Bentley’s new Continental GTC is the convertible version of the automaker’s Continental GT coupe, which debuted in the U.S. with the 2004 model. Powered by the same W-12 engine as the GT, the 2+2 GTC features a power fabric roof that can lower in 25 seconds, plus a glass rear window. It hits dealerships in late 2006.
With a top speed in excess of 190mph (304 km/h), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance and dynamic handling of the Continental GT. In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality.

It comes standard with the same 552-horsepower, 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine that powers the Continental GT. The suspension is adjustable for different ride comforts and it seats four with its small bucket seats in the rear. To provide passenger safety, it comes with two popup roll bars behind the rear seats, all-disc antilock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and an electronic stability system.
While sharing the familiar face of the Continental family, the design personality of the new Continental GTC is distinctive and unique, as Bentley’s design director Dirk van Braeckel explains: “With the Continental GTC we set out to achieve a style that is both contemporary and elegant but with the sporting stance of a true performance car. We also wanted to ensure that the Continental GTC looks just as beautiful with the roof up as it does when it’s down.

This theme of platinum-plated, we’ve-thought-of-everything efficiency is repeated all throughout the 2007 Bentley Continental GTC. The car weighs 5,500 pounds, but with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine underhood, it’s capable of cracking the 5-second threshold in the 0-60-mph test. In addition, the Continental GTC handles itself with a nimbleness that belies its size. Four suspension settings are available, allowing drivers to customize their ride to one that’s as plush or firm as they see fit. Speaking of customization, Bentley owners may choose among 17 interior color options and four types of wood trim to create a swank cabin that’s uniquely theirs.

The Continental GTC is a touring convertible. Though it offers a more dynamic drive than Bentley’s other drop top, the Azure, its heavy curb weight prevents it from being as sporting as its rivals, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG convertible and the Aston Martin DB9 Volante. But neither of these cars can touch the Continental GTC when it comes to sheer, all-out luxury. Unbridled sumptuousness is what Bentley buyers expect, and in this respect, the 2007 Continental GTC is in a class all its own.

The GTC weighs a whopping two and a half tons, but with 551 hp on tap, our test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in an effortless 4.9 seconds and topped an honest 195 mph. Fuel consumption? The best number we saw on the digital display was 15 mpg, while the worst was 6 mpg. The 6.0-liter W-12 employs two turbochargers to produce 479 lb-ft of torque at a relaxed 1600 rpm. The six-speed manu-matic relays forward thrust to the nineteen-inch wheels, which are great for grip and traction but less good at providing a plush low-speed ride. Since the oomph is split evenly between the axles, you get a little turn-in understeer and a little liftoff oversteer, but in general this ship sails through corners with stoic neutrality. Despite all the mass and weight, there is an unexpected lightness in the controls. The steering is a two-finger job at all speeds, the brakes respond eagerly to the tips of your toes, and the paddleshift transmission juggles ratios in an amazingly efficient fashion.

Standard Engine:

6.0L W12, 48 valve, 552 hp @ 6100 rpm

• 6 speed automatic transmission
• 11 mpg city / 18 mpg hwy
• Green Rating: 37

Standard Features:

• Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
• Bosch(R) 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Hands Free Phone System