2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

6 January 2009 – 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.”

Story by Bentley

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
built at	Crewe, England
engine	VW Group W12
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Twin Turbo
ignition	Coil-On-Plug
block material	ALUSIL Aluminium-Silicon Alloy w/Silicon Crystal Liners
valvetrain	Chain-Driven DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Multi-point Electronic Sequential Indirect Injection
displacement	5998 cc / 366.02 in³
bore	84 mm / 3.3 in
stroke	90.2 mm / 3.6 in
power	449 kw / 602.1 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	100.38 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	242.29 bhp per tonne
torque	750 nm / 553.2 ft lbs @ 1750 rpm
body / frame	Aluminum, Steel and Composite Panels over Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	Continuous 4WD
front tires	275/35-ZR20 Pirelli PZero UHP
rear tires	275/35-ZR20 Pirelli PZero UHP
front brakes	Carbon Ceramic Discs w/ESP, EBD
rear brakes	Carbon Ceramic Discs w/ESP, EBD
front wheels	F 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20 x 9.5 in
rear wheels	R 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20 x 9.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Power Assist
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Progressive Air Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Multi-Link w/Progressive Air Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	2485 kg / 5479.43 lbs
wheelbase	2745 mm / 108.1 in
front track	1623 mm / 63.9 in
rear track	1607 mm / 63.3 in
length	4808 mm / 189.3 in
width	2194 mm / 86.4 in
height	1388 mm / 54.6 in
transmission	ZF 6-Speed Automatic
gear ratios	4.17:1, 2.34:1, 1.52:1, 1.14:1, 0.87:1, 0.69:1
top speed	~321.8 kph / 200 mph
0 – 60 mph	~4.5 seconds
city fuel econ epa	24 L/100 km or 10 mpg-us
hwy fuel econ epa	14 L/100 km or 17 mpg-us
fuel capacity	90 litres or 23.76 gal.