Bentley Motors has recently unveiled a new flagship version of the ultimate, open-top Grand Tourer, the Continental GT Speed Convertible. This performance orientated Speed model is the most powerful interpretation of the benchmark convertible Grand Tourer.
The new convertible joins its coupe sibling, the Continental GT Speed, unveiled at the top of the Continental line. Designed, engineered, and hand-crafted in Bentley’s luxury automotive factory, the new GT Speed Convertible offers enhanced chassis technology, including all-wheel steering, an electronic rear differential and the additional option of carbon-ceramic breaks. These features help deliver excellent vehicle agility and handling without impacting the luxury car’s acclaimed ride comfort.
The Continental GT Speed Convertible comes fitted with a ‘Z-Fold’ roof that can be deployed in 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top grand tourer at the touch of a button. What differentiates this Grand Tourer as an even more premium model is offering unique interior and exterior detailing, including speed sport sills and badging and dark tint grilles. Buyers can also choose from three different finishes to the unique 22” forged speed wheels.
The new Grand Tourer comes fitted with an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-Litre W12 TSI engine, currently the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. The engine and transmission have been calibrated for the GT Speed to suit the car’s robust credentials. This is probably most noticeable in the cars sport mode, where the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to keep the engine in the powerband longer by up-shifting later or down-shifting earlier, creating a more enthusiastic response to driver requirements. Furthermore, the dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in sport mode as in the standard W12 model, befitting a model that stands at the pinnacle of the Continental GT range.
Seven exterior roof colours are available, including a contemporary interpretation of traditional British tweed. Black, Blue, Claret and Grey are among the other options. Additionally, eight interior roof liner finishes are offered, ranging from New Red to Magnolia. The previously mentioned unique Z-fold convertible roof system is the most advanced of its kind. With its acoustic treatments and sealing system improvements, the roof contributes to a three-decibel reduction in overall noise levels compared to its predecessor at typical cruising speeds.
The Continental GT Speed Convertible’s luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement blended with unique Speed detailing, fully revealed to the world when the roof is lowered. An Alcantara steering wheel and Speed emblem on the passenger fascia is complemented by a unique colour split trim in hide and Alcantara. Customers can further choose from 15 primary and 11 secondary hide choices. Diamond in Diamond quilting and Speed embroidered headrests hint at the performance characteristics of the most potent Continental GT Convertible. At the same time, Mono Tone colour split with Alcantara/leather is a no-cost option.
The 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2022, alongside its coupe sibling.