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2019 Bentley Continental GTC 2019 Bentley Continental GTC

2019 Bentley Continental GTC

The Bentley Continental GTC is the droptop version of the Continental GT, the car that all but reinvented Bentley when it was introduced in 2002. Like its fixed-roof counterpart, the GTC is offered with an Audi-derived 4.8-liter V8 and a 6.0-liter W12, and each engine is available in two power tunes. V8-powered Continental The twin-turbocharged V8 engine promises much improved fuel economy while retaining most of the 12-cylinder’s power. The eight-cylinder sends 500 horsepower and 487 lb-ft. of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, enough to send the heavy convertible from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of over 180 mph. Fuel economy checks in at 15 city, 24 highway miles per gallon. Although the V8-equipped Continental GTC is technically the range's entry-level vehicle, Bentley isn't treating it as such. V8 models come fitted with a unique black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley 'B' badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-color strakes. Out back, the car gets unique chromed 'figure eight' exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and a red enamel 'B' trunklid badge. The V8 model comes standard with 20-inch wheels, but a bespoke, 21-inch wheel package is also available. Buyers can order a more powerful model called GT V8 S Convertible that gains an additional 20 horsepower and 15 lb-ft. of torque, pumping the engine’s output to 521 ponies and 502 lb-ft. of twist. Thanks to the extra power, the GT V8 S sprints to 60 mph from a stop in 4.5 seconds before topping out at 191 mph. Topless GT V8 S models gain special 20-inch wheels, a body kit, bespoke fender badging and two exclusive paint shades. Inside, the changes include available two-tone trim choices. Underneath, the GT V8 S’ air suspension has been lowered by about 10 millimeters while increased spring rates and unique damping are designed to give the car more performance-oriented handling. To complement the suspension changes, the GT V8 S receives its own recalibrated steering and damping control systems as well as a unique tuning for its stability control. W12 lives on For Bentley traditionalists, however, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 carries on with an output of 582 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Lighter than the outgoing model thanks to some material changes throughout, the revised W12 sprints to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds. The twelve-cylinder sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic capable of delivering gear-skipping double downshifts for improved response. The Continental GTC's all-wheel-drive system splits 40 percent of the power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear to reduce understeer. Both 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels are available. The fastest model of the range is the Continental GT Convertible Speed. The performance flagship touts a 202 mph top speed as its trademark and does it the old-fashioned way: by adding more power. The 6.0-liter W12 has been massaged to churn out 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque. Power is again transferred to all four wheels via a ZF-built eight-speed automatic transmission. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes 4.1 seconds Fuel economy checks in at 13 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg when combined. To match the added straight-line speed, the GT Convertible Speed sits lower to the ground thanks to a unique suspension setup. The electronically-controlled dampers and the electronic power steering system have both been reprogrammed to make the most of the extra power. Drivetrain aside, the GT Convertible Speed stands out thanks to rifled exhaust pipes, dark tint in the lower fascia and bespoke 21-inch wheels. The range-topping Continental GTC also comes standard with the Mulliner Driving Specification package that adds perforated and quilted leather. Welcome aboard Inside, this powerful luxury convertible features a hand-crafted cabin that boasts high-grade matrials. Examples of the exquisite opulence include soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers depending on the buyer's personal taste, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets - all expected in a luxury vehicle of this caliber. But while the aforementioned materials may sound relatively standard fair for a luxury vehicle, perhaps the realization that there are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colors with six color split combinations, which are then complemented by a choice of one of seven veneers - each produced by Bentley's own craftsmen and women - would provide a bit more perspective. The cockpit is centered around a sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium, soft-touch leather hides. A touchscreen-based, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility for certain North American, Asian and European markets. The audio systems feature the latest wide frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard, as well as Dirac Dimensions DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio). Now, when buying a Bentley one obviously expects a certain level of suppleness to the vehicle's ride, along with matching silence and isolation from the road. Despite those challenges, Bentley has continued to forgo the use of a heavier, more complex folding hard-top roof and continues to use a tried and true soft-top design. To help offset whatever noise may be introduced through the soft-top, Bentley utilized a multi-layered fabric hood, acoustic glass and under-body panels to help reduce noise where possible. Key competitors In terms of price, image and sheer luxuriousness, the Continental GTC is a bit unique - but don't be surprised to see the big Bentley compared with the Aston Martin DB9 Volante one of many Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet models. Price-wise, the W12-powered model can be cross-shopped with big-name supercars such as the Ferrari 488 Spider and the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder.

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