Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible
Tue, 01 Jan 2013
Among the many refinements added to the convertible, though, are neck warmers in the seats, the 21-inch wheels unique to this car, class-leading stiffness – admittedly, it's a very small class, but its torsional rigidity of 22,500 Nm/degree is only 500 Nm below that of the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe. The stiffening required to achieve that number will undoubtedly have something to do with the 485-pound weight gain over the GT Speed Coupe.
Still, when the GT Speed Convertible weighs 5,500 pounds, what's a few hundred between friends? More importantly, the weight doesn't scuttle performance: 0-60 comes in 4.1 seconds, a tenth shy of the coupe. The gap stretches as you approach The Ton, the GT Speed Convertible needing just 9.7 seconds to get there, the coupe just nine seconds. Trust us, though, everyone will be too busy blasting along to notice. Everyone will want to pack light, however, because the Speed Convertible loses 3.5 cubic feet of trunk space. It remains the fastest four-seat convertible in the world with a 202-mph top speed.
We'll see it live when it debuts for the world at the Detroit Auto Show. Look up and there's a high-res photo gallery, look down and there's a press release to get you prepared.
BENTLEY REVEALS NEW PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP CONVERTIBLE
- Fastest four-seat convertible in the world: 202 mph (325 km/h)
- Exhilarating supercar performance from uprated 625 PS (616 bhp) W12 engine and eight-speed transmission
- Muscular lines and sporting, contemporary hand-crafted luxury
- An engaging, sensory driving experience with coupe-like refinement
- Enhanced W12 efficiency with a 15% improvement in driving range, fuel economy and emissions
- Global debut at Detroit Auto Show, January 2013
(Crewe, 2nd January 2013). The Continental GT Speed Convertible, Bentley's new open-top performance flagship - and the world's fastest four-seat convertible - makes its international debut on 14th January at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit.
The new GT Speed Convertible combines the sensory pleasures of roof-down luxury touring with the shattering performance of a 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12, while delivering a fifteen per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. The close-ratio eight-speed transmission, uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfort of Bentley's Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions.
Taking its place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental range, the new GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and in true Bentley style, no compromises have been made in craftsmanship, luxury or refinement to deliver this unrivalled performance.
Subtle sporting design cues include exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and 'rifled' exhaust tail pipes. Inside its handcrafted cabin, the GT Speed convertible features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, blending contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.
Commenting on the new Continental GT Speed Convertible, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Wolfgang Schreiber said: "Following the recent successful introduction of the GT Speed, the new GT Speed Convertible will appeal to drivers who seek the sensory thrills of the world's fastest four-seat soft-top and the practicality of a year-round grand tourer, together with unrivalled levels of luxury and refinement. It is designed for those who accept no compromise."
Powertrain: 12 cylinders, 625 PS (616 bhp) and 8 gears
The Continental GT Speed convertible shares its powertrain specification with its Bentley stablemate the GT Speed coupé. The 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged, 48-valve, W12 engine powers the new convertible to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.4 s.) and onto a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). Nought to 100 mph (160 km/h) is despatched in only 9.7 seconds. Peak torque – an impressive 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) – is reached at just 2000 revs/min and maintains that level through to 5000 revs/min for effortless, refined performance at all times.
The latest ME17 engine management system, capable of performing 180 million individual calculations per second, provides enhanced turbocharger control and torque management, enhancing driveability. In common with all W12-engined models, the GT Speed convertible features an energy recuperation system. Together with a close-ratio, quick-shifting eight-speed transmission, this has resulted in a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared with the first generation Speed, with a commensurate increase in tank range.
The new GT Speed Convertible's powertrain is even more tractable than its Speed predecessor, and just as fuel-efficient as the new W12 Continental GT. Switching the gear selector to 'Sport' mode however demonstrates the dual personality of the new GT Speed convertible, delivering a sharper throttle response, gear-shifting at higher engine speeds and faster 'block shifting' (eg 8th direct to 4th gear) for instantly accessible acceleration. The enhanced performance is accentuated by a glorious baritone snarl from the free-breathing exhaust, a thrilling soundtrack to the magnificent powerhouse under the bonnet.
Chassis; lower, sharper and more involving
With torsional stiffness a class-leading 22,500 Nm/degree, the bodyshell of the Continental GT Speed convertible is exceptionally rigid, laying the perfect foundation for a more engaging driving experience. The aluminium double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear setup feature revised air suspension springs and dampers for improved agility and body control with little sacrifice in ride comfort.
The self-levelling system is set 10 mm lower than the 575PS Continental GT convertible. Stiffer suspension bushes ensure sharp, communicative handling, while uprated anti-roll bars optimise the handling balance. The result is improved body control under hard cornering together with greater agility and, because steering plays an essential role in feeding response and grip back to the driver, the Servotronic steering has also been recalibrated for the Speed specification.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is optimised for the new engine management system to deliver both outstanding safety and greater driver involvement. The ESC system retains the "Dynamic Mode" setting that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds, with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. Together, these systems give the keen driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the new chassis set-up and higher power output.
