New Bentley Continental GT Convertible revealed

The third-generation Bentley Continental GT Convertible has been revealed just days before it makes its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show on November 28 (Thursday in Australia).

Due on sale globally by mid-2019, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible will join the equally all-new third-generation Continental GT coupe that recently launched Down Under.

Making the switch to the Porsche-developed MSB platform that also underpins the Panamera, the Continental GT Convertible will later on be joined by a replacement for the Flying Spur sedan.

Benefitting from plenty of new kit, the Bentley GTC ditches the coupe's small retractable rear spoiler for a boot lip that reduces lift at high speed.

Featuring a new hood design, the big convertible can lower its roof (now available in seven different colours) in just 19 seconds at up to speeds of 50km/h.

As well as being quicker to open, the new roof's new fabric construction means it's better insulated and at cruising speed up to three decibels quieter.

Unfortunately, that folding roof does rob the Continental of some serious boot space with the GTC only able to offer 235 litres compared to the coupe's more generous 358 litres.

Inside, the Continental GT Convertible comes with the same incredible interior as the coupe with the additional benefit of a pair of quieter and hotter neck-warmers, and a new heated steering wheel and armrest for those who live in cold climates.

Under the bonnet, initially, like the coupe, the Bentley GTC gets the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 TSI engine that produces a mighty 473kW of power and 900Nm of torque.

Thanks to its traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the drop-top Continental GT can hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds -- just 0.1sec slower than the coupe despite weighing around 160kg more than the tin-top.

Top speed, meanwhile, is identical at 333km/h.

Soon after its launch Bentley will introduce an entry-level V8.

Like the coupe, the Continental GT Convertible also gets plenty of new technology, including Bentley Dynamic Ride -- a 48-volt roll-control system that, combined with a three-chamber air suspension, should make it even more cosseting than the outgoing car.

In markets like the UK, the new Bentley Continental GT commands a price premium of around $45,000 over the coupe. It's not yet known what kind of price premium Bentley Australia will charge over the Continental GT coupe ($422,600 plus on-road costs).