11th January, 2009

• The new GTC Speed builds on the success of Continental GTC
• The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever
• The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models
• The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice

Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling.

Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600 bhp (610 PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s.

The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.

For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.

The GTC’s chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552 bhp (560 PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600 bhp (610PS) that delivers true 322 km/h (200 mph) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 312 km/h (195 mph).

The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials.  At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.

The GTC Speed’s 600 bhp (610 PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553 lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1,700 to 5,600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.

The 0-100 km/h sprint is despatched in a mere 4.8 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds) and 0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds (0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds).

The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in northern summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed: “The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.”

Continental GTC range

• New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake
• Chrome headlamp bezels
• Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel
• Optional follow-to-stop, radar-based  Adaptive Cruise Control system
• Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 - inch wheels)
• Two new exterior colours – Aquamarine and Blue Crystal
• New interior colour – Aquamarine

Continental GTC

• Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552 bhp (560PS)
• Top speed is unchanged at 312 km/h with a 0–100 km/h time in 5.1 secs
• Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers
• Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal

Continental GTC Speed

Technical

• 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque
• Top speed (roof up) of 322 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 4.8 secs
• Top speed (roof down) of 312 km/h
• Lowered suspension (10 mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimised ride quality, comfort and refinement
• New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tyres
• New ‘Dynamic’ mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention

Exterior

• Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes
• Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option
• Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option
• Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes
• New aerodynamic rear spoiler
• Black lower bumper valance

Interior

• ‘Speed’ treadplates to both doors
• 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Knurled chrome and hide gear lever
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings,  door pads and rear quarter panels
• Optional turned aluminium inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.

Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque

Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company’s Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley’s W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC.

Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine’s flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5,600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the ‘crackle black’ finish to the intake manifold.

The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.

Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP 8.1). The ‘Sport Traction’ mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The ‘Dynamic Mode’ of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments: “The new GTC Speed exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver exceptional performance and driving enjoyment. It is a driver’s car which will redefine people’s expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve.”

A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling

The Continental GTC’s steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30 Hz that not only minimises ‘scuttle shake’ but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required. For the 552 bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort.

The GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tyres, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response.

The GTC Speed’s suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response.

The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel.

To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 322 km/h the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed.

For both models, Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a extra cost option.  Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), light weight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20 kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.

The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.

Commenting on the GTC Speed’s character, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, said: “The GTC Speed offers super car performance, superb refinement, comfort and unrivalled craftsmanship all in one car. It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley ‘Speed Model’ of the 1920s.”

Subtle evolution of the GTC’s distinctive style

Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance.

The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent.

The GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.

GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 ‘standard’ paint colours including two new colours (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal).

Luxurious hand-crafted cabin

The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, including the new option, Aquamarine.

The GTC Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (an extra cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Speed’ logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

A range of options give further opportunities for personalisation, including fascia panels, centre console, door pads and rear quarters in bright aluminium. Uniquely, the GTC Speed is also available with a dark tint aluminium option.

New adaptive cruise control system

A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a ‘time gap’, as selected by the driver.

GTC and GTC Speed interior key features:

CONTINENTAL GTC AND GTC SPEED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

