What's the news?
Sure as night follows day the Continental GT Speed coupé has been joined by a drop-top version to create what Bentley claims is the world's fastest four-door convertible. That's news in itself, as the GT Speed Convertible's 625hp W12 engine allows it a v-max of 202mph. And yes, it has four seats, but good luck fitting in the back.
Exterior
No real surprises here, either, the Convertible looking much the same as its regular Continental GT sibling, with the addition of some Speed-specific items. So there's a matrix front grille and bumper intakes, 21-inch alloy wheels, rifled elliptical exhaust pipes and - if you take a peek under the bonnet - a black inlet manifold.
Interior
Besides the performance it's here that the GT makes a real case for itself. Luxurious materials finished by hand make for a beautiful driving environment, accessed in this model over some 'Speed' tread plates in the door openings. Diamond hide finished leather upholstery and an engine-spun finish on aluminium inserts help justify the Speed's premium over its lesser Continental GT Convertible relations.
Mechanicals
Like the Speed coupé the Convertible is powered by an uprated W12 engine delivering 625hp to the road via the Continental's four-wheel drive system. It's enough to allow this wood, leather and chrome trimmed machine to a 202mph top speed - some 3mph short of its coupé alternative. It's a touch slower to 62mph too, recording a time of 4.4 seconds. Usefully brisk then - and likely to feel even more so thanks to that open roof. Sharpening up the drive - as much is possible in the GT - are changes to the suspension, including a 10mm drop in ride height and stiffer bushes and anti-roll bars.
Anything else?
In addition to the extra power and chassis revisions Bentley has altered the stability control system to offer a dynamic mode. Select it and you'll gain some more wheel slip at higher speeds, which might come in useful in the unlikely event that you take it to a circuit. Price, as with all Bentleys, is in the sphere of 'don't ask', but if you insist, it's £164,000 before you start ticking the options boxes.
Kyle Fortune - 3 Jan 2013
