Convertible currency!
AS WE accelerate towards Brexit, I headed to the Continent as one of the first to drive the ultimate grand tourer — the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible. My 275-mile tour across Spain proved perfect timing ahead of the new 19 plate (released yesterday) and as the Crewe-based car maker celebrates its centenary year.
The convertible makes its public debut in Switzerland at next week’s Geneva Motor Show — as one of a trio of Bentleys leading the British charge on ‘neutral’ territory.
There are few more exquisite pleasures in life than being behind the wheel of a £200,000, 207 mph, open-topped Bentley as the sun beams down and the wind blows through what remains of your locks.
And all this before the first well-heeled customers even take delivery next month of this magnificent piece of machinery.
This drop-top has a powerful, but stylish, presence. It’s beautifully proportioned with a longer bonnet, lower nose and more streamlined profile than its predecessor.
The £175,890 starting price is about £16,000 up on the hardtop coupe. But that is just the start. My convertible featured a camel and beluga hide interior bringing the total to £215,330. This included a mind-boggling array of safety and luxury extras. But it’s all about the driving.
A vast twin- turbocharged 6-litre W12 petrol engine delivers 635 hp to a responsive 8- speed dual- clutch transmission, such that the near 3-ton vehicle can accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, and to 100mph in 8.1 seconds. However, it averages only 23 mpg with CO2 emissions of 280g/km, though you can shut down six of the cylinders to trim costs.
The other new Bentleys at Geneva will be a Centenary Limited Edition inspired by a historic sports car, plus the 190 mph Bentayga Speed, probably the world’s fastest production 4x4.