Frankfurt: Bentley preview night

By Jack Rix

September 2011

For sheer excitement, the Ferrari 458 Spider was sure to take the convertible crown in Frankfurt – but it was not the most powerful drop-top on show. That accolade went to the Bentley Continental GTC with its 567bhp 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo powerplant.

If power is less important, a V8-engined version will go on sale soon, with 40 per cent fewer CO2 emissions. Both cars get the same beautifully crafted fabric hood that stows in only 25 seconds and up to speeds of 20mph.

Wolfgang Durheimer, the new boss of Bentley and Bugatti, said: "Our job was to improve the best convertible in the world. With this car we are setiing the standard higher than ever before for convertibles."

A wider rear track apparently frees up 36mm of extra legroom in the rear, but we tried it out for size and it will still be a squeeze for large adults on long journeys. Children will slot happily into the back seats, though, and all can enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring from one of the finest cabins in the business.

Read full details on the stunning new Bentley Continental GTC here.