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NEWS
Bentley set to unleash 325km/h convertible
Winged brand will use the Detroit motor show to unveil its open-top performance flagship – the Continental GT Speed ConvertibleBentley will use the upcoming Detroit motor show to unleash the Continental GT Speed Convertible – billed as the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.
The 325km/h ragtop features an enhanced version of the familiar 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 powerplant, mated to a ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission – and this combo is said to deliver a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy.
The enhanced performance is allegedly accentuated by a “glorious baritone snarl” from the free-breathing exhaust, providing “a thrilling soundtrack to the magnificent powerhouse under the bonnet”.
Meanwhile, the Conti GT Convertible’s dynamics are also said to benefit from uprated and lowered (by 10mm) self-levelling suspension and retuned steering, allegedly serving up sharper handling without detriment to ride quality.
Putting power to the ground is taken care of by a permanent all-wheel-drive system that’s slightly rear-biased (60:40) – a set-up that’s claimed to minimise understeer.
Despite weighing 2.5 tonnes, the 460kW/800Nm convertible sprints from 0-100km/h in a sprightly 4.4sec, while the 0-160km/h dash is despatched in just 9.7sec.
This puts it in the same ballpark as the BMW M6 Convertible and Mercedes SL 63 AMG in pure acceleration terms (both the Germans sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2sec), but the Bentley’s 325km/h top whack comfortably eclipses the pair (which are speed limited to 250km/h in standard form).
However, it’s the fact that peak torque of 800Nm is on tap from just 2000rpm that’s the real standout, promising effortless overtaking ability you can actually exploit in day-to-day driving.
Befitting its go-faster status, the Conti GT Speed Convertible sports exclusive 21-inch Speed alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes to distinguish it from its lesser siblings.
Inside its handcrafted cabin, the GT Speed convertible features as standard the Mulliner Driving Specification, which is claimed to blend contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.
Bentley says the four-layer soft-top ensures high levels of refinement and acoustic insulation, while the neck warmer makes it possible to cruise with the top down even on the cooler days of spring and autumn.
Local pricing will be announced closer to the mid-year on-sale date, but expect the Continental GT Speed Convertible to dip in just under the $500k mark.
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Written byGautam Sharma
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