Bentley has launched what it calls its 'most driver-focused convertible' in the shape of the new Continental GT Speed Convertible. Developing a whopping 659hp and 900Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine, one thing is certain - it's not going to be slow.
0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds
That's enough sheer grunt and power to shove this large, leather-lined, two-and-a-bit-tonne cabrio from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 335kmh/h, so you might want to wear a hat or something.
The Conti GT Speed Convertible gets what Bentley calls "enhanced chassis technology" which includes a trick rear diff and rear-wheel steering. There's also a 48-volt active anti-roll system, three-chamber air suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and of course, four-wheel drive (on top of which, in Sport mode, more power is sent to the rear wheels than the fronts).
All of that titanic power is marshalled by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been specially tuned to hold on to gears a little longer than usual, for a more dynamic driving experience. To emphasise all of that, the exhaust has also been made louder.
Tweed roof, if you want one
The big convertible top can be retracted in just 19 seconds, and at speeds of up to 50km/h. You can have that roof in Black, Blue, Claret and Grey, or even a tweed finish. It's also quieter - Bentley claims that the new roof design means that the cabin is some three-decibels quieter when driving, roof-up, than the outgoing Continental GTC.
The GT Speed Convertible also gets unique 22-inch alloy wheels, 'jewelled' petrol and oil filler caps, a dark-tint radiator grille, and subtle 'Speed' badges.
Neck warmer in the seats
Inside, there's an Alcantara steering wheel, and a mix of Alcantara and leather on the seats. Those seats are diamond-embroidered, of course, while the 'Speed' logo is embroidered into the headrests. The seatbacks also contain a little neck-warming air heater (which Bentley says is both warmer and quieter than in the previous generation model), while down below there are sports pedals, and special 'Speed' sill treadplates.
The cabin is trimmed, as standard, in Piano Black veneer, but if you like you can have Crown Cut, Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood as no-cost options, or if you fancy paying a little more, you can choose from Open Pore Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa.