Looking to show the Big Three in Detroit that the Brits still know a thing or two about power. Bentley is set to unveil the 2013 GT Speed Convertible at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this year.
The new flagship drop-top is powered by a 616hp and 590lb-ft twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 engine, which miraculously delivers 15% improvement in fuel-economy. Paired with a silky smooth eight-speed transmission, stiffened and 10mm lower suspension the new super luxury convertible hides a performance edge in style. Of course, the capabilities of traveling at 202mph help in the desirability factor of the car as well. Who hasn't day dreamed about taking a luxury land yacht up to Bonneville Salt Flat speeds? We have.
For the Continental GT Speed, Bentley has developed some unique exterior and interior options for Speed badged models. Outside, a set of tinted 21" wheels, rifled ellipse exhaust system and unique bodywork with dark-tinted chrome finish grilles help identify the car while on the road. Inside, one could opt for a range of wood veneers and satin carbon fiber finishes or the exclusive Speed dark tinted aluminum "engine spin" finish. Which all goes nicely with the Mulliner Driving Spec, diamond-quilted leather interior - also available in an endless array of colors.
No word on pricing just yet, but if you were a good boy or girl over the holidays and have a few hundred thousand you cant wait to part with, the Bentley Speed might just be what you've been waiting for.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| GT Speed Convertible | GT Speed |
| Engine | |
| Type | 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 |
| Max Power | 616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Transmission | |
| Type | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift |
| Driveline | Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias) |
| Ratios | 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667 |
| Final Drive | 2.85 |
| Brakes | |
| Front | 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Rear | 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled) |
| Wheels and Tyres | |
| Wheels | 9.5J x 21" |
| Tyres | 275/35 ZR21 |
| Steering | |
| Type | Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 2.6 turns |
| Turning circle | 11.3 m |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar |
| Damping | Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2746 mm / 108.1 in |
| Overall length | 4806 mm / 189.2 in |
| Width (across body) | 1944 mm / 76.5 in |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2227 mm / 87.7 in |
| Overall height | 1393 mm / 54.8 in | 1394 mm / 54.9 in |
| Fuel tank | 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons |
| Boot volume | 260 / 9.18 cu ft | 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft |
| Kerb weight (EU) | 2495 kg / 5500 lb | 2320 kg / 5115 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2900 kg / 6393 lb | 2750 kg / 6063 lb |
| Performance | |
| Top speed | 202 mph / 325 km/h | 205 mph / 330 km/h |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 secs | 4.0 secs |
| 0-100 mph | 9.7 secs | 9.0 secs |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 secs | 4.2 secs |
| 0-160 km/h | 9.7 secs | 9.0 secs |
| Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)* | |
| Urban | 12.5 mpg (22.7 litres/100km) | 12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100km) |
| Extra Urban | 27.2 mpg (10.4 litres/100km) | 28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100km) |
| Combined | 19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km) | 19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km) |
| CO2 emissions | 347 g/km | 338 g/km |
| Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)** | |
| City (US mpg) | 12 | 13 |
| Highway (US mpg) | 20 | 20 |
| Combined (US mpg) | 15 | 15 |
| Emissions Controls | EU 5 and US LEV II |