SPEED GTC

The flagship version of the ultimate, open-top grand tourer - the GT Speed Convertible - offers the most driver focused package in the Continental range bentleymotors.com bentleymotors.com

Sitting proudly atop the Continental range, Bentley's flagship Continental GT Speed Convertible delivers the pinnacle of open-top grand touring luxury. Whether you delve into its performance figures or explore the comfort levels over extended distances, you will soon find that there is very little to question as far as this automobiles credentials are concerned.

Given the 'Speed' iteration, this is - as with previous models - a performanceorientated version of the Continental, however this one takes things a little further. Providing the most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the convertible to date, there is plenty on offer when it comes to performance, and that's just the beginning of this impressive car's story.

Now in its third generation, the Continental GT Speed Convertible builds on a rich history of success from its origins back in 2009 with its continued use of the renowned 6.0-litre W12 engine. Now featuring an enhanced version of the TSI unit, the latest version delivers a staggering and increased 659PS - 24PS more than the previous version - and whopping 900Nm of torque, which will propel you from standing to sixty miles-per-hour in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. When you consider this is both a convertible and built to be one of the most luxuriously comfortable machines on the road, those figures become even more impressive.

It is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world and both the engine and transmission have been recalibrated specifically for the Speed to suit its powerful credentials. Most noticeable in 'Sport' driving mode, the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to maintain the power band longer by up-shifting later, or downshifting earlier situation dependant, creating a more eager response to driver requirements. The lightning quick dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in 'Sport' as in the standard W12 model and combines beautifully with an even more impressive exhaust tone during start up and gear downshifts.

Every aspect of the car has been designed and engineered at the carbon neutral home in Crewe where each GTC Speed is handcrafted and lovingly put together before being delivered to the owner. Along with the latest updates in factory technology come improvements in manufacturing and this model takes full advantage. Offering enhanced, cutting-edge chassis technology, the third generation brings unrivalled control and accuracy on the roadsomething that wasn't especially lacking in the outgoing model.

Dynamism isn't sacrificed for comfort with this car, yet the way the chassis has been developed, you can enjoy both in equal measure dependant on your mood. In 'Bentley' and 'Comfort' mode, grip is balanced perfectly between the front and rear axles to ensure a stable, comfortable ride, but when 'Sport' mode is initiated, it re-calibrates to favour the rear with a biased torque split to deliver a more energetic and athletic drive.

With a car of this size and stature, cornering has always been the big question that hangs over it, yet time and again, the engineers at Bentley swat any doubters away with technology and mechanics that seemingly defy the laws of physics. A small, light, rear-wheel drive sports car can understandably corner exceptionally well, however the GTC Speed manages to hold its own despite being none of those things. Improved dynamics thanks to that chassis and extra grip afforded by the new drive systems allow you to corner with confidence and purpose and accelerate out of corners at an even faster pace than before while remaining completely composed on the road. The traction system that manages where all that power should be going will also send more to the rear axle when in 'Sport' for you to enjoy an even more dynamic ride should you so choose.

Maintaining the perfect balance between performance and comfort is no small feat. An incredible three-chamber active air suspension system with adaptive damping is paired with Bentley Dynamic Ride - the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT - which takes suspension innovation to the next level and the results speak for themselves. This is a no holes barred sports car when performing in 'Sport', but immediately transforms into a luxuriously comfortable grand tourer at the press of a button, allowing you to enjoy the very best of both worlds in one stunningly beautiful package. All while the wind gently flows through your hair.

The innovative suspension system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In the firmest setting, the motors can deliver 1300 Nm in 0.3 secs to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level - this car's secret weapon against its smaller, lighter counterparts.

Of course, such high level performance requires equal and opposite technology in order to make it stop. The 'standard' brake setup is more than up to the task, but should you wish to really push the boundaries of on-the-road driving dynamism, then the optional carbon ceramic brake system is a must. Using this highperformance material reduces the brake force required for highspeed deceleration and lowers the risk of brake fade to ensure you can continue to perform at the very highest level for even longer. Perfect if you plan on enjoying some extended dynamic driving on the road or even track.

This is car that not only performs at the highest level in terms of dynamism and comfort, but also presents itself as such in the perfect manner. Understated aggression is paired with sleek sophistication at every angle, both inside and out.

