If you have a thing for wind-in-your-hair motoring and the budget to buy the fastest four-seat ragtop in the world, let us be the first to bring you the good news: your ride is here, or more accurately, at your local Bentley dealership. The luxury brand’s latest model is a convertible based on the Continental GT Speed, which means it packs a 616 horsepower W-12 punch beneath its stylish hood.
The twin-turbo W-12 engine gets mated to an eight speed automatic transmission, giving the Continental GT Speed Convertible the ability to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 0-100 mph in just 9.7 seconds. Top speed is said to be 202 miles per hour, making the Bentley the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. Thanks to the added benefit of all-wheel drive, the Continental GT Speed Convertible is suitable for year-round use (though we imagine most owners have a beater Porsche Cayenne Turbo for winter use).
The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible – image: Bentley
While no one will confuse the Continental GT Speed Convertible with a car from a lesser brand, Bentley still wants buyers to recognize the car’s edgy (for Bentley, anyway) styling. Dark chrome replaces the typical finish on the radiator grille and bumper air intakes. Twenty-one inch wheels, unique to this model, give the car a stance aided by a 10mm suspension drop (compared to the Continental GT Convertible).
The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible – image: Bentley
Inside, buyers get an interior straight out of the Mulliner Driving Specification model, complete with daimond-quilted seating, machined knobs and engine-turned trim. Standard features abound, but like any Bentley model options are limited only by the buyer’s imagination and budget.
The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible – image: Bentley
The car will make its official debut at this month’s Detroit Auto Show. Look for pricing and availability detail to be released closer to launch.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
