Have a Glance with the New Bentley Continental GTC

The second generation Continental GTC convertible is set to be release next month at International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt, and jaws are likely to hit the floor.

Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors stepped onto the scene to present his team's latest accomplishment. All attention was focused on the Bentley Continental GTC convertible which dominated the attention of the lucky guests to first view the luxury car.

"The GTC is not just about head-turning style," said Dürheimer. Delivering a more modern and powerfully built occurrence than its predecessor, the GTC is operational with new technologies, a superior level of modification, and overall improved performance.

According to Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, one of the first things Bentley's engineers hoped to achieve was a unique "picture frame" effect. Utilizing an aerospace process known as Super Forming, a new razor sharp "eyebrow line" circumferences the vehicle's strikingly-sculpted silhouette.

"As a design team, we set out to create something more sporty. The first thing we did was stretch out the car two inches," said Page. "Because of the extra width we have far more structural form."

Focusing on everyday practicality was a key goal throughout the entire design process, said Brian Gush, Bentley Director, Chassis and Power train.

"This is the first time they were able to get Bentley heritage insignia on the shifter," said Gush.

We also concentrate on refinement, he adds. "Refining the seats, wheel arches, putting in acoustic lining, we also have autistic glass, new door seals — you don't really know you're in a convertible."

The vehicle provides quick shift technology, broken down to 200 milliseconds.

"With the chassis, we were really pleased when the design team wanted a broader car. In re-designing the front suspension, we got a new technology forge-cost," said Gush. "Rear suspension was redesigned and the brakes remain best-in-class," said Gush.

"It's all about the details, looking at each part and asking how we can save weights and improve performance," said Gush.

"We would be the first to introduce that," said Dürheimer.

The New Continental GTC - At a Glance

Sculpted exterior design

Advanced production techniques such as aluminum Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’

Unique jeweled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.

More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.

Choice of 17 hide colors, six color split combinations and seven veneers

Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.

A new touch screen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).

Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.

Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Name for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with Flex Fuel capability

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.

Flex Fuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.

0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).

0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).

Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Overall weight saving of 70kg (154lb) versus predecessor.

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quick shift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.

New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces under steer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’

Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.

Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.

20” ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21” wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.