Bentley Motors’ reputation as a manufacturer of luxury automotives is legendary, with a vast catalogue of high-end performance vehicles under their hood. Their latest GT offering is no exception. Branded as their most driver-focused Grand Tourer yet, the Continental GT Speed Convertible, henceforth referred to simply as the Speed, features a meticulously handcrafted interior and novel features such as a neckwarmer, integrated into specially designed Comfort Seats, to maximise user comfort during long-distance cruises. Combined with an updated W12 TSI engine and other technical innovations, this latest addition to Bentley’s Continental GT range simply begs to be taken for long, high-speed runs on distant country roads.
The most striking feature of any convertible is undoubtedly the retractable roof which opens up a new dimension of pleasure and excitement for any journey. The Speed’s Z-fold convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, even when on the move, and comes in seven finishes including a classy reinterpreted British tweed. In designing this revolutionary roof, Bentley’s designers engineered it to tackle a major problem faced by convertible drivers, unbearable levels of external noise. The roof itself is constructed using a proprietary combination of insulating materials, while the sealing system is improved and acoustically treated to reduce noise levels by three-decibels, creating a more tranquil driving experience. Its cabin is meticulously handcrafted with the most luxurious materials. Bentley even provides the option of customising your vehicle’s interior with an extensive range of main and secondary hides, and wood veneers.
The exquisitely embroidered Comfort Seats were also engineered for driver’s and passenger’s, well, comfort, with integrated neckwarmers and even a multi-mode massage function to provide blissful relaxation on even the longest of drives.
The Speed’s exterior is similarly crafted with Bentley’s meticulous eye for detail. Its body exudes a strong masculine aesthetic reminiscent of classic muscle cars but with smoother contemporary curves. Speed models also sport unique visual features in a signature Dark Tint finish, including the radiator grille and matrix, and exclusive 22-inch Speed wheels. The Jewel Fuel and Oil Filler Cap, and illuminated Bentley display on the outer treadplate round everything off and hints at the GT’s exceptional performance.
Under the hood, Bentley’s improved 650 bhp W12 TSI engine powers the Speed and boasts some serious performance specifications. The hand built 6 litre, 12 cylinder engine was calibrated specifically for the GT Speed Convertible and provides 664 lb.ft of torque, resulting in an astonishing 0-100 km/h (0-60mph) time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).
The pride and joy of Bentley’s third generation GT Speed Convertible is its chassis, packed with cutting-edge technology for unparalleled control and driving confidence. The amalgamation of such innovative technologies as Electronic All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring, and Bentley Dynamic Ride allows the driver to effectively tame the engine’s considerable power and conquer the roads with conviction. The option of three different driving modes, BENTLEY, COMFORT, and SPORT allows the driver to select the most ideal settings for different environments and road conditions. One other notable feature is the Carbon Ceramic brakes, an advanced option adapted from aerospace technology which guarantees reliable stopping power under all conditions.
To find out more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed Covertible, head over to Bentley’s website.
