Continental GT Speed Convertible breaks cover for spring

• Most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range

•Highly advanced chassis – with four new technologies – inspires confidence through increased grip and accuracy

•All-wheel steering and electronic rear differential enhance vehicle agility and stability

•New carbon ceramic brakes for incredible stopping power

•Revised version of renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine delivers 650 bhp (659 PS) and 664 lb.ft (900 Nm)

•0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds); top speed 208 mph (335 km/h)

•Unique interior and exterior detailing includes badging, interior color splits, forged 22' Speed wheels and sports sills

•New introduction of Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminum optional technical finish to the center console

•Seven roof colors available, including tweed

•Roof improvements deliver a convertible as quiet inside as the previous generation coupe

Bentley Motors introduced a new flagship version of the ultimate, open-top Grand Tourer – the Continental GT Speed Convertible. The performance-orientated Speed model is the most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the benchmark convertible Grand Tourer.

The third generation Continental GT Speed Convertible features an enhanced version of Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding and increased 650 bhp (659 PS), 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds) and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). The new open-air Grand Tourer joins its coupe sibling – the Continental GT Speed, unveiled last month – at the pinnacle of the Continental family.

Designed, handcrafted and engineered in Bentley's carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, the new GT Speed Convertible offers enhanced chassis technology, including All-Wheel Steering, an electronic rear differential and the option of carbon ceramic brakes. This helps deliver superior vehicle agility and confidence without impacting on the Continental GT Convertible's acclaimed ride comfort.

The Continental GT Speed Convertible is fitted with a tailored, 'Z-fold' roof that can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.

Distinguishing this Grand Tourer as a pinnacle performance model, the Continental GT Speed Convertible offers unique exterior and interior detailing, including Speed sport sills, Dark Tint grilles and Speed badging. Customers can also choose from three finishes to the unique 22' forged Speed wheels.

Inside a luxuriously appointed cabin, the new Continental GT Convertible model includes Speed badging on the passenger fascia, an Alcantara steering wheel and a unique color split trim in Hide and Alcantara.

Chris Craft, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at Bentley Motors, comments:

'The new Speed is the most driver-focused Continental GT Convertible available and unique in its ability to offer extremely refined, all-season open-top Grand Touring with the added edge of astonishing performance and dynamism.

'Combined with exquisite, handcrafted interior details, the Continental GT Speed Convertible exemplifies all Bentley knows about creating the world's most stylish and elegant cars for roof-down motoring.'

New Technologically Advanced Chassis

Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the third generation GT Speed Convertible unrivalled control and accuracy, and inspires confidence even further.

Maintaining Bentley's philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, in SPORT this mode was calibrated with a more rear-biased torque–split in all driving scenarios.

Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by the new systems allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, the vehicle is able to extract the maximum performance from the available traction to deliver stunning acceleration and composure from the apex. In SPORT mode, the traction management system sends a greater proportion of power to the rear axle to allow for even greater on-throttle control of cornering line.

Working alongside these systems are the key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another – namely Bentley's three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT.

This innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In their firmest setting, the motors can deliver 959 lb.ft (1300 Nm) in 0.3 secs to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level.

A Carbon Ceramic Brake system was also introduced as an option on the Speed. Using the high-performance material reduces the brake force required for high-speed deceleration and lowers the risk of brake fade. Featuring Active All-Wheel Drive, the traction control and torque distribution was recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to the standard Continental GT convertible.

Effortless Performance

The new Continental GT Speed Convertible combines high-performance with elegance and luxury. Power is supplied by an uprated version of Bentley's imperious W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding 650 bhp (659 PS) – an increase of 23 bhp (24 PS) – and a remarkable 664 lb.ft (900 Nm) of torque. Such power results in a 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds) and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).

Hand-built in Crewe, the 6.0-litre is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Both engine and transmission were recalibrated for the Speed to suit the car's powerful credentials.

This is most noticeable in SPORT driving mode, where the twin-turbocharged W12 was tuned to keep the engine in the power band longer by upshifting later, or downshifting earlier. This creates a more eager response to driver requirements.

The dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model, befitting a model that takes its place as the performance pinnacle of the Continental GT range. This combines with a greater exhaust character during start up and gear downshifts.

Muscular Exterior Design – Unique Speed Detailing

A statement of true sporting purpose, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible effortlessly blends style with performance intent. The bold presence of the world's finest open-top Grand Tourer was enhanced even further with unique detailing.

The Speed's tailored convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, combined with Speed sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging on the front fender.

Unique, 22' Speed wheels are offered in matching Dark Tint, with the choice of Bright Silver or Black Gloss finish. A Jewel Fuel and Oil Filler Cap, plus illuminated BENTLEY display to the outer treadplate are a nod to the Speed's performance credentials.

