Luxury marque Bentley recently unveiled an all-new model, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. The drop-top version is based on its coupe sibling and shares that car’s styling cues. The most obvious difference, of course, is the folding fabric roof.

Open on the move

Speaking of the roof… The tailored convertible roof can be opened or closed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. This transforms the Continental GT Convertible from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button. Seven different fabric hood colours are available, including an authentic tweed finish for the first time.

A newly designed neck warmer is integrated into the seats allowing occupants to enjoy open-top motoring all-year round. Incidentally, the seats have 20-way adjustment with ventilation, heating and massage functions. People often get scared of these heated seats being damaged as it is not very common to find professionals that can fix them. Fortunately, these can now be taken to an auto heating repair shop.

Click here to read about the Bentley Bentayga’s record-setting run at the Pike’s Peak International Hillclimb.

Dripping with excess

As with previous Bentley Continental GT Convertible models, this latest model oozes luxury. High-quality hides are complemented by fine wooden veneers, up to ten square metres per cabin, owners can even choose a polished wooden steering wheel. Machined aluminium, similar to that used by Swiss watchmakers, can be optioned for some surfaces.

A full suite of high-tech connectivity, top-end hi-fi systems and electronic interfaces contrast the old-world look and feel of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

Punch to spare

The new Bentley Continental GT Convertible will initially be offered with Bentley’s 6,0-litre, W12 TSI engine. The turbocharged engine develops 467 kW and 900 N.m of torque. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels. Bentley claims the Convertible can dash to 100 km/h in 3,8 seconds, with hair-ruffling a top speed of 333 km/h.

When you don’t require full power Bentley’s Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on specific cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder for improved efficiency.

To slow the large car the front brake discs measure 420 mm clamped by ten pistons calipers, while rear calipers contain four pistons each that work on 380 mm discs.

Considering that all Bentley’s current models are already on sale in South Africa, it won’t be long before you can order the Bentley Continental GT Convertible locally.

Read all the details on the new model on the company’s international site.