Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the 2012 Continental GTC builds on the successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley's design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.
While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.
The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colors with six color split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley's talented craftsmen and women.
The GTC's renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.
Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.
A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley's advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimizing understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car's line and balance via precise throttle control.
This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 575 hp and the famed Bentley 'wave of torque' has been increased by to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm).
"The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
The 2012 Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.
| Specifications | |
| Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive | |
| Powertrain | |
| Type | W12, Twin-Turbo |
| Displacement | 366 cu in (5998 cc) |
| Power | 567 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Redline | n/a |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Automatic |
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes Front - Rear | Ventilated Discs - Ventilated Discs |
| Tire Size Front - Rear | 275/40 ZR20 (Std.) |
| 275/35 ZR21 (Opt.) | |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 76.5 in |
| Height | 55.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 5501 lbs |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 s |
| 1/4 Mile | n/a |
| 60-0 Braking | n/a |
| Top Speed | 195 mph |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA Fuel Mileage - City/Highway | 11/19 mpg |
| Origin & Price | |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Base Retail Price (MSRP) | $212,800 |
