Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible launches

A new high-performance Bentley Continental GT Convertible Speed flagship has emerged overnight, powered by a 485kW version of the familiar 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine.

Featuring the same all-wheel drive system and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission as the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe, the new convertible flagship boasts 13kW more power than the previous-gen Speed and comes with a towering 900Nm torque peak.

That translates into supercar levels of performance with the big luxury convertible able to demolish the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds – just 0.2sec behind its hard-top sibling.

Top speed is an identical 335km/h.

Like the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe, the new open-air version get four-wheel steering and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to boost agility.

For the soft-top, engineers have also reconfigured the coupe's adaptive air suspension and 48-volt active roll stabilisation system that can deliver up to 1300Nm of force in just 0.3 seconds to counteract roll in bends.

For those who regularly travel at high speeds, or plan to hit the track in their leather-lined Bentley, the GT Speed Continental now comes with a carbon-ceramic brake option that adds powerful 10-piston callipers up front and four-piston callipers on the rear axle to all but eliminate brake fade even after repeated stops from high speed.

Externally, the Speed Convertible borrows many of the styling cues from the coupe including darkened chrome 22-inch rims, Speed side skirts and discreet badging on the front fenders.

Like the Continental GT Convertible, the fabric roof is now available in up to seven colours and is said to be both better insulated and quieter at high speeds. It can also be wound back in just 19 seconds at up to 50km/h.

Roof up, even riding on its largest wheels, engineers claim the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is as quiet as the previous-generation Conti GT coupe.

Inside, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, diamond-quilted leather sports seats and a turned-aluminium dash dominate the luxurious cabin.

If that's not to your taste, Bentley says a further four wood veneers can be offered at no extra cost and if neither of them take your fancy there's a further three timber options available as a cost extra.

Alternatively, you can contact Bentley's bespoke Mulliner division to create the cabin design of your dreams.

Pricing for the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible will be announced closer to launch in Australia, which is likely to be before the end of this year.