with performance. W.O. Bentley was as serious about speed as he was luxury, so the cars were able to set a 4-year winning streak at Le Mans in the 1920s. While the Bentley Boys were great at going fast, they were not as talented running a business; in 1931 Bentley became part of Rolls-Royce. Financial downturns in the 1970s and ‘80s led to Rolls being nationalized by the UK government and its assets sold to Volkswagon in 1988 — the Rolls-Royce name and the Flying Lady emblem were not part of the sale, as they were owned by the aerospace division. BMW eventually acquired rights to both. As a result, Bentley gained access to the incredible technology on full display in the Continental GT Speed. Powered by a twin-turbo, 12-cylinder, 650-hp W12 engine mated to an 8-speed transmission and an adjustable suspension, the Continental GT Speed goes from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 206 mph. The interior is part private jet, part members-only club, with high-tech electronics accented by supple leather and fine woods. Who knew VW spoke fluent luxury?; BentleyMotors.com.