2007 Bentley Continental GTC Test Drive
Can you imagine driving a convertible at 195mph? You can when you are piloting the all-new 2007 Bentley Continental GTC. Not only that, you are surrounded by luxurious hand cut and sewn leathers, exotic wood veneers, real aluminum and chrome trim. There’s no doubt, the Bentley Continental GTC is the world’s greatest convertible.
 The new Bentley Continental GTC is an open-top 2+2 in true Bentley tradition. Its convertible nature means that every sensation of driving is transmitted to you and your passengers. The new GTC blends clear Continental lineage with its own personality and character-a unique mix of sporting dynamism and the added elegance you would expect from a convertible.The GTC’s design team has also been influenced by the need to ensure perfect aerodynamic balance at speeds close to 200mph. The convertible spent many hours in the wind tunnel to ensure a low drag coefficient and like the coupe and four-door versions, it utilizes an underbody diffuser and specially sculpted rear bumper and trunklid spoiler to provide downforce and stability at high speed. The GTC’s exterior design looks like it was carved from a solid block of metal. Key exterior features include the traditional Bentley matrix grille and the famed ‘B’ badge on the radiator shell, trunk and wheel covers. The front fascia also contains twin bi-xenon headlamps with integrated washer jets. Just below the bumper are inlets to cool the massive front brake rotors.From the side you’ll notice the flared fenders stuffed with 19X9in. 5-spoke, painted alloy wheels and Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, chromed door handles, and tasteful chrome strips surrounding the top perimeter, and entire lower side. At the rear are large, high-intensity LED tail and brake lights; a discrete high-level LED brake light integrated at the base of the convertible top, and traditional Bentley twin oval stainless steel tail pipes. Under the skin of the GTC lies Bentley’s magnificent W12 twin-turbocharged engine that generates 552hp and 479lb.ft. of torque that propels you to 60mph in just 4.8sec. The V12 engine purrs like a big cat at idle, but lets out a mighty growl when you punch it hard.
A high-tech, all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen differential for exceptional stability and grip in any condition is driven by an advanced six-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode, and paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.
At speeds above 152mph, the suspension automatically lowers the car to ensure that aerodynamic lift is kept to a minimum. The Continental GTC also incorporates traction control and electronic stability control, both of which can be turned off is desired.
The interior exhibits old English craftsmanship including Burr Walnut wood veneers to the fascia, upper door trim and front console. All wood veneers are cut using laser technology, then lacquered by hand before being machined and polished. The wood veneer is book matched to create perfect symmetry, with one side exactly reflecting the other. Thick, premium A-grade leather hides cover the seating, door panels, dashboard and rear tonneau cover. The hide-trimmed, multi-function, steering wheel is double-stitched by hand using two needles simultaneously, and takes about 8 hours to trim. Classic Bentley brightwork inside includes the bull-eye ventilation outlets with their organ stop controls, and unique chrome knurled switchgear.
The convertible top takes just 25sec. to raise or lower, and utilizes a 7-bow design for strength and durability. The cloth roof has superb acoustic damping fabrics with a thicker, more padded outer layer than in any other convertible. The headliner layer is suede leather to finish the interior. To ensure your safety, an advanced rollover protection system is installed beneath the rear headrests. If the computer senses that the car is about to rollover, two reinforced steel hoops are deployed in a split second. The refinement and dynamics engineered into the GTC are amazing. The GTC has the dual character that every Bentley possesses. You can drive along in something that is better appointed than your living room, and you can give a supercar a run for its money whenever you want. When the roads are bumpy and wet who could challenge you with four-wheel-drive and incredible grip?
ALL NEW 2007 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC
COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS
Type: Midsize Convertible Price: MSPR $189.990
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Genava on Sat, 28th Apr 2007 9:58 am
I like to see this car light up at night, just to see how beautiful it is with the LED lighting!!!!! I think LED brake tail lights in nowaday car is very fascinated at night!!! I have old Honda from 1997 and I just bought the LED brake tail lights.
The color is just brilliant!!!
BigJohnmmme on Fri, 24th Aug 2007 2:04 am
A great read, very informative
Been looking for a blog like this one for a while
Keep up the good work.
Jesssica on Fri, 25th Apr 2008 10:22 pm
You have a interesting blog – http://www.blog.automotiveaddicts.com. Thanks for what you’ve done. May be you can help me in choosing a cool women’s watch? I want it to be very cute but cheap. I’ve found a replica watch I like here Vacheron Constantin – Essentielles 1972 Quartz , how do you think is it worth buying? Need your recommendations please.
Fairy on Wed, 26th Nov 2008 10:32 am
Thanks for the providing good information – this is really helpful