Bentley unveils 195mph drop-top

[Plex]

by Kyle Fortune,
last updated April 12 2006

Bentley today unveiled the final model in the Continental range at the New York International Automobile Show. The Continental GTC is the convertible version of the hugely successful GT coupe.



The drop-top will join its coupe and Flying Spur saloon in showrooms worldwide at the end of 2006. Describing the Continental GTC as the "showpiece for Bentley design", Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive adds: "The proportions of the Continental GTC are the epitome of the elegant, modern convertible and clearly distinguishable from the GT coupe. The Continental GTC is the most emotional car in the range."



The American location for the unveiling of the new convertible is highly relevant as it'll undoubtedly be the GTC's biggest market. Sharing its 552bhp 12-cylinder, twin turbo 6.0-litre engine as its GT and Flying Spur relatives it's mated to the same four-wheel-drive, six-speed automatic transmission. As a result the GTC is able to boast broadly similar performance figures to its coupe relative with 60mph arriving in 4.8 seconds. Where possible it has the potential to reach a 195mph maximum with the roof up, or 190mph roof down. That�s just is 0.1 seconds and 3mph (roof up) slower than the coupe, the difference due to a kerbweight increase of 110kg. It�s unlikely though to feel any slower with the wind whipping past you at such speeds.

Much of that weight increase is a result of additional stiffening to the GTC's structure due to the loss of its strengthening roof. The folding canvas roof that replaces it is three layers thick to ensure optimum refinement, its headlining available in eight different colours and fitted with an centrally mounted roof lamp. Open or closed none of the roof's mechanism is exposed and when stowed the hand-crafted interior is bordered by a broad chrome strip. The folding mechanism of the roof required alterations to the rear suspension air damper mounts to allow it to fit without robbing too much boot space. Otherwise the suspension is unchanged, save for a slight adjustments to the air-spring pistons to counter the increased weight and differing weight distribution.


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Like the GT and Flying Spur the GTC still offers the driver the choice between four settings from comfort through to sport, the computer controlled system automatically lowering the car to reduce lift above 152mph. Useful. Ensuring the GTC can haul its hefty 2495kg to a halt as quickly as it manages to accelerate Bentley fits the largest brake discs available on any series production car. Measuring 406mm in diameter and 36mm wide up front and 335mm/22mm at the rear the anti-lock system comes with Brake Assist and electronic pressure distribution. Also enhancing safety are traction control and an Electronic Stability Programme, as well as roll-over protection with pop-up rear bars and a strengthened windscreen pillar.



Other changes over the coupe include the incorporation of the slightly revised steering system of the Flying Spur. It�s said to provide enhanced responsiveness and lighter weighting with more feel. Although offering four seats Bentley describe the Continental GTC as a 2+2, the rear seats only for occasional use. Instead, the Azure model, announced late last year, will cater for customers wanting a proper four-seater open-top Bentley. Prices for the new GTC have yet to be officially announced, but expect the GTC to be in the region of �130,000.

http://cars.msn.co.uk/carnews/bentleygtcapr06/Default.asp#8