Distinctive, angular lines feature across the rear wheel arches, boot lip and along the sides of the GTC Speed to instil an understanding of this car's potency, along with those vast, gaping dual exhaust pipes that protrude from the rear. Meanwhile, the soft, flowing lines and curves that make up this car's profile hint at its higher level of class, quality and comfort. An elegance that is to be enjoyed on the French Riviera by passers-by or equally appreciated every time you venture out to go for a drive.

A distinctive, tailored, ‘Z-fold’ roof naturally transforms the aesthetic of the car, yet thankfully doesn't detract from its beauty when up. It 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 up to speeds of 30mph. Seven exterior roof colours 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 to create your own personal combination. bentleymotors.com

Distinguishing this as the pinnacle performance model, the Continental GT Speed Convertible offers unique exterior and interior detailing, including Speed sport sills, dark tint grilles and Speed badging. You can also choose from three finishes to the unique 22” forged Speed wheels. While inside the luxuriouslyappointed cabin, the new GTC speed includes Speed badging on the passenger fascia, an Alcantara steering wheel and a unique colour split trim in hide and Alcantara.

An ultra-luxurious interior is exactly what you would expect from this car and it delivers by the bucket-load. Leather and premium veneer at every turn - with 15 main and 11 secondary hide choices available - the finish is impeccable and can be tailored to suit your every requirement. Offering unrivalled refinement blended with that unique 'Speed' detailing, the distinctive interior space is fully revealed to the world when the roof is lowered.

Diamond in Diamond quilting and Speed embroidered headrests give a further hint at the performance characteristics of this car, while mono tone colour split with Alcantara/leather is a no cost option. Piano Black veneer comes as standard, 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.

An essential for any luxury convertible, the neckwarmer - which is both warmer and quieter than in the previous generation model - is seamlessly integrated into the already incredible heated and vented comfort seats, optimising efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests to ensure you stay refreshed during the Summer and warm in the Winter whether you have the roof up or down. The styling highlight of the new neckwarmer is a chrome centre 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.

Bentley really have thought of everything with this car. Taking years of experience on board to deliver a performance machine of this calibre while maintaining the levels of comfort and quality you come to expect from the marque is a truly impressive achievement. Moreover, the addition of the convertible functionality takes the Continental GT Speed Convertible to the next level.

Bentley Continental Gtc Speed

In celebration of an iconic heritage car which turns 70 in 2023 - the R-Type Continental JAS 949 - Bentley Motors have handcrafted a unique, one-of-a-kind Continental GT Azure taking unmistakable inspiration from this historic car.

One of just 208 examples of the R-Type Continental to have ever been built, JAS 949 was part of a select few that had an impact much larger than its limited numbers suggest. Still influencing today, the truly beautiful design ethos of the car is mirrored in today's Continental.

Quoted as 'a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances', it was the fastest four-seat luxury saloon in the world at the time of launch back in 1952 and delivered an elegant aesthetic that would influence the first generation Continental GT decades later in 2003. Taking note of the power line from the front wheel, the rear haunch and the roofline, it's clear to see the inspiration.

The new Continental GT Azure has been carefully curated using Mulliner's Personal Commissioning Guide to ensure a fitting homage to one of the most iconic members of Bentley's 43-car Heritage Collection. Acquired in 2001, JAS 949 is Bentley's very own R-Type Continental which resides in the newly opened Heritage Garage at the carbon-neutral home in Crewe and has been maintained to keep it in an excellent mechanical state while preserving the history and patina. In order to keep it a well-oiled machine, it is driven on the road regularly, as any Bentley should.

First delivered to Dr Rowland Guenin of Switzerland in December 1953, JAS 949 was ordered in ivory with a red interior and manual gearbox along with its original 4.6-litre engine which has been retained to this day. In order to recreate a car with as close a specification as possible, the new Azure has been hand painted in Old English White - a faithful re-creation of the heritage paint colour - and completed with bright chrome and hand-finished wheels in a black and polished finish as per the original - despite the size variance from 16" to 22".

It's not just on the outside that Bentley have mirrored the historic aesthetic, the interior features a beautiful reinterpretation with Cricket Ball leather throughout to match JAS 949 along with an open pore Burr Walnut veneer to get as close to the textured, patinated finish of the R-Type as possible. Hand-applied piping in Beluga leather delivers a stunning contrast to complete the contemporary take.

This celebratory piece of craftsmanship is a truly stunning nod to one of the most influential designs in the Bentley stable and one that will live on, much like JAS 949, for decades to come. A fitting way to wish this icon a happy 70th birthday.