After a world launch at Frankfurt, this lovely, Breeze-colored drophead Bentley Continental GTC debuted at the LA Auto Show this year, featuring the new coach-built appearance and crisper lines over the older car, courtesy of aluminium superformed front wings, and, in the rear, the double-horseshoe design first seen on Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne.
Below the surface, the GTC is powered by the familiar 5657 BHp engine, accelerating from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. A Quickshift transmission that improves acceleration response times and cuts shift times to only 200 miliseconds should bring the car right up to date with the latest wtin clutch systems intruduced by rivals. Bentley claim the GTC’s chassis is the stiffest of any convertible in the world, providing a firm foundation for suspension control, minimizing scuttle shake and contributing to the GTC’s refined handling. The multi layer convertible hood completes the hardtop-like refinement, complete with interior courtesy light in the headlining.
The new interior features luxurious wood and leather craftsmanship, for which Bentley is renowned, alongside class-leading technology, such as eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and zip-code entry navigation, all supported by a 30-gigabyte hard drive.
With a top speed of 190 mph, neck warmers in the rear headrests of its cobra-head designed slim-line seats will prove very useful. With the top up, acoustics have improved thanks to the addition of acoustically-sensitive undersheet, wheel liners, front and side glass and a three-layer roof with a rubber-film middle layer.
As I write this, I’m looking outside at a bleak UK autumn day, thinking that LA in a Bentley GTC would be a very fine thing right now and this accompanying video makes me want the sunshine and that convertible even more.
Images / Video via Bentley
Words Neill Watson
