BENTLEY Continental GTC 2006-2009 Photos, engines & full specs

Bentley Continental was the first model launched by Bentley after it was acquired by Volkswagen Group. It was introduced in 2003 and evolved into more versions.

The convertible version of the Continental GT was exhibited in public for the first time at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. Bentley always had convertible vehicles in its lineup and the GTC was a mandatory addition to the British stable. It wasn't long until the result gained attention. Its front fascia was the same as the coupe version, but from the A-pillars behind everything was changed.

In order to build a big convertible with loads of power under the hood, the entire structure had to be reworked and strengthened. The sills, cross-braces for the front and rear suspension, and the A-pillars had to be re-worked to stop the body from flexing. As a result, 110 kg were added to the initial weight. Considering that the motors needed for the canvas top added some to the weight, it means that the engineering research in high-strength materials paid off. With the roof closed, the car had a three-box shape.

Inside, the opulent interior with expensive leather and materials were the same used for the closed version. The rear seats offered enough headroom with the roof down, but very little room for the legs.

Under the hood, there was the same drivetrain from the coupe version, with the same great W12 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.