The New Bentley Continental GTC

New Bentley Continental GTC

Powertrain

The Continental GTC is powered by Bentley’s magnificent W12 twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre engine, which will propel the car to 60mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 195mph (312km/h). This awe-inspiring piece of engineering is identical to the unit used in the coupé and four-door versions of the Continental and delivers phenomenal power (552bhp/411kW) as well as that legendary wave of torque (479lb ft/650Nm) from low revs that is the hallmark of every Bentley.

The 12-cylinder block has a 48-valve head with four camshafts that operate using continually variable valve-timing. Power is transmitted via a seven-bearing crankshaft to the car’s six-speed automatic transmission. To ensure compliance stringent emissions regulations, the twin turbochargers are designed with a unique bypass valve that automatically sends exhaust gases to heat the catalytic converters when the car is started from cold. This valve then operates as the turbocharger wastegate at all other times.

The Borg-Warner turbochargers are also the ideal solution for producing the flat torque curve, ensuring that the driver has instantly available performance without a hint of turbo lag or having to shift down through the gears. That mighty torque curve is constant, with no drop-off from its maximum output of 479lb ft (650Nm) at just 1600 rev/min all the way up to 6000 rev/min.

The Continental GTC’s prodigious power is channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission built for Bentley by ZF. The transmission can be left in fully automatic mode or used as a clutchless manual where gear changes take place only on the command of the driver, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Conclusion

The launch of the Continental GTC means that the Continental range is now complete. Three years after the introduction of the Continental GT coupé, Bentley customers are now able to choose from three remarkable Continentals, all undeniably Bentleys, but all unique in character and appeal.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains how each car will have its own unique place in the Bentley stable:

“The proportions of the Continental GTC are the epitome of the elegant, modern convertible and clearly distinguishable from the GT coupé. As the first model in the Continental family, the GT has been responsible for building the Bentley brand across the globe, but it is the Continental GTC that is the most emotional car in the range.

“The GT coupé may be the driver’s car and the Continental Flying Spur the more practical four-door Grand Tourer, but the new Continental GTC is the show piece for Bentley design.”