Meet The Driver-Focused Bentley Continental GT S

Bentley is currently celebrating 70 years of its most famous nameplate, the Continental, and a few days ago, the luxury automaker teased sharper, more responsive derivatives of its current Continental GT. Alongside the convertible version (known as the Continental GTC), the Crewe-based purveyor of the world's finest grand tourers has now expanded its offering with the Continental GT S and Continental GTC S. These, says Bentley, are focused on driving enjoyment.

"The new S range adjusts the Bentley grand touring recipe to center on the pleasure of driving - an opposing yet complementary emphasis to the 'Wellbeing behind the Wheel' concept of the recent, comfort-centric Azure range launch."

The Azure range that Bentley refers to was revealed last month and is said to offer a more relaxing drive through science, but what do these new S variants provide? Well, the standard 4.0-liter V8 engine is retained, providing 542 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque, but it is now enhanced with the standard fitment of a sports exhaust, amplifying its cross-plane V8 rumble.

In addition, the S models also get Bentley Dynamic Ride at no cost, a 48-volt electric active anti-roll control system that helps minimize body roll under hard cornering while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds.

From the outside, this new range can be identified by its black gloss radiator grille and black brightware throughout, with the exception of the winged Bentley badge and lettering, which retain their original bright chrome finish. Other telltale signs include dark tinted headlamps and taillights, unique S badging on the front fenders, quad exhaust tips in black, and black sill extenders as on the Continental GT Speed.

In terms of wheels, an all-new 22-inch design with five Y-shaped spoked in gloss black has been added, with Pale Brodgar Satin as an alternative finish. If these don't suit you, a 21-inch tri-spoke design is offered, combining gloss black and bright machined finishes. Red brake calipers are standard.

Inside, Dinamica is the material of choice for the steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushion, and seat backrest, while "Bentley's incomparable leather" is used on the seat bolsters and door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console. To further enhance the sporty feel of the S models, the "performance-focused graphics" of the Continental GT Speed are employed here. Fluted S design seats with the option of quilting have been added, and the S emblem is embroidered on the headrest as standard, although you can have Bentley wings here instead.

A metal S signature badge on the fascia and illuminated treadplates with the S device design (replacing the standard Bentley Motors Ltd plaque) finish off the updates. Pricing and availability have not yet been released.