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As it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2019, Bentley has just revealed the convertible version of its recently-launched second-generation Continental GT coupe. Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors, said: "Elegant understatement that forces you to look; engineering excellence you'll take for granted - the extraordinary breadth of capabilities offered by the new Continental GT Convertible is unique and can only be offered by our noble British brand. We have been building luxury Grand Tourers since the company was founded in 1919 and, as we approach our centenary year, the Continental GT Convertible joins a highly acclaimed range - arguably the strongest and most technologically advanced portfolio of products the world has ever seen in one luxury brand."
The new Convertible's roof - and it's a big one - can be collapsed or hauled up in just 19 seconds, and you can do that at speeds of up to 50km/h. There are no fewer than seven different fabric finishes for the convertible top, and for the first time ever one of those is tweed.
Inside, the high-backed front seats get built-in neck warmers, which are said to be more efficient and quieter than before, and they've been styled to reference the famous 'bullseye' air vents found on the dashboard. There is also a heated steering wheel, and heated arm-rests for the ultimate in chilly-day, top-down comfort.
The Continental GT Convertible's styling is very similar to that of the GT Speed-6 concept convertible, albeit the production car is longer, larger, and heavier. It is lower than the old Conti GTC, though, and with front wheels that are mounted 135mm further forward, it looks a good deal sleeker.
You can choose from 21- or massive 22-inch alloy wheels, and there are 17 body colours from which to choose, some with naff names such as Beluga, Onyx, and Portofino.
Inside, the cabin is much as you'll find in the coupe, and Bentley is playing up the car's eco-credentials, by pointing out that the wood veneer is sustainably sourced Koa and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus - just as well, as there's as much as ten square metres of the stuff inside. You can choose from eight different interior colour finishes, and there's a new metallic veneer on centre console, meant to mimic the internals of a Swiss watch.
The front seats, finished with hand stitching and diamond-pattern leather, can be electrically adjusted in 20 different ways.
There's a choice of audio systems too, from a basic (ahem) setup with ten speakers and 650 watts, through a 1,500-watt B&O system, to the range-topping 2,200-watt Naim system, which has 18 speakers and 'Active Bass Transducers' built into the seats.
As with the coupe, the centre of the dashboard can, optionally, be fitted with the rotating display, which switches, at the touch of a button, from plain wood and chrome, to a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, or to three analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass, and a chronometer clock.
Two technology option packs are offered at launch: City Specification for urban journeys and the Touring Specification for long-distance driving, both curated to optimise the customer experience. City Specification includes hands-free boot opening, pedestrian warning, traffic-sign recognition and city braking systems as well as a top-view camera. The Touring Specification pack, meanwhile, offers adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, active lane assist, a heads-up display, night vision with an infrared camera, and pre-sense braking.
The Mulliner Driving Specification adds a more sporting look to the car with 22-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, unique 'diamond in diamond' quilting, embroidered Bentley emblems, additional veneer options, a jewelled-finish fuel filler, sports pedals and indented leather headliner. Customers can also choose personalised stitching in the front and rear of the car and personalised treadplates.
For the moment, only one engine option is available - the mighty 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, which boasts 635hp and 900Nm of torque. 0-100km/h comes up in just 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is a naughty 333km/h.
Combined fuel economy is 14 litres per 100km (that's about 20mpg, 5mpg worse off than the coupe), and CO2 emissions are a whacking 317g/km. It drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and there's even cylinder deactivation tech which shuts down half of the engine when you're only using a light throttle opening.
On the tech front, there's a 48 volt active anti-roll system, which tries to keep the body flat in corners, and fully adjustable air suspension with 'Continuous Damper Control.'
Thankfully, given the power on offer, there are also humungous brakes - 420mm two-piece discs at the front, and 380mm discs at the back.