Bentley's 200mph sunshine express

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The GTC is Bentley's drop-top version of its huge selling Continental GT. Like its Flying Spur saloon relative, the GTC is now offered in Speed specification. To create the Speed model, Bentley has upped the power of the already ludicrously powerful 12-cylinder engine to 600bhp, torque too rising to 435lb.ft. That's enough to allow this beautiful open-topped machine to reach 62mph in just 4.8 seconds and a follicle challenging 200mph if you can find somewhere to do it. It's not just a case of bumping up the output though, as Bentley's chassis people have been involved too, while a few minor styling tweaks give the GTC Speed a bit