Bentley to unveil GT Speed Convertible
Bentley are set to claim the title of the world’s fastest four-seat convertible later this month when they unveil the new GT Speed Convertible at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Powered by a tweaked twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12 engine, the new drop-top will have 616 bhp on tap which will help propel it to a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).
That re-worked engine which is the same as what resides in the coupe version of the GT Speed consists of a 48-valve twelve cylinder engine in a W-layout and generates a more than adequate 800 Nm of torque. Equally impressive are the performance figures which sees the 0-100 km/h sprint achieved in just 4.4 seconds while 0-160 km/h takes only 9.7 seconds. Quite the feat in a car that has a kerb weight of 2,495 kgs.
To help that additional performance work Bentley have installed revised air suspension springs & dampers to help improve agility and reduce body roll without sacrificing too much in the comfort department – this is still a Bentley after all. The GT Speed convertible also sits 10mm lower than the standard GT convertible.
Visually the GT Speed convertible has a different matrix radiator grille and bumper intakes in a dark-tint chrome finish which gives it a slightly more menacing appearance. Other features such as the unique 21″ Speed alloy wheels and larger elliptical exhausts are complimented by that slightly lower ride height.