Bentley Continental GTC: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/9/2005

Crewe, September 2005: Bentley Motors announces the introduction of the open-air Continental GTC, a super luxury convertible car powered by a 12-cylinder engine and capable of delivering slightly more than just that 'wind in your hair' feel thanks to a 304km/h top speed.

Much heavier than vehicles like the Ferrari F430 Spider and the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, it's huge engine compensates for this weight discrepancy, giving it supercar levels of power.

It is powered by the VW-built 6.0-litre (5998cc) W12 engine, featuring two 3.0-litre V6 blocks sharing the same crankshaft. This unusual engine features 4-valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust) and is then boosted with air-to-air intercoolers and twin turbochargers, offering 650Nm of torque from just 1600rpm, and peak power of 411kW (552hp) @ 6100rpm.

The British marque has not yet released performance figures for the GTC, but the zero to 100km/h dash is expected to take just over 5.0 seconds, compared to the coupe's 4.7 seconds.

With a top speed in excess of 304km/h (190mph), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, the abovementioned state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance and dynamic handling of the Continental GT.

Bentley is confident of solid sales; convertibles are experiencing renewed interest in almost all markets across the globe, as customers shift towards specific lifestyle vehicles.

The new luxury 2+2 convertible completes the Bentley Continental model range following the introduction of the highly successful Continental GT in 2003 and 4-door Continental Flying Spur earlier this year.

Bentley confirms that the new Continental GTC will go on sale in late 2006.

In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and supple leather hides of the finest quality for an extravagantly luxurious driving experience.

While sharing the familiar face of the Continental family, the design personality of the new Continental GTC is distinctive and unique, as Bentley's design director Dirk van Braeckel explains: "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. We also wanted to ensure that the Continental GTC looks just as beautiful with the roof up as it does when it's down.

"In keeping with the Bentley tradition, the new Continental GTC has a soft fabric roof and heated glass rear screen. When stowed below its hide-covered tonneau, efficient packaging ensures excellent space for both rear passengers and their luggage," noted van Braeckel.

The Continental GTC becomes the second convertible to grace the current Bentley range. It follows the recently announced return of the evocative Azure name for Bentley's Arnage-derived flagship 4-seater convertible which goes on sale in Spring 2006.

While the Azure offers the ultimate in glamour and sophistication, the Continental GTC is designed for customers who like heart pounding acceleration, the types of people looking to enjoy the phenomenal performance, style and excitement of the Continental GT with the additional benefits of classic open-top Bentley motoring.

"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."

Further details, including full technical specification, market availability and pricing will be released nearer to the Continental GTC's on-sale date, which is currently slated as late 2006.