Like a hurricane, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible blustered into Detroit’s COBO Hall earlier today. The opulent drop-top blew other cars and unsuspecting members of the media out of its path with a twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder blast of internal-combustion fury.
Like a leather-lined cruise missile, Bentley claims this car is the world’s fastest open-air four-seater. And with a top speed of 202 miles an hour nobody’s arguing. Understandably the GT Speed Convertible is the brand’s drop-top performance flagship.
Under its shapely bonnet rests a 6.0-liter W12 engine – think of it as two V6s bolted together. A duet of turbochargers rams air down its throat, greatly contributing to the car’s explosive performance. Overall output is 616 brake horsepower. Torque is also more than sufficient at a locomotive-like 590 lb-ft.
The engine’s ferocious force is harnessed by an eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by German firm Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, more commonly known as ZF. A permanent all-wheel-drive system is practically mandatory in automotive applications such as this and the big, bad Bentley powers all four wheels for maximum grip.
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As mentioned, the end result is an Autobahn-crushing top speed north of 200 miles an hour. From a standstill the car will do a mile-a-minute in just 4.1 seconds.
Thanks to the fancy new cog-crate and an energy-recuperation system, Bentley claims the GT Speed Convertible is 15 percent more efficient than before, but don’t think for a New York second this car is ecologically friendly. It burns fuel like a jet fighter on full afterburner. Expect a gallon of unleaded to last for about 12 miles in city driving or 20 on the highway, though these figures are only preliminary estimates; the U.S. EPA has not finalized anything at this time.
Without a doubt the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible would be a welcome addition to ANY garage. Unfortunately if you’d like one to call your own you’re going to have to wait. At this time the company has announced neither pricing nor availability.
GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
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