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Lid lifted on Bentley Conti cabriolet

You wait years for a new Bentley cabrio to turn up, then a pair arrive at once! Only a week after bosses took the wraps off a drop-top based on the Arnage saloon at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Crewe firm has released first official pictures of another all-new model.

By Chris Thorp

28th September 2005

This is the stunning Continental GT Convertible, complete with trademark mesh grille and twin headlamps. The newcomer, to be badged GTC, shares its imposing styling with the coup΃©, and the two have an identical profile below the waistline. As you'd expect, maintaining the GT's smooth lines was at the top of Bentley's priority list.

Although the company has yet to reveal pictures of the all-new machine with its hood up, design chief Dirk van Braeckel said: "We wanted to ensure that the Continental GTC looks just as beautiful with the roof in place as it does when it's down. We set out to achieve a style that is both contemp-or-ary and elegant, but with the sporting stance of a true performance car."

The hood itself is made from the highest-quality fabric, and comes complete with a heated glass rear screen. Befitting a Bentley, it folds away electrically at the touch of a button, and is safely stowed below a leather tonneau cover behind the rear seats.

Maintaining its 2+2 cabin layout, the GTC has kept some of its sibling's practicality. But the boot is smaller than that of the coup΃© to free up space to accommodate the roof motors.

Inside, the cabin features high-grade leather upholstery, wood veneer and chrome finishings. Buyers should also expect all the latest hi-tech gadgets to be included as standard.

Bentley UK's marketing boss, Mark Tennant, told Auto Express: "This car completes the line-up of the Continental family. With it we are clearly harking back to traditional Bentley ranges of yesteryear, which were always accompanied by luxurious convertible versions. This is a very exciting model for us."

The GTC is intended for those buyers who demand a sporty drive. Power comes from the same mighty VW-sourced W12 engine found in the hard-top Continental GT. The 6.0-litre unit develops an incredible 552bhp and 650Nm of torque. In keeping with its grand touring intentions, the car is available only with a slick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox. Because they share so many components, the models' performance will be very similar.

The GTC covers 0-60mph in less than five seconds and goes on to a top speed of over 190mph. These figures will make the Bentley the world's second fastest four-seater convertible when it goes on sale. Top spot will be held by the DTM AMG version of Merc-edes' CLK, launched early next year.

Tennant continued: "As with all our cars, the GTC features a combination of luxury and performance. The twin-turbo W12 is a tried and tested unit offering awesome acceleration, which is a large part of what our customers want. Anything wearing the Bentley badge has to be incredible to drive and usable everyday." To ensure that none of the coup΃©'s dynamic abilities are lost, the drop-top has undergone extensive development work to maintain a stiff bodyshell. Engineers say this will not only reduce scuttle shake, but ensure creak-free driving, too. A smooth ride and sharp handling are guaranteed by the maker's latest air-suspension system, complete with continuous damping. Exact specifications and prices have yet to be released, but it's thought the convertible will cost around ΂£117,500. And there's plenty of time to start saving; the Continental GTC isn't due to appear in Bentley showrooms until late next year.

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