The Crittenden Automotive Library

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Topics: Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Matt Hubbard
Speedmonkey
2 January 2013

Bentley have just unveiled the new Continental GT Speed Convertible, and claim it is the worlds fastest four seat convertible.

The Bentley is powered by the stalwart twin turbo, 6 litre W12 engine, which produces 616bhp and a huge 590 lb ft of torque. 0-60mph takes 4.1 seconds, which is faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera S. The Bentley will go on to a top speed of 202mph. The power is delivered via an all wheel drive system (40/60 rear bias) and a ZF eight speed automatic gearbox (also found in various Jaguars, Audis, BMWs, Maseratis and the Dodge Ram)

So we've established that the Bentley Convertible is fast. Very fast. What about the rest of it, aside from the fact the car in the images is a violent shade of pink (which Bentley call Magenta and describe as being a "fun, flamboyant shade of pink")?

21 inch alloys, dark-tint grilles and 'rifled' exhaust pipes come as standard. By 'rifled' have a look at the rear shot and you'll see the interior of the pipes are not smooth but have grooves cut into the metal. Also standard is the Mulliner Driving Specification, which includes embroidered Bentley Wings on all seats, quilted, indented leather hides for all seats and trims, a sports gear lever, alloy pedals and Jewel fuel filler cap.

Fuel economy is claimed to be 15% better than the first generation Speed, which is down to an all new ME17 engine management system, as well as the gearbox. The combined fuel economy is 19mpg.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible has a kerb weight of 2495kg and is 4.8 metres in length. Thank goodness Bentley chose to spec it with 405mm discs at the front and 335mm discs at the rear.

The new Bentley convertible will be on show at the Detroit Motor Show in two weeks. It will go on sale in the UK in the summer and will cost in the region of £170,000.