Late last year, Bentley unveiled an all-new third-generation Continental GT. And now the open-roof convertible version is here to offer up the same 626 hp and a top speed over 330 km/h.
Under the hood of the Continental GT Convertible is the 6.0L W12 that powers the hardtop GT. That means 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Enough, the company says, to thrust this two-plus tonnes of luxury to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and run to 333 km/h flat out.
The key to this car is that convertible top. It can open or close in just 19 seconds at speeds as high as 50 km/h. Bentley offers up seven different fabric choices for the roof including, for the first time, an authentic tweed finish.
Keeping passengers coddled with the roof down, the neck warmer has been redesigned. Bentley says it's quieter and warmer than before, integrated into the seatbacks for improved airflow. There are also heated seats and a heated steering wheel, as you would expect, but the armrests are warmed as well.
Part of the compromise of the soft top is increased noise. But Bentley says they've nearly abolished that, claiming that the Convertible GT is as quiet inside as the last-generation coupe.
A variety of hides are available inside, but the wood might be where the real luxury lies. More than 10 square metres of it in every car, with veneers like Koa and Eucalyptus available.
Three audio systems are on the order sheet, a standard 10-speaker system, a Bang & Olufsen 1,500-watt 16-speaker system with illuminated grilles, or a massive 2,200-watt 18-speaker Naim system with bass transducers built into the seats.
The center stack display is a rotating screen. With the car shut off, the driver is presented with a wood panel. Start the engine and the veneer glides forward to reveal a 12.3-touchscreen display. But there's actually a third side to the panel. That side brings up three analogue gauges that offer temperature, compass, and chronometer.
The new car uses a 48-volt roll-control system dubbed Bentley Dynamic Ride. It adjusts actuators on each end of the anti-roll bars. Bentley says it improves ride and handling. The air suspension uses three-chamber springs it says increases comfort and dynamic character.
You may also like
