New Continental GTC Speed

Jack Barclay have announced the launch of the new 600 Bhp Bentley Continental GTC Speed model...

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.

The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model, Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’.

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 dispatched 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).

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.”

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

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 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.

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.”

CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Body type: Two-door, 2+2 Grand Tourer convertible

Construction: Steel monocoque with aluminium, steel and composite panels and closure

ENGINE

Type : Twin-turbocharged W12 engine
Installation : Front, longitudinal
Construction: Alloy block and heads
Bore/stroke: 84.0 x 90.2 mm
Capacity: 6.0-litre, 5998 cc
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Valve gear: Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
Power: 600 bhp / 610 PS / 449 kW @ 6000 rev/min
Torque: 750 Nm / 553 lb ft between 1750 – 5600 rev/min
Fuel: 98 (95) RON

TRANSMISSION

Type: Continuous all-wheel drive

Gearbox: ZF 6-speed automatic with fully automatic or
sequential ‘manual’ operation with paddleshift feature; torque converter lock-up clutch

Ratios :

1st: 4.17
2nd: 2.34
3rd: 1.52
4th: 1.14
5th: 0.87
6th: 0.69
Final drive: 3.524 (front), 3.528 (rear)

SUSPENSION

Front: Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Springs: Computer-controlled progressive air springs
Dampers: Continuous damping control, with four adjustable settings

STEERING