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Detroit Auto Show: Bentley Continental GTC Speed, cure for the common 552-horsepower convertible
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We know your problem. Your 552-horsepower twin-turbo W-12 powered Bentley Continental GTC convertible wasn’t fast enough. We—or more accurately—Bentley has a solution. It’s the 2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed. Still a W-12, still two turbochargers but with output tweaked to 600 horses.
It’s part, so to speak, of an update of the convertible version of the Bentley Continental line that also includes the Continental GT, a coupe, and the Continental Flying Spur, a sedan. Both Continental GTC and GTC Speed have a new front with a more upright grille with the lower air intake increased in size. The headlamps have chromed bezels.The Bentley GTC Speed is further distinguished by a dark-tinted matrix grilles (though bright chrome is available as a no-cost option). Larger-diameter 9.5 x 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are standard and come with Bentley-specific Pirelli PZero UHP (ultra-high performance) 275/35ZR20 tires. The GTC Speed also gets a small rear spoiler, a 
black lower bumper valence and “wider rifled” tail pipes. And for those with a really keen eye, the front suspension is lowered by four-tenths of an inch in front and six-tenths at the rear.
black lower bumper valence and “wider rifled” tail pipes. And for those with a really keen eye, the front suspension is lowered by four-tenths of an inch in front and six-tenths at the rear.The GTC Speed’s nine percent increase in horsepower, however, is overwhelmed by a fifteen-percent in torque that’s overwhelming in its own way, with a level “peak”—more of a plateau—of 553 lb-ft from a diesel-like 1700 rpm all the way to 5600 rpm.
With that kind of output, Bentley’s claim of 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 0 to 100 mph of 10.6 is entirely credible and creditable for 5478 lb. luxury convertible. More impressive (if your driveway is long enough) is a toupe fluttering top speed of 195 mph with the top down. Raise the top (stopping first) for an even 200 mph. The ordinary GTC is five miles per hour slower respectively.
Speaking of speed, carbon-ceramic brakes—lighter and more fade resistant—are optional and Bentley boasts that the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, 16.5 inches diameter front and 14.1 inches rear.Because neither man nor woman lives by mechanical performance alone, the Bentley Continental GTC Speed has its own interior styling, including diamond-quilted leather on seat facings, and door and rear quarter panels, a special “Sport” steering wheel and knurled aluminum and leather shift knob, and optional turned-aluminum trim on the dash, center console and doors.
Those who can't wait to lower the top on the GTC Speed at speed will have to anyway. The Continental GTC Speed will be available Stateside about June, and with Speed models running about $25,000 more than the ordinary Continental models, look for the manufacturer's suggested retail price to be about $230,000. And at that price, what's a few grand among friends? Especially when it solves your problem.
Photos courtesy Bentley Motors, Inc.
| Vehicle type | 2-door 4-passenger fabric-top convertible |
| Layout | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
| Engine | 6.0L 600-hp DOHC 48-v twin-turbo W-12 |
| Displacement, cc | 5998 |
| Comporession ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 600 @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque, lb -ft @ rpm | 553 @ 1750 - 5600 |
| Fuel, recommended | premium unleaded |
| Transmission | ZF 6-speed automatic w/ sequential shift |
| Brakes, dia. in, opt, F/R | 16.5 / 14.1, carbon-ceramic disc |
| Wheels, in. | 9.5 x 20 |
| Tires | 275/35ZR20, Pirelli PZero UHP |
| Length, in. | 189.1 in. |
| Width, in. | 86.4 |
| Height, in. (roof up) | 54.6 |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.1 |
| Curb weight, lb. | 5478 |
| Trunk, cu. ft. | 8.3 |
| Performance | |
| 0 - 60 mph, sec. | 4,5 |
| 0 - 100 mph, sec | 10.6 |
| Top speed, mph, top up | 200 |
| Top speed, mph, top down | 195 |
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