The All-New Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible |
Bentley Motors has introduced a new flagship version of the ultimate, open-top Grand Tourer. The new performance-orientated Continental GT Speed Convertible model is the most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the benchmark convertible Grand Tourer.
The name Bentley is synonymous with luxury and style, as it finds expression in some of the most capable cars ever produced, from the racetrack to the open road. From W.O. Bentley’s first prototype, created in 1919, to Bentley’s first race victory on 16 May 1921 at Brooklands, speed has been an integral part of the Bentley genome. Marking the centenary of Bentley’s first race victory, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible represents the pinnacle of nuanced performance, style and craftsmanship.
Unmistakably a Bentley, the third-generation Continental GT Speed Convertible retains the elegance and style of its predecessors while enhancing its performance. More powerful, sculpted and sharply defined, the body and materials combine to create a truly magnificent car that transforms into a sensual open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
What’s New?
Billed as the most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range, the new Speed features a highly advanced chassis, with four new technologies, all-wheel steering and electronic rear differential, carbon-ceramic brakes, and an enhanced version of the renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine. Unique interior and exterior detailing includes badging, interior colour splits, forged 22″ Speed wheels and sports sills, as well as the introduction of Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminium as an optional finish to the centre console.
The tailored convertible roof, available in seven colours, including tweed, can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. And, in a feat of engineering, an entirely new combination of roof insulating materials and acoustic treatments ensures a convertible that is as quiet as the previous generation Continental GT Coupé. The convertible also provides exceptional wind protection for occupants when the roof is stacked. In our experience, this makes this the quietest convertible on the planet, elevating it to a class of its own.
More Power
Power is supplied by an uprated version of Bentley’s imperious 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding 485 kW – an increase of 18 kW – and a remarkable 900 Nm of torque. Such power results in a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h.
Hand-built at the Bentley factory in Crewe, the 6.0-litre is billed as the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Both engine and transmission have been recalibrated for the Speed to suit the car’s robust performance requirements.
With a powerful 6.0-litre Bentley W12 engine perfectly matched to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission, shift times are twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model, befitting a model ranked at the pinnacle of performance in the Continental GT range. This, combined with a greater exhaust character during start-up and gear downshifts, heightens the sensory experience of open-air motoring.
Most noticeable in SPORT driving mode, the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to keep the engine in the powerband longer by up-shifting later or downshifting earlier, which creates a more enthusiastic response to driver requirements.
New Technologically-Advanced Suspension
The air suspension uses three-chamber air springs to provide 60% more air volume in the softest setting when compared to the previous model. Aided by Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48 Volt active anti-roll control system – this innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In their firmest setting, the engines can deliver 1,300 Nm in 0.3 secs to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level. Add to this a body-in-white that is 20% lighter and 5% stiffer than its predecessor, combined with a new Active All-Wheel-Drive System, Continuous Damping Control (CDC), and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), the Speed offers near-perfect balance and control even during the most spirited driving.
With perfectly weighted steering, accurate and direct turning in, and exceptional acceleration out of corners, this Bentley will flatter even the most experienced driver. In addition, the character of the car can change from that of a luxury limousine to a Bentley racer at the flick of a switch, depending on the driving mode selected.
Acceleration is only half of the equation, and to this extent, the Bentley engineers, tipping their hat to Newton, have developed the most powerful brake system ever fitted to a Bentley, with a total of 28 pistons and colossal front brake discs measuring 420 mm in diameter. A Carbon Ceramic Brake system has also been introduced as an option in the Speed. Making use of high-performance material, in turn, reduces the brake force required for high-speed deceleration and, in addition, lowers the risk of brake fade.
Balance and Proportion
The convertible’s profile is longer and lower than its predecessor, thereby finding the perfect balance between the muscular rear haunches and the elegant front boasting an extended bonnet and lowered nose, resulting in efficient aerodynamics. The signature power lines that flow back towards the rear add to the sense of balance and poised anticipation.
Using the latest LED Matrix technology, the cut-crystal design of the headlights hint at an illuminated gem. The taillights also feature the cut-crystal effect, highlighting the three-dimensional depth of the optics.
