Bentley's Continental GTC Speed Will Top 200 mph in Style

Bentley has done extremely well with its “entry level” Continental sport-luxury lineup. The popular models, including

the Flying Spur sedan, GT coupe and GTC convertible, helped push the ultra-luxury brand past the 10,000 unit mark in 2007, and despite a sharp decline in 2008, a sales slump that mirrors the rest of the automotive industry, Crewe is pushing forward with new variations on the flying-B theme.

Flying is a good descriptive when talking about the Continental series, each sporting a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 that makes an awe-inspiring 552-horsepower, but Bentley has upped the ante in recent years with 600-horsepower Speed versions of two of its Continental models, first the GT Speed for the 2008 model year and more recently the Flying Spur Speed for 2009. Now, for 2010, the lineup is complete with the GTC Speed, shown recently at the Detroit auto show.

The GTC Speed shows similar aerodynamic modifications to the other Speed models in the lineup, such as a more menacing grille and lower, more aggressive front air dam. A lowed ride height joins larger diameter, wider 20-inch

wheels on 275/35ZR20 Pirelli PZero UHP tires, for a hunkered down, sportier look than the normally elegant GTC.

Similar to the other Speeds, 60 mph takes about 4.5 seconds thanks to a boost in torque to 553 lb-ft from the regular GTC's 479 lb-ft of torque, a quick pace considering its 5,478-pound heft, while its top speed is slightly lower than the 203 mph coupe at 195 mph with the roof open. And yes, if you close the roof it's possible to achieve that 200 mph barrier, according to Bentley, which makes the GTC Speed one of the fastest convertibles in the world.

Engineering. “It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley 'Speed Model' of the 1920s.”

The GTC Speed gets the same model updates as the regular GTC, including a more upright grille and reworked fascia, plus interior upgrades that include the addition of the amazingly powerful Naim audio system with crystal clear sound quality. Specific to the Speed is a cabin based on the Mulliner Driving Specification, optional with the standard GTC, and includes diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever, plus a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel featuring a brushed aluminum switch surround. Additionally, drilled alloy foot pedals and 'Speed' logos on the polished treadplates offer a more sporting character.

As with the bespoke nature of all Bentleys, a choice of six natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers can be had, plus seventeen premium grade leather hides, including a new color, Aquamarine. If you want something sportier with your Speed (or regular GTC), you can have the fascia panels, center console, door pads and rear quarters finished in bright aluminum. Exclusive to the Speed, dark tint aluminum looks positively racy.