2019 Bentley Continental GTC revealed

Following last year’s launch of the third-generation Continental GT coupé, Bentley has introduced a drop-top version. The new Continental GT Convertible features a ‘Z-fold’ roof that can be opened or closed in nineteen seconds while travelling at up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

Customers will have a choice of seven fabric hood colours, one of which is authentic tweed. Furthermore, there’s a range of eight shades for the interior lining.

Crucially, alfresco motoring need not be limited to when the weather’s balmy. As well as heating for the seats, steering wheel and armrests, the specification includes blown-air neck warmers.

Bentley Continental GT Convertible (2019) Front Side

Superb ride quality and decent handling are essential for a car like the GTC. Therefore, air springs and Continuous Damping Control are fitted to help provide the requisite chassis behaviour. That suspension set-up is augmented by Bentley Dynamic Ride, which uses electronic actuators on the anti-roll bars to counteract lateral rolling forces when cornering.

The sole available engine is currently a 6.0 litre petrol W12. Its 626 bhp (467 kW / 635 PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb/ft) of peak torque are delivered to a variable all-wheel drive system via a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission.

Performance is impressive, thanks partly to a steel and aluminium body-in-white structure that’s 20 per cent lighter than the previous model’s. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 3.8 seconds, for example, while the top speed is 207 mph (333 km/h).

As might be expected, poor efficiency is a downside. According to the WLTP measure – admittedly harsher than the superseded NEDC – the combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 figures are 20.2 mpg (14.0 l/100km) and 317 g/km respectively.

UK prices start at just over £175k, but that amount could quickly escalate once a few options have been selected. Deliveries are due to begin next spring.

Bentley Continental GT Convertible (2019) Interior 1Bentley Continental GT Convertible (2019) Side

Bentley Continental GT Convertible (2019) Rear SideBentley Continental GT Convertible (2019) Interior 2

Related post:
Bentley unveils an all-new Continental GT3

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