Bentley is now a Two Convertible MarqueWhat just might be the world's most desirable touring car has now lost its head, resulting in one of the most enticing four-seat convertibles ever made. The former is the Bentley Continental GT, winner of a number of
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| To many, the only way to make a coupe such as the Continental GT better is to chop its top off. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
design awards and the l'objet désiré of wealthy commuters the world over. Its handcrafted interior is second to no rival and performance, courtesy of a compact yet muscular 560-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12, stunning.
To many, the only way to make a coupe such as the Continental GT better is to chop its top off, exposing hand-stitched hides, brushed billet aluminum and high-gloss burred walnut veneers, an interior that Bentley says is nearly identical to its coupe sibling, to the scorching elements.
The new GTC does just that, although describing the process that Bentley's Crewe, England designers, engineers and product planners undertook to make sure its latest creation lives up to the ultra-premium
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| The luxuriously appointed convertible can reach a top speed of 304 km/h. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
marque's legendary quality and performance, in such a crude fashion hardly does the new model justice.
"The Continental GTC is the third step in our new product and segment strategy," explains Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. "It will again open up the Bentley brand to more customers who only buy convertibles, as well as being a logical next car for our existing owners."
To put the Continental GT in perspective, the luxuriously appointed convertible can reach a top speed of 304 km/h (190mph), a velocity kept controllable thanks to the car's extremely stiff body structure, sophisticated air suspension setup, and grippy all-wheel drive system.
Its uniquely configured W12 engine has had its output increased from 551-horsepower in the coupe to 560-horsepower - torque remains the same at 479 lb-ft. Like the coupe, a six-speed automatic transmission with
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| The Continental GTC is said to loo just as beautiful with the roof up as it does when it's down, although Bentley chose only to release an artist's rendering of what the top may look like. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
steering-wheel paddle-shift capability makes sure shifts are executed quickly with a level of refinement expected in this class of automobile.
But while many components are shared between the GT and new GTC, there's a great deal unique with Bentley's most recent offering.
"With the Continental GTC we set out to achieve a style that is both contemporary and elegant but with the sporting stance of a true performance car," commented Bentley's design director Dirk van Braeckel. "We also wanted to ensure that the Continental GTC looks just as beautiful with the roof up as it does when it's down."
While most who have followed the brand in the last few years can
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| Like the coupe, the new GTC will be art in motion. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
probably feel comfortable believing what van Braeckel is saying is true, Bentley chose not to release any photos of the top in place. So therefore, we're left guessing. Building anticipation is most likely what the luxury firm is endeavoring to do.
"In keeping with the Bentley tradition, the new Continental GTC has a soft fabric roof and heated glass rear screen, added van Braeckel. "When stowed below its hide-covered tonneau, efficient packaging ensures excellent space for both rear passengers and their luggage."
The fact that the most recent model Bentley unveiled was a convertible,
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| The Continental GTC slots in between the coupe of the same name and Arnage sedan, in price at least. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
the Arnage-derived Azure, goes to show that it plays in an entirely different league than most automakers. The British firm now considers its lineup complete, starting with the new Continental Flying Spur sedan, then the Continental GT coupe, Arnage sedan and new Azure convertible. The Continental GTC slots in between the coupe of the same name and Arnage sedan, in price at least.
That price won't be announced until it goes on sale in late 2006 as a 2007 model. Full technical specifications and market availability will also be released at this time. Incidentally, the Azure will become available next spring, while the brand's "entry-level" sedan is arriving in showrooms now.
Preliminary Specifications: - Base Price (estimated): $250,000
- Body Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 560 hp, 479 lb-ft of torque, 6.0-L, 48-valve, DOHC, twin-turbocharged W12
- Transmission: 6-spd auto with paddle shift actuated manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (estimated): 2,500 kg (5,500 lbs)
- Performance (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): 4.8 seconds
- Top Speed (estimated): 318 km/h (198 mph)
- Wheelbase: 2,745mm (108.07 in)
- Front track: 1,623mm (63.90 in)
- Rear track: 1,607mm (63.27 in)
- Overall length: 4,807mm (189.25 in)
- Width (across mirrors): 2,102mm (82.76 in)
- Overall height: 1,398mm (55.04 in)
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 370 L (13.1 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 26.2 / 11.9 (9 / 20 mpg) (EU certified)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/unlimited comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Mercedes-Benz CLK55 / SL600
- Web Site: www.bentleymotors.com
