(Source Bentley ) The
Continental GTC, Bentley Motors' new luxury 2+2 convertible, will be
officially unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show in
April 2006. When the stunning convertible goes on sale later this
year it will complete the Bentley Continental model range, following
the introduction of the highly successful Continental GT in 2003 and
four-door Continental Flying Spur in 2005.
With a top speed of
195mph (312km/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, which are on full display when you lower the
elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof.
'The Continental GTC
is the most distinctive new Bentley yet,' explains Bentley Motors'
Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. 'It is very
elegant and at the same time effortlessly modern. It will appeal to
many different customers: people who are tired of driving sports
cars that require too much effort; people who want to move up from
more standard convertibles; and people who want to make a statement
about what they drive, yet still own a car that they can use every
day of the year
Specifications |
Engine |
|
6 liter W12 |
HP |
551 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Displacement |
5998 cc |
Torque |
479 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Weight lb(kg) |
5500 (2495) |
Acceleration 0-62 mph |
4.8 s |
Top speed |
195 mph |
Driveline |
All Wheel Drive |
Price (approx) |
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Powertrain
The Continental GTC is powered by Bentley’s magnificent W12
twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine, which will propel the car to 60
mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. This
awe-inspiring piece of engineering is identical to the unit used in
the coupe and four-door versions of the Continental and delivers
phenomenal power (552 bhp) as well as that legendary wave of torque
(479 lb-ft) from low revs that is the hallmark of every Bentley.
The 12-cylinder block has a 48-valve head with four camshafts that
operate using continually variable valve-timing. Power is
transmitted via a seven-bearing crankshaft to the car’s six-speed
automatic transmission. To ensure compliance stringent emissions
regulations, the twin turbochargers are designed with a unique
bypass valve that automatically sends exhaust gases to heat the
catalytic converters when the car is started from cold. This valve
then operates as the turbocharger wastegate at all other times.
The Borg-Warner turbochargers are also the ideal solution for
producing the flat torque curve, ensuring that the driver has
instantly available performance without a hint of turbo lag or
having to shift down through the gears. That mighty torque curve is
constant, with no drop-off from its maximum output of 479 lb-ft at
just 1600 rev/min all the way up to 6000 rev/min
New rear suspension system improves the ride and refinement, and
increases roof stowage space without impacting on 235-litre luggage
compartment volume, which can carry skis and golf bags or travel
bags simultaneously.
A high-tech,
all-wheel-drive system with Torsen differential for exceptional
stability and grip in any conditions is driven by an advanced
six-speed automatic gearbox with manual change mode and paddleshift
controls
Interior Design
By its very nature a convertible Bentley is the perfect car to
demonstrate the unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury which abounds
throughout its cabin. The symmetrical theme of the fascia, which
echoes the shape of the Bentley wings, is reflected through the
cabin and onto the leather hide tonneau cover. As with a tailor-made
suit, the tonneau cover has carefully positioned stitch lines,
highlighting its form and craftsmanship.
The front seats have a new sculpted rear which produces an
additional 30mm (1.2 inches) of knee-space in the rear.
In the rear of the Continental GTC the centre console finishes with
a veneered panel just behind the front armrests, therefore leaving
the rear seats as an uninterrupted surface of leather hide,
optimising the maximum space for the proportion of the car
Exterior
Features and Technology
The Bentley Continental GTC combines the finest Bentley traditions
and craftsmanship with highly advanced automotive technology.
Wherever modern solutions have been introduced on the car, however,
these are never to the detriment of driving enjoyment or passenger
comfort. What’s more, the full features list is almost entirely
standard, meaning customers won’t be forced to trawl through an
exhaustive options list at additional cost.
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