Bentley doesn’t like half measures. Last week, Crewe pulled the curtain on the Continental GT Speed, the new top version of the Continental series. It was obvious that a GT Speed Convertible was also on the way, but that can already be seen in full regalia in the same week as the unveiling of its close brother. Techzle is the first to have the images and specifications of the convertible.
Bentley has not yet given any publicity to the GT Speed Convertible, but it seemed almost certain that it would come. Like the closed version, the GT Speed Convertible is based on the 635 hp and 900 Nm strong Continental GT W12 Convertible, but Bentley increased the power to 659 hp and 900 Nm, resulting in a power gain of 24 hp. The GT Speed Convertible thus shoots to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and thunders up to a speed of 335 km / h. Remarkably, the top speed is the same as with the closed variant and the sprint to 100 km / h in the convertible takes just 0.1 seconds longer.
Slight weight gain
The fact that the difference in specifications is so marginal is probably due to the low extra weight of the Convertible compared to the coupé. The open-top version weighs only 163 kg more than the closed GT Speed with 2,436 kilos. Given the total weight of the car, that number is just a drink. Despite its heavy weight, Bentley has done its best to make the GT Speed Convertible more dynamic than ever. Just like the coupé, the convertible has four-wheel steering and an electronic limited slip differential that goes by the name eLSD. Bentley Dynamic Ride also ensures that the roll movements of the carriage are absorbed as much as possible and a specially calibrated sport mode must ensure even more involvement in the driving. In addition to these modifications, the GT Speed Convertible is also available with carbon-ceramic brake discs.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Subtle distinction
From the outside, the GT Speed Convertible can be recognized by the forged 22-inch alloy wheels and the ‘Speed’ logos on the front fenders. In contrast to the coupé, the grille of the convertible is slightly darker than in the regular variant, but not in black. If that is your thing, you can always tick the ‘Blackline Specification’. Other details include the illuminated ‘Speed’ door sill plates and ‘Speed’ is written on the dashboard and in the headrests of the seats in the interior. The interior consists of a combination of leather and Alcantara, the latter being applied to the headrests, the seats and the underside of the dashboard. Of course, as a happy customer you can also flavor the interior to your heart’s content.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
For now, the GT Speed Convertible is the most powerful open Bentley you can buy. Whether there will also be a haircut-destroying Supersport version is not yet known. There is not yet a Dutch starting price of the GT Speed Convertible.