Bentley will officially unveil the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Bentley says that the convertible will be the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged, 6.0L W12 engine that produces 616 hp paired with an eight-speed transmission that can travel up to 202 mph. Bentley says the new engine delivers a 15 percent fuel economy improvement over the previous model. Other performance enhancements include re-tuned steering, permanent all-wheel-drive and an uprated and lowered suspension.

Like all Bentleys, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible features the ultimate in handcrafted luxury. The Speed Convertible features muscular styling lines with 21-inch allow wheels, dark-tint grilles, large, elliptical exhaust pipes with a "rifled" interior and a black inlet manifold that is unique to Continental Speed models. The interior features the Mulliner Driving Specification with diamond-quilted hide upholstery and a dark-tint aluminum finish inspired by the dashboards of Bentleys that won Le Mans in the 1920s. The coupe-like design is transformed into a convertible at the touch of a button and the unique "neck warner" feature ensures its occupants remain warm and comfortable even on cool days.

The "Speed" nomenclature originated in 1925. The first Bentley Speed was an open touring car, allowing motorists the rare experience of the wind in their hair at speeds of up to 100 mph—quite unusual for the day.

Photos Courtesy of Bentley Motors Ltd. (with additional photography by Karl Brauer).