In March 2016, Bentley->ke15 launched the Continental GT Black Speed special edition for the Australian market. Essentially a follow-up for the GT Concours, which features blacked-out chrome, the Black Speed was created with help from the bespoke Mulliner division and features a black exterior with red highlights inspired by the "Monster By Mulliner" concept revealed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.->ke3008 Only a few weeks have passed since the Black Speed was announced and Bentley has launched yet another special-edition->ke2041 using the "Black" moniker, this time based on the range-topping GT Speed.

Unlike the Australian-only version, the GT Speed Black Edition is available for both European and U.S. customers, can be had in both coupe->ke141 and convertible->ke144 body styles, and in more than just one exterior color. More importantly, it features the drivetrain update the standard GT Speed just received for the 2017 model year, consisting of extra horsepower and torque, and a quicker 0-to-60 mph sprint.

Bentley says that the Black Edition was developed to "meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental->ke3108 line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues." In other words, the Black Edition offers the stout performance of the GT Speed, but the subtle looks that other Bentleys, known for their hefty amount of chrome, can't deliver.

Deliveries for the GT Speed Black Edition begin in the summer of 2016 in both Europe and the United States.

Updated 05/26/2016: Bentley Motors unveiled the new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition this week during an exclusive event in New York City. With the occasion the company released prices for both coupe and convertible versions.

Continue reading to learn more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition.

What makes the Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition special

As the name suggests, the Black Edition features high-gloss black exterior highlights instead of the usual chrome trim. Up front, blacked-out components include the main grille, all meshes of the three-piece bumper grille layout, and headlamps bezels. On the side, the window trim, the lower chrome strip, and the mirror caps are also finished in black. Around back, the taillight bezels and the bumper insert received identical treatment. In addition, Bentley also offers contrasting colors for the front splitter, side skirts, and the rear diffuser. Usually finished in the same color as the body, these elements can now be had in Hallmark (metallic gray), Beluga (black), St. James' Red, and Cyber Yellow, which is a brand new color.

As seen in the photos, the latter features will enable buyers to customize the appearance of their GT Speeds in many ways. Beluga, for instance, will match the blacked-out exterior details and give the model a sportier appearance. St. James' Red and Cyber yellow, on the other hand, will give the car a flashier appearance, especially if combined with darker colors. This option reminds me of the special-edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT and its yellow and red grille, roof, and mirror accents for green, white, and blue exteriors. Sure, Bentley's idea is far from original, but the available color combinations are pretty cool.

All exterior colors come with all-black, 21-inch, five-spoke wheels and bespoke brake calipers in red or black.

The combination of dark tones and bright highlights continues inside the cabin with the seats and center console bordered by contrasting leather in Porpoise (gray), Beluga, Pillar Box Red or the new Cyber Yellow. Using these options, buyers can create a vivid upholstery that matches the side skirts and the exterior mirrors. Using Pillar Box Red and Cyber Yellow will definitely result in an unique interior scheme, especially if combined with a dark upholstery color. Granted, the yellow might be a bit too flashy for some, but its a rare feature in this segment.

Every model is sold with Mulliner GT Design seats with diamond quilting and "Speed" lettering on the headrests. Both the seats and the door panels, which also feature diamond quilting, are highlighted by contrast stitching. For an extra dash of sportiness, the dashboard, center stack, center console, and roof console feature carbon-fiber instead of the more traditional wood inserts.

Under the hood, the Black Edition features the same turbocharged, 6.0-liter W-12 as the regular GT Speed. However, the special edition model gained the same drivetrain update as the standard two-door, consisting of revised internals that add an extra seven horsepower and 13 pound-feet of torque. The new output is now rated at 633 horses and 620 pound-feet, while a reoptimized boost controller allows the powerplant to deliver maximum torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. The most significant benefit from this is a the 3.9-second sprint to 60 mph, which is a tenth-second quicker than the previous GT Speed.

The Continental GT Speed Black Edition retails from $253,235 in the United States. For that sticker you'll get the coupe version before options. If you want the benefits of a drop-top, you'll have to pay $277,235 for the Convertible model.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

The second-generation GT Speed was launched in 2012, one year after Bentley had introduced the redesigned coupe. Originally powered by a 6.0-liter W-12 rated at 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, the GT Speed gained an extra 10 horses and 17 pound-feet of twist in 2014, hitting the road since then with 626 horsepower and 607 pound-feet at its disposal. With the 2017 update, the GT Speed is 17-horsepower and 30-pound-feet more powerful than it was six years ago, a decent improvement for a nameplate that doesn't see many upgrades throughout its generational cycle.

Read our full review of the Bentley Continental GT Speed here.