Test drive: Bentley Continental GT Speed

In another time and place, this might just be the perfect car, says Richard Cree

The first thing I notice about the Bentley Continental GT Speed is the brakes. That I am at the top of a high Scottish mountain facing downwards might have something to do with it. But then, as the man from Bentley explains, stopping big and heavy cars capable of travelling very quickly requires special brakes.

Where other supercar firms strip out luxuries to make cars lighter and quicker, Bentley likes to keep its cars stuffed full of veneers and armchairs, relying on making powerful enough engines to propel the whole lot at high speed. I don't recall too much physics from school, but the concept of momentum strikes a chord. No wonder Bentley has become a braking specialist.

The Continental GT Speed I'm in is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes-an optional extra-and a gentle dab is enough to bring the car to a very dramatic stop. Knowing you can take-off like a rocket and keep the car where you want it (on the road) is good. Knowing you can do this and stop in a second is better.

All three cars in the Continental range have a Speed variant and all were in Scotland (the first time all three have been together). This being the Highlands in August, it was either raining or swarming with midges, so the convertible didn't shine. The Flying Spur (the four-door version) was nimbler than expected, great fun and offers enough space for passengers to sit in.

But the Continental GT Speed (pictured) stood out. This is a Bentley for proper grand touring. It's a car you can drive and drive. With enough room for all the luggage you'd need for a long tour of Europe, I'd drive this car for miles at a time. Indeed, I would probably still be behind the wheel had I not had to hand the key back.

On empty mountain roads, busy motorways or anything in between, the car not only copes, but makes everything fun. Bank Holiday traffic jam? Yes please.

The car achieves maximum torque at surprisingly low revs (1,700). This means it feels great and makes a lovely noise in almost any traffic condition.

And when conditions allow you to cut loose, it really shines. With 600bhp, it hits 60mph from a standing start in just over four seconds. What's more, it achieves it with comfort, style and elegance. It's a bit like strapping a very powerful rocket to your most comfortable armchair. The advantage here is that, thanks to those impressive brakes, you can stop just as quickly as well.

At over £140,000, this is not a recession-friendly car. And with a fuel economy of 17mpg and carbon emissions of 400g/km, it's not a green car, either.

But, having caused this recession, there may be some help from economists here. Using ceteris paribus—the false notion that some variables won't change—they deny reality to get their models to work. Buying a Continental GT Speed now requires a similar leap of faith.