Seven exterior roof colors are available, including a contemporary interpretation of traditional British tweed. Black, Blue, Claret and Grey are among the other options. Furthermore, eight interior roof liner finishes are offered, ranging from New Red to Magnolia.

The unique Z-fold convertible roof system is the most advanced of its kind. The roof, with its sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments, contributes to a three-decibel reduction in overall noise levels compared to its predecessor at typical cruising speeds. An entirely new combination of roof insulating materials and operating mechanism, combined with sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments, create a Convertible Grand Tourer that is as quiet as the previous generation Continental GT Coupe.

Exclusive Handcrafted Cabin

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 insignia on the passenger fascia are complemented by a unique color split trim in Hide and Alcantara. Customers can further choose from 15 main 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, while mono-tone color split with Alcantara/Leather is a no-cost option.

Piano Black veneer is standard in the Speed, with Crown Cut, Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus offered as no-cost options. Open-pore Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa are also available.

Sports pedals and Speed treadplate plaques are fitted as standard, while customers can choose the optional Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminum console, or a leather alternative to the Speed color split trim and the Speed Colour Specification.

A neck warmer (which is both warmer and quieter than in the previous generation model), is seamlessly integrated into the heated and vented Comfort Seats, optimizing efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests. The styling highlight of the new neck warmer is a chrome center vane that stretches the full width of the duct, echoing Bentley's famous 'bullseye' vents. Combined with a heated steering wheel and heated armrests, these sophisticated comfort features create a luxurious driving experience in all environments.

by Bentley

Rolls-Royce introduced the Project 90 concept car at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show. Many elements of this design would make its way into a new Bentley, which was backed by much enthusiasm and rave reviews of the concept. By 1991 the Continental R was ready and made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Again, the response was exceptional and the reviews were enthusiastic. The red show car that made its appearance at Geneva was purchased immediately by the Sultan of Brunei.

The body was designed by Ken Greenley and John Hefernan and was uncommon for a Bentley. It was aerodynamic, curvy, and sleek giving it an impressive 0.73 coefficient of drag. Its sporty image was enhanced by the sixteen-inch alloy wheels that could be found on all four corners. Its modern style was enhanced by the roof-cut door frames and a slight spoiler effect in the rear. This was the first Bentley with a body all its own since the S3 of 1965. Prior to this, it had shared many characteristics and platforms with the Rolls-Royce.

The name 'Continental' draws from the company's heritage and the names that adorned the pre-WWII Bentleys. The 'R' was in honor of the 1950's Bentley Type R models and the Turbo R's of the 1980s. This continued the tradition of a potent powertrain, impressive design, unquestionable elegance, and unrivaled comfort.

Under the sleek bonnet was a 6.75-liter Garrett-turbocharged engine producing an impressive 325 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque. These figures are estimates since the company never actually produced official ratings. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a GM 4L80-E automatic four-speed gearbox. This equation equaled a 145 miles-per-hour top speed with zero-to-sixty taking just 6.6 seconds. Stopping was also impressive, provided by its disc brakes with the front being ventilated. The interior was plush and comfortable with nearly every amenity available at the time and the instruments were finished in wood.

This package came at a price that immediately sent it into the exclusive club that only the well-to-do can afford. In 1992, a Bentley Continental R would set the lucky purchaser back $271,780US.

The Bentley Continental S was produced from 1994 through 1995 with 18 examples being produced. It was a limited-edition model that boosted the performance of the vehicle to a higher level, thanks to the addition of an intercooler. In a similar fashion, the Bentley Continental R Mulliner was another boost to the already impressive vehicle. Horsepower was raised to 420 and the torque lifted to 650 foot-pounds. The top speed was estimated at 170 mph. Bentley introduced the Mulliner at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999 and it was left up to the customers to customize to their exact requirements and specifications. The customers worked closely with the engineers and designers to create a unique vehicle that was up to their desires and expectations. Production lasted until 2003.

The Bentley Continental T was the pinnacle of the Continental series with a heavy emphasis on sporty characteristics while still maintaining a high degree of luxury, though luxury did take a back seat to performance. The Continental T originally produced 590 foot-pounds of torque but by 1997 that figure was raised to 650. With a shortened wheelbase, 2+2 configuration, and extended wheel arches, the Continental T looked very aggressive and undeniably sporty. The customer had the opportunity to specify components such as opting for the modified sock absorbers and stiffer torsion bars. This allowed the driver to take full advantage of the power-plant and propel the vehicles through anything the road had to offer. The press seemed to think differently as they gave the vehicles handling low marks.

The interior featured chrome finish instrumentation and a push-button starter. A gentle touch of the button and the vehicle would roar to life.

Production of the Continental T lasted from 1996 through 2002 with 322 examples being created. In 1999 Bentley offered the Continental T Mulliner, in a similar fashion to the Continental R Mulliner. In total there were 23 examples of the Continental T Mulliner produced. Five Continental T Le Mans vehicles were produced.

by Dan Vaughan