The Bentley Continental GTC has gotten a facelift and a new sibling with a little more pepper under the hood. The Continental GTC now also comes as a GTC Speed with the W12 upgraded to 600 hp from the standard GTC's 552. The new engine numbers now make this cabriolet able to max out at 200 mph (324 km/h), with the roof on, of course. With the roof down you lose about 5 mph - a real tragedy. The Speed does the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, about 0.3 seconds faster than that slow poke, lumbering colossus, the regular, run-of-the-mill, discount, dollar store GTC. The Speed also gets a lowered suspension of about 10 mm, which is fancy, automotive engineer parlance for 1 centimeter. The ESP system adds a Dynamic mode for better cornering too. The standard GTC also gets a new ESP mode called Sport Traction, in case you want to enter it in a WRC rally. Hey, wouldn't it be something to take one of these half-million dollar Bentleys through a few stages of the Wales Rallye? Just a thought. Optics get a do-over too, just barely. The GTC has a new front bumper, grill and larger air intakes. The Speed variant has larger exhaust pipes and gets 20-inch wheels. On the inside, a new steering wheel and Mulliner-spec quilted leather upholstery.
Press Release The new GTC Speed builds on the success of Continental GTC The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling. Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s. The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide. For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap. The GTC’s chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h). The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model. The GTC Speed’s 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque. The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds). The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed: “The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.” BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC – NEWS IN BRIEF Continental GTC range New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake Chrome headlamp bezels Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel Optional follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 - inch wheels) Two new exterior colours – Aquamarine & Blue Crystal New interior colour – Aquamarine Continental GTC Speed Technical 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque Top speed (roof up) of 200 mph (322km/h) and 0–60 mph in 4.5 secs (0–100 km/h in 4.8 secs) Top speed (roof down) of 195 mph (312 km/h) Lowered suspension (10mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimised ride quality, comfort and refinement New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tyres New ‘Dynamic’ mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention Exterior Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes New aerodynamic rear spoiler Black lower bumper valance Interior ‘Speed’ treadplates to both doors 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals Knurled chrome and hide gear lever Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels Optional turned aluminium inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts. Continental GTC Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS) Top speed is unchanged at 195mph (312km/h) with a 0–60mph time of 4.8 secs (0–100 km/h in 5.1 secs) Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company’s Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley’s W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC. Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine’s flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the ‘crackle black’ finish to the intake manifold. This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds). The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip. Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP 8.1). The ‘Sport Traction’ mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The ‘Dynamic Mode’ of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine. Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments: “The new GTC Speed exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver exceptional performance and driving enjoyment. It is a driver’s car which will redefine people’s expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve.” A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling The Continental GTC’s steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimises ‘scuttle shake’ but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required. For the 552bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort. The GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tyres, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response. The GTC Speed’s suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response. The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel. To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 200 mph (322 km/h) the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed. For both models, Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a cost option. Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car. The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres. Commenting on the GTC Speed’s character, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, said: “The GTC Speed offers supercar performance, superb refinement, comfort and unrivalled craftsmanship all in one car. It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley ‘Speed Model’ of the 1920s.” Subtle evolution of the GTC’s distinctive style Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance. The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent. The GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish. GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 ‘standard’ paint colours including two new colours (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal). Luxurious hand-crafted cabin The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, including the new option, Aquamarine. The GTC Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Speed’ logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal. A range of options give further opportunities for personalisation, including fascia panels, centre console, door pads and rear quarters in bright aluminium. Uniquely, the GTC Speed is also available with a dark tint aluminium option. New adaptive cruise control system A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a ‘time gap’, as selected by the driver. GTC and GTC Speed interior key features: Electronically powered, insulated three-layer fabric roof folds flat in 25 seconds True 2+2 configuration Fully adjustable electric front seats incorporating three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with optional massage facility Rear seat panel removable to reveal lockable ski hatch Electronic climate control system Comprehensive infotainment system includes: DVD satellite navigation system with route guidance and post-code entry Optional television tuner (except for US market) Climate control operation Computerised suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings) 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment Optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system featuring 1100 Watt amplifier and 14 speakers BluetoothTM remote SIM access profile telephone system with wireless connectivity for rSAP-enabled telephones, most BluetoothTM-enabled telephones and onboard SIM-card reader Telephone voice dialling (n/a Japan) Keyless entry and keyless ignition system Power latching of doors for easy exit and entry Console-mounted start/stop button Electronic park brake with move-off assist (move-off assist n/a for USA) Column-mounted gearshift paddles for sequential gear shifting Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver’s footrest Comprehensive anti-theft and immobiliser systems An advanced rollover protection system is installed beneath the rear headrests - two reinforced steel hoops deploy in a split second when a potential roll-over situation is detected
