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  The Bentley Continental GTC. The car born to be a convertible.
 

Bentley Continental GTC


Crewe, March 2006... The Continental GTC, Bentley Motors' new luxury 2+2 convertible, is unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show in April 2006. This stunning convertible will complete with the Bentley Continental model range, following the introduction of the highly successful Continental GT in 2003 and four-door Continental Flying Spur in 2005.

With a top speed of 195mph (312km/h), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance and dynamic handling of the Continental GT. In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality, which are on full display when you lower the elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof.

"The Continental GTC is the most distinctive new Bentley yet," explains Bentley Motors' Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. "It is very elegant and at the same time effortlessly modern. It will appeal to many different customers: people who are tired of driving sports cars that require too much effort; people who want to move up from more standard convertibles; and people who want to make a statement about what they drive, yet still own a car that they can use every day of the year."

The Continental GTC becomes the second convertible to grace the current Bentley range. It follows the recently announced return of the evocative Azure name for Bentley's Arnage-derived flagship four-seater convertible.

While the Azure offers the ultimate glamour, sophistication and accommodation for adults in supreme comfort, the 2+2 Continental GTC is designed for customers looking to enjoy the phenomenal performance, style and excitement of the Continental GT with the additional benefits of classic open-top Bentley motoring.

OVERVIEW


Bentley Continental GTC

Technical Specification
MODEL TYPE
Body Type Two-door, 2+2 Grand Tourer convertible
ENGINE
Type Twin turbo 6-litre W12
Bore/stroke - mm 84/90.2
Capacity - cc 5998
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valve gear DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder
Emission controls EU4 and LEV2
Power 552bhp/560PS/411kW @ 6100 rev/min
Torque 650Nm/479lb ft @ 1600 rev/min
Top speed (roof up) 195mph (312km/h)
Top speed (roof down) 190mph (306km/h)
0-60mph (0-100km/h) 4.8sec (5.1sec)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission ZF 6-speed automatic with 'manual' paddleshift feature
SUSPENSION
Springs Progressive air springs
Dampers Continuous Damping Control, 4 settings, adjustable
ROOF
  Fabric roof with hide tonneau cover
Full automated electro-hydraulic operation
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 2745mm (108.07in)
Front track 1623mm (63.90in)
Rear track 1607mm (63.27in)
Overall length 4804mm (189.13in)
Width (across mirrors) 2101mm (82.72in)
Overall height 1398mm (55.04in)
Overall weight 2495kg (5500lb)
Luggage compartment volume 260 litres

  • An all-new 2+2 convertible version of the Continental GT coupé that blends peerless Bentley craftsmanship and design with modern technologies to provide unparalleled comfort in an open-top car.


  • Ultra-stiff body structure benefits vehicle refinement and dynamic performance.


  • A stunning cabin that uses exquisite Bentley design and craftsmanship to create a spacious, welcoming interior. A classic mix of leather hides and wood veneers give a contemporary but timeless appearance.


  • Unique seven-bow, three-layer, soft fabric roof with heated glass rear screen operates electro-hydraulically and provides peerless acoustic damping and exceptional refinement during use.


  • Wide variety of exterior and interior roof colours gives the customer more design choice.


  • Outstanding performance thanks to a top speed (roof up) of 195mph (312km/h) and a 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds).


  • With the roof down the top speed is still a remarkable 190mph (306km/h)


  • Powered by the awesome Crewe-built, W12 twin-turbocharged 6-litre engine, tuned to provide not just a massive 552bhp (560PS/411kW) but 479lb ft (650Nm) at just 1600rev/min to deliver that legendary Bentley wave of torque from low revs.


  • New rear suspension system improves the ride and refinement, and increases roof stowage space without impacting on 260-litre luggage compartment volume, which can carry skis and golf bags or travel bags simultaneously.


  • A high-tech, all-wheel-drive system with Torsen differential for exceptional stability and grip in any conditions is driven by an advanced six-speed automatic gearbox with manual change mode and paddleshift controls.


  • Air suspension with continuous damping control (four adjustable settings).


  • The Continental GTC shares its massive braking system with the Continental GT coupé. The 405mm ventilated front brake discs are the largest diameter discs of any series production passenger car on sale today.


  • The Bentley Continental GTC will begin its global roll-out from the end of 2006.


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