2012 Bentley Continental GTC Unveiled Ahead of Frankfurt Debut

British automaker Bentley today took the wraps off the latest Continental GTC model, which is set to make its official public debut in Frankfurt next month. The four-seater luxury convertible has received both exterior and interior tweaks for the 2012 model year, while the car’s performance have also been improved.

Taken separately, visual highlights include redesigned headlamps with LED daytime-running lights, a more upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile. Also, 20-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheels, a first for GTC, available as an option.

Inside, the new model comes with a new dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather, ‘cobra style’ seats and enhanced rear cabin space, and a new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system, to name a few.

Power comes from a 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine coupled with a QuickShift transmission, delivering 567 horsepower and 700Nm (516 lb.ft.) of maximum torque. A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension, are also among the changes.

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver,” stated Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.