Exterior – the darker side of Bentley design
From outside, the Continental GT Speed convertible is distinguished by a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark-tint chrome finish. The 21" Speed alloy wheels are unique to this model, and are available in silver or an optional dark tint. Large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes feature a rifled interior, while a further, subtle design touch is revealed when the bonnet is opened – the black inlet manifold is unique to the Continental Speed models. As with the GT Speed coupé, the winged 'B' badge which crowns the radiator shell is set upon a black enamel background.
The front wings of the GT Speed Convertible are created in superformed aluminium, their seamless form and crisply-defined body creases creating an impression of tension and muscularity. The 10 mm lower suspension and unique 21" wheels accentuate the wide, low and poised stance. Despite the supercar performance, additional spoilers are unnecessary – the gentle lip on the double-horseshoe bootlid generates all the downforce the GT Speed Convertible needs, even at over 200 mph (325 km/h).
Interior: sumptuous, exclusive luxury and advanced technology
Inside, exclusive treadplates featuring the 'Speed' legend welcome you to a four-seat cabin that features the hand-craftsmanship of the Mulliner Driving Specification, with its distinctive diamond-quilted hide upholstery. For the Continental GT Speed models Bentley offers an exclusive Dark Tint Aluminium 'engine spin' finish, inspired by the dashboards of the Le Mans winning Bentleys of the 1920s. Its understated shade is the perfect complement to the exterior's dark tint chrome radiator and bumper grilles. Other optional finishes include the full range of fine wood veneers and a satin-finish Carbon Fibre option for fascia and centre console.
The infotainment system features Bentley's latest software upgrades, which vary from region to region but include refinements such as point of interest mapping, optional satellite landscape imagery, live traffic data and, where the infrastructure supports it, digital radio. The system features 15 Gigabytes of available music space, as well as the facility to play music via an iPod, MP3 player, the car's own six-disc CD changer or SD card.
Flat panel Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speakers, which combine the functions of separate tweeter and midrange speakers in one unit, direct the sound with accuracy and provide greater clarity across the audible spectrum. Alternatively, the audiophile Naim for Bentley system, incorporating custom-built speakers and eight individual Digital Sound Processing modes, is available as an option. As a thoughtful touch, the audio balance settings automatically alter when the roof is lowered to compensate for the change in listening environment.
The thrill of the open road, 365 days a year
The new Continental GT Speed Convertible offers the luxury and refinement of a coupé yet transforms into a head-turning open tourer at the touch of a button. The four-layer hood ensures high levels of refinement and acoustic insulation. Exhaustively tested in all conditions from -30°C to +50°C or more, it resists even monsoon-force rain and maintains comfortable, draft-free warmth even on the coldest days.
Another practical feature, the neck warmer, makes open air driving an appealing and comfortable prospect even on the cooler days of spring and autumn. With the hood down, the Continental GT Speed convertible offers sensational performance with the sensory amplification of open-air motoring. Hood up, it's as practical a year-round proposition as its coupé stablemate.
As with every Bentley Continental model, the GT Speed convertible offers the reassuring stability of permanent all-wheel drive, biased 60:40 in favour of the rear so the spirited driver can control the car's line with the throttle. The rear-biased torque split also minimises understeer during hard cornering while the system varies torque between the front and rear axles for optimum grip in all road and weather conditions.
The result is an exhilarating combination of performance and practicality; a Bentley that can tackle sun-drenched boulevard or snowy alpine pass with equal aplomb.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GT Speed Convertible / GT Speed
Engine
Type 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power 616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rpm
Max Torque 800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission
Type ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667
Final Drive 2.85
Brakes
Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres: Wheels 9.5J x 21", Tyres 275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock 2.6 turns
Turning circle 11.3 m
Suspension
Front Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall length 4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body) 1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (inc. mirrors) 2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall height 1393 mm / 54.8 in 1394 mm / 54.9 in
Fuel tank 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume 260 / 9.18 cu ft 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU) 2495 kg / 5500 lb 2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross vehicle weight 2900 kg / 6393 lb 2750 kg / 6063 lb
Performance
Top speed 202 mph / 325 km/h 205 mph / 330 km/h
0-60 mph 4.1 secs / 4.0 secs
0-100 mph 9.7 secs / 9.0 secs
0-100 km/h 4.4 secs / 4.2 secs
0-160 km/h 9.7 secs / 9.0 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban - 12.5 mpg (22.7 litres/100km) 12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100km)
Extra Urban - 27.2 mpg (10.4 litres/100km) 28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100km)
Combined - 19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km) 19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km)
CO2 emissions - 347 g/km 338 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg) - 12 13
Highway (US mpg) - 20 20
Combined (US mpg) -15 15
Emissions Controls - EU 5 and US LEV II
* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.
By Jonathon Ramsey
See also: Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible photos hit web early, 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8, Bentley mulling own spec series for gentlemen racers?.