Bentley has unveiled the new Continental GT Speed Convertible only days after its photos leaked on the internet and less than two weeks before its world premiere at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show.
The new convertible shares its specifications with the GT Speed coupe. The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 puts out 616HP (625PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque from 2,000-5,000 rpm, propelling the GTC Speed from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds) and on to a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).
This means it is just 0.1 seconds slower in the 0-60 mph sprint and 5 km/h (3 mph) slower than the coupe, but it’s still enough though to make it the fastest four-seat convertible in the world.
Like the coupe, the GTC has an 8-speed ZF “Quickshift” auto transmission. Power is directed to all four wheels with a 40/60 front/rear default split, the double-wishbone and multi-link rear suspension are tweaked, with stiffer bushes and anti-roll bars and a 10 mm lower ride height for better handing compared to the normal GTC.
A dark-chrome finish on the matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes along with 21-inch “Speed” alloys in silver or dark tint, elliptical exhaust pipes with a “rifled” interior and a black enamel background for the winged “B” badge on the hood distinguish the Speed from its lesser brethren.
In the cabin, the GTC Speed features the Mulliner Driving Specification, with diamond-quilted leather upholstery, as standard. There’s also an exclusive dark tint aluminum “engine spin” finish that’s inspired by the Le Mans Bentley racers of the 1920s, an infotainment system with a 15Gb data capacity and a navigation system with (optional) satellite imagery and live traffic data.
Options include a Naim audio system and a range of wood veneers, a carbon fiber satin finish for the fascia and center console and 420mm front and 356 mm rear cross-drilled carbon ceramic brakes.
By Andrew Tsaousis
PHOTO GALLERY