i

MODEL TYPE
Body type	Two-door, 2+2 Grand Tourer convertible
Construction	Steel monocoque with aluminium, steel and composite panels and closure
ENGINE
Type	Twin-turbocharged W12 engine
Installation	Front, longitudinal
Construction	Alloy block and heads
Bore/stroke	84.0 x 90.2 mm
Capacity	6.0-litre, 5,998 cc
Compression ratio	9.0:1
Valve gear	Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
Power
GTC Speed	600 bhp / 610 PS / 449 kW @ 6,000 rev/min
GTC	552 bhp / 560 PS / 412 kW @ 6,100 rev/min
Torque
GTC Speed	750 Nm / 553 lb ft between 1,750 – 5,600 rev/min
GT	650 Nm / 479 lb ft @ between 1,600 – 6,100 rev/min
Fuel	98 (95) RON
TRANSMISSION
Type	Continuous all-wheel drive
Gearbox	ZF 6-speed automatic with fully automatic or sequential ‘manual’ operation with paddleshift feature; torque converter lock-up clutch
Ratios	1st: 4.17 2nd: 2.34 3rd: 1.52 4th: 1.14 5th: 0.87 6th: 0.69 Final drive: 3.524 (front), 3.528 (rear)
SUSPENSION
Front	Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Rear	Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar
Springs	Computer-controlled progressive air springs
Dampers	Continuous damping control, with four adjustable settings
STEERING
Type	Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
Turns lock to lock	2.7
Turning circle (kerb to kerb)	11.4 m ( 37’ 5”)
BRAKES
Front	405 mm ventilated discs (optional 420 mm carbon/ ceramic, cross-drilled discs – with 20-inch wheels)
Rear	335 mm ventilated discs (optional 356 mm carbon/ ceramic, cross-drilled discs – with 20-inch wheels)
Anti lock	Standard ESP and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
WHEELS & TYRES
Wheels
GTC Speed	9.5J 20-inch Alloy
GTC	9.0J 19-inch Alloy (optional 9.0J 20-inch Alloy)
Tyres
GTC Speed	275/35 x ZR20 bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP
GTC	275/40 x ZR19 Pirelli PZero Rosso (optional 275/30 x 20 Pirelli PZero)
DIMENSIONS
EXTERIOR
Overall length	4,804 mm (189.1 in)
Overall width (inc. mirrors)	2,194 mm (86.4 in)
Height (roof raised)
GTC Speed	1,388 mm (54.6 in)
GTC	1,398 mm (55.0 in)
Wheelbase	2,745 mm (108.1 in)
Front track	1,623 mm (63.9 in)
Rear track	1,607 mm (63.3 in)
INTERIOR
Front headroom	942 mm (37.1 in)
Front legroom	1,075 mm (42.3 in)
Front shoulder room	1,568 mm (61.7 in)
Rear headroom	979 mm (38.5 in)
Rear legroom	743 mm (29.3 in)
Rear shoulder room	1,318 mm (51.9 in)
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
GTC Speed & GTC
Kerbweight	2,485 kg (5,478 lb)
Gross vehicle weight	2,900 kg (6,393 lb)
Luggage capacity	235 litres
Fuel tank capacity	90 litres (24 US gallons)
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (roof up)
GTC Speed	200 mph (322 km/h)
GTC	195 mph (312 km/h)
Top speed (roof down)
GTC Speed	195 mph (314 km/h)
GTC	190 mph  (306 km/h1)
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
GTC Speed	4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
GTC	4.8 seconds (5.1 seconds)
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h)
GTC Speed	10.6 seconds (10.5 seconds)
GTC	11.4 seconds (11.4 seconds)
FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
EU CYCLE
GTC Speed and GTC	11.2 mpg (25.3 litres/100 km)
Urban
Extra-Urban	24.3 mpg (11.6 litres/100 km)
Combined	17.0 mpg (16.6 litres/100 km)
CO2 emissions	396 g/km
Emission controls	EU 1V and US LEV II
EPA DRIVE CYCLE
GTC Speed and GTC
City Driving	10.0 mpg (US)
Highway Driving	17.0 mpg (US)
FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS
CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED
EXTERIOR FEATURES	Dark tinted radiator grille and lower grille Chromed headlamp bezels Twin rifled oval stainless steel sports tail pipes Lowered sports suspension 20-inch, two-piece, multi-spoke alloy wheels
INTERIOR FEATURES	Unique treadplates bearing ‘Speed’ model name Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings   Cloth hide headlining Single-tone, hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel in a 3-spoke sports design with brushed silver switch surround Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide          Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
CONTINENTAL GTC
EXTERIOR FEATURES	Bright chromed radiator grille Chromed headlamp bezels Twin oval stainless steel tail pipes
INTERIOR FEATURES	Single tone, hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel in a 4-spoke design Brake pedal with Bentley ‘B’ emblem Hide and chrome trimmed gear lever with manual shift change facility
SELECTION OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE	‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system        iPod/MP3/USB interface   20-inch, two-piece, seven-spoke alloy wheels (GTC only) Fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes  ACC Adaptive Cruise Control
THE MULLINER DRIVING SPECIFICATION (STANDARD ON GTC SPEED, OPTIONAL ON GTC)

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
          • Choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut,
          • Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
          • Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
          • Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
          • Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels
          • Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
          • 20 inch 2-piece alloy sports wheels (GTC only)
          • 20 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in Dark Tint painted finish (GTC Speed only)

MULLINER FEATURES AVAILABLE SEPARATELY FOR BOTH MODELS:
          • Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap
          • Exterior paint match service to customer specification
          • Exterior paint colour from Arnage range
          • Contrast stitching to seats and door panels
          • Cross-stitching to seats and door panels (in contrast)
          • Embossed ‘BENTLEY’ to seat facings
          • Choice of premium veneers – Chestnut and Olive Ash
          • Fascia panels available in bright or dark tint* aluminium
          • 4-spoke wood and hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel (choice of veneers - Burr Walnut, Chestnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, Madrona, Piano Black)
          • Lambswool rugs
          • Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming to front and rear footwells  (matched to carpet)
          • Boot carpet to match interior carpet

*Available on Continental GTC Speed only