The Bentley Continental GT Convertible is currently being previewed at Bentley Kuala Lumpur to selected individuals. Unveiled last November, the drop-top is the alternative body-style to the third-gen coupe with what is essentially the same mechanicals and specification/trim options as the hardtop.
The preview unit is a left-hand drive pre-production example finished in a stunning light metallic blue shade called Silverlake and sits on its standard fit 21-inch five tri-spoke grey/bright machined wheels, but the unique bits are subtle, coming in the form of Centenary Specification accoutrements, which is making its first appearance locally.
As the name suggests, the package adds on specific Centenary logos on all fixed Bentley badging on the car as well as dedicated scuff plates and on the projection from the puddle lamps. This involves the use of either a gold band outline or a 1919-2019 reference on the badging, depending on type.
Inside, the display vehicle is dressed in Linen leather upholstery and panelling trim in a single veneer finish called Dark Stained Madrona. As on the coupe, the Bentley Rotating Display is present, the three-sided panel housing revolving between pure veneer to switch between a 12.3-inch touchscreen and three analogue dials.
Also on are 20-way Comfort Seats, which feature contrast stitching and embroided Bentley emblems on the headrests, as well as an 18-speaker, 2,200-watt Naim audio system.
The GTC is powered by the same 6.0 litre twin-turbo, direct-injection W12 engine found on the coupe, with 626 hp at 6,000 rpm and 900 Nm from 1,350 rpm to 4,500 rpm for output numbers. The convertible does the 0-100 km/h run in 3.8 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the coupe. It also reaches the same 333 km/h top speed, despite weighing 160 kg more due to its powered Z-fold roof.
The roof, which the company says is more refined than its predecessor and offers better sound insulation at cruising speeds, can be deployed or retracted in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Buyers will have seven fabric hood colours to pick from.
Like the coupe, the GTC is also fitted with the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Bentley Dynamic Ride, and the inclusion of a City Specification package on the show car adds on hands-free boot opening, pedestrian warning, city braking, a top-view camera and reverse traffic warning.
A Touring Specification pack, meanwhile, bundles adaptive cruise control, night vision with an infra-red camera, a head-up display and pre-sense braking into the mix.
As for pricing, that for a Continental GT Convertible – as specified to the level of the display example – starts from RM2.24 million before road tax, registration and, of course, insurance. That’s higher than the coupe, even in the latter’s First Edition form.
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This is too expensive
The backseats… look close to useless.