Unique, 22” Speed wheels are offered in matching Dark Tint, with the choice of either a Bright Silver or a Black Gloss finish. A Jewel Fuel and Oil Filler Cap, plus illuminated “BENTLEY” display to the outer treadplate, hint at the Speed’s performance credentials.
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.
Speed customers can select from a palette of 17 colours, with an optional extended range of colours also available, as well as the option of full bespoke colour-matching. These can be coordinated with seven exterior roof colours, 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.
Handcrafted Luxury
In harmony with its elegant and sculptural exterior styling, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible’s luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement blended with unique Speed detailing, which is intimately revealed when the roof is stacked.
Embracing the luxurious interior, a continuous ring of handcrafted veneer sweeps from the fascia into the doors. From diamond knurling to the Bentley Rotating Display and the highest-quality leather finishes to rare, sustainably sourced veneers, including dual-veneer, the finest handcrafted materials and in-car technologies harmonise perfectly to create a connected, personalised cabin.
The dashboard is styled and sculpted by long, flowing wings that mirror the shape of the Bentley badge.
The 20-way adjustable Comfort Seats ensure comfort and refinement for even the most demanding back, and a choice of three audio systems will satisfy the most sensitive ear.
The Bentley Rotating Display in the centre of the dashboard is a marvel of modern engineering that underscores Bentley’s unique commitment to the past and the future. At first glance, there appears to be no screen in the centre of the dashboard. Instead, the veneer flows uninterrupted across the dashboard. When the engine start button is pressed, however, the veneer in the middle of the dashboard glides silently forward and rotates to reveal Bentley’s largest-ever touchscreen, a 12.3″ high-definition-quality digital MMI display, with a configurable home screen boasting three windows to display the driver’s preferred functions. The user interface is akin to a modern mobile phone, and menus are intuitive. The third side on the Bentley Rotating Display reveals three elegant analogue dials displaying outside temperature, a compass and a chronometer.
An Alcantara steering wheel and Speed insignia on the passenger fascia are complemented by a unique colour split trim in hide and Alcantara. Customers can further choose from 15 primary 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 colour 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 standard, while customers can select from the optional Dark Tint, Engine Turned Aluminium console, or a leather alternative to the Speed colour 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, optimising efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests. The styling highlight of the new neck warmer is a chrome centre vane that stretches the entire 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 any environment.
The driver-oriented instrument panel behind the steering wheel is entirely digitised and can be personalised by the driver. The new Continental GT Speed Convertible also features all the expected digital interfaces and applications to keep both driver and passengers connected at all times.
The Art of Personalisation
Bentley sets itself apart with a vast selection of options to personalise each car to the demands of each unique customer. The new Continental GT Speed Convertible is no exception as it redefines personalisation with paint, leather, veneer and lifestyle options that are virtually unlimited and tailored to the individual.
The standard palette alone comprises 17 exterior paint colours, with up to 70 hues available in the extended range. There are also 15 luxurious carpet options, eight different handcrafted veneers, with four additional dual veneer options, and 15 choices of interior trim hide from which to select.
Seven exterior roof colours and eight interior roof liner finishes are offered. Two technology option packs are offered: City Specification and Touring Specification, while the Mulliner Driving Specification adds a more sporting look to the car with several bespoke additions, all of which means that customers can specify their own choice of luxury finish down to the last detail.
Last Word
To mark Bentley’s 100 Years of Extraordinary, we experienced the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible in the hills of Andalusia in Spain in 2019, with a memorable drive from Marbella to Seville. At the time, we proclaimed it to be the most advanced convertible we had ever driven. With its added power and driver-oriented performance, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible is even more impressive, imposing and desirable. Elegant, sophisticated and powerful, the all-new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible represents the pinnacle of open-top luxury Grand Touring. Apart from Bentley’s illustrious history, if this latest model from Bentley serves as any indication, the next century of Speed, on and off the racetrack, looks sure to be even more glorious.
Here’s to another 100 years of Speed.
Report by Wilhelm Loots | Images © Bentley Motors
