Details of the new Bentley Continental GTC

Following on from the new Bentley Continental GT Coupe launched in 2010, Bentley is to launch a new cabriolet variant, the Continental GTC, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Deliveries will start in late 2011, with prices from £149,350.

The new GTC is bolder and more aggressive than the old model, with sharper angles and larger wheels – 20 inches as standard with 21 inch wheels available as an option. The rear takes styling cues from the Mulsanne, and the front end gets ‘jewelled’ headlights with LED running lights.

The interior is more spacious than that of the outgoing model, with more rear legroom and more storage space. There’re 17 different colours available for the leather upholstery, as well as seven different wood veneers. A touchscreen infotainment system is fitted, and includes Google Maps based sat nav, as well as 30GB of media storage. There’s also a neck warming heater, so occupants can enjoy roof down driving in colder weather.

Power comes from a 575PS 6.0-litre W12 engine with QuickShift gearbox, and there’s an incredible 700Nm of torque. That means 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 195mph, despite a kerb weight of 2,495kg. That performance comes at a price, though – fuel efficiency on the combined cycle is a measly 17.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 384g/km.

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