Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is World's Fastest Four-Seater Drop-Top
Ahead of its official debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Bentley has unveiled its newest Continental GT Speed Convertible; the brand’s open-top performance flagship and the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.
Powered by the British automaker’s 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 engine, the Continental GT Speed Convertible packs 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, while delivering a 15-percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The engine is mated to a close-ratio, eight-speed transmission while uprated and lowered suspension along with retuned steering gives the convertible a sporty, yet precise driving experience. The Continental GT Speed Convertible also features permanent all-wheel drive.
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The GT Speed Convertible will have a top speed of 202 mph and now takes the place at the top of the Bentley Continental model lineup. It will come from the factory with 21-inch wheels, dark-tint grilles, and ‘rifled’ exhaust tips. As for the interior, Bentley has outfitted the drop-top with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard.
Estimated fuel economy for the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is 12 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway and is still subject to EPA certification. The automaker did not announce pricing yet, so check back at AutoGuide when the convertible makes its official debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show for more info.
“Following the recent successful introduction of the GT Speed, the new GT Speed Convertible will appeal to drivers who seek the sensory thrills of the world’s fastest four-seat soft-top and the practicality of a year-round grand tourer, together with unrivaled levels of luxury and refinement,” said Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Wolfgang Schreiber. “It is designed for those who accept no compromise.”
GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Super-premium roadsters like the Bentleys and Mercs (with the AirCap) do a good job of warding off the bogeys of wind buffeting and wind noise to a great extent. But modest ones are a far cry. Mine was so annoying that I had to finally mount a wind deflector. Had I not mounted the Windblox windscreen I would have surely gotten rid of my ride. I would highly recommend a good draught-stop to be installed on all roadsters, especially the ordinary ones.