Bentley Continental GTC

Open air opulence in Bently’s newest convertible!

Those with extraordinary taste, take note! The newest mega luxury convertible is in town, and it’s geared to be this summer’s must have ride. Get in line, because the pro athlete and celebrity crowds probably have dibs on the first batch from the factory. The stunning Bentley Continental GTC imparts a powerful presence. While other manufacturers bring in steel folding tops, Bentley has decided to retain the cloth top for a classic look.

From every angle, the elegant body looks powerful and confident. Large 19-inch or monster size 20-inch diameter wheels contribute to the wide stance. Its additional eye candy includes a stylish set of footwear. Only up close does the Continental GTC reveal its true dimensions, which dwarf most mid-size cars.

Beneath the curvy sheet metal is a platform and powertrain loosely based on the current Audi A8 and the recently departed VW Phaeton. When you go to party in this exclusive vehicle, you’ll arrive with mega numbers in horsepower. How about 552 horsepower? That’s more explosive power than a Corvette Z06. This is due to the twin turbos that feed compressed air to the hungry 12-cylinder 6.0-litre engine. Bottom end grunt is impressive too, with 479 lb. ft. of torque required to hustle the massive weight of the Continental GTC. Its scale-busting 5,500 pounds make it comparable to a Chevy Surburban. What’s even more impressive is that the sprint to 60mph can be yours in a tick under five seconds. For additional bragging rights at cocktail parties, with guaranteed gasps from the elite, try reaching its astonishing 190 mph top speed – with the top down!

Under the wide hood in the crammed engine bay lies a technological marvel. The 6.0-litre powerplant has a unique layout: it utilizes the W cylinder configuration, rather than the conventional V12 seen in other 12-cylinder engines. Transferring all this power to the permanent all-wheel-drive system is a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission that promises fluid gear shifts. The Bentley auto transmission has steering wheel paddle controls, which give drivers the ability to upshift and downshift gears in a way that’s similar to using a manual transmission. You’ll cruise with added control on the twisting streets of town, like Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

Contributing to the added weight is the standard all-wheel-drive system, borrowed from the Bentley’s Audi VW siblings. Having its immense power constantly routed to the four tires ensures maximum traction and stability in all types of weather. Its rock-solid high-speed stability is enhanced by the super-size tires. Its hefty curb weight and blinding performance make a well-tuned suspension mandatory to keep all the tires glued to the road. An independent multi-link suspension layout with electronically adjustable air springs helps balance the ride handling equation. The GTC Convertible has a trick at high speed – the ride height is lowered by about an inch for improved stability once you blow past the 155mph limit. Authorities are likely to get creative with their speeding penalties! Haul the Bentley back to sane speeds using its immense all-disc brakes, constructed using the latest electronic wizardry for effortless deceleration.

Bathed in supple hand-stitched leather, with a polished wood veneer and deep pile carpeting, the cabin can be a seductive cocoon for four. Some decors lean towards the ultra-modern, but the Bentley folks rightfully retained the traditional British ambiance for a classic look that’s appropriate for a Bentley. The quality of material, texture, fit and finish is beyond reproach. The front occupants face an elegant dash layout, set off by a broad swath of highly polished wood veneer and chromed circular vent rings. Beautiful grained leather covers the top of the dash, the centre console, the door panels and even the headliner. The vehicle boasts a fine Breitling clock. Broad, comfy seats offer a multitude of adjustments to satisfy even the fussiest occupants. All this combined with the convertible’s power-adjustable steering column for tilt and reach virtually guarantee a custom fit.

For a high zoot open top, the new Bentley Continental GTC will attract plenty of attention as it will likely get lots of airtime on hip hop videos. Though the price of admission will be shocking to most, it will probably undercut the new Rolls Royce Drop Head Convertible, which will soon show up on the scene.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
GTC Engine: 552-horsepower 6.0-litre 48-valve W-12 Cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel Drive Suspension: Independent Front & Rear
Brakes: 4-wheel Disc with ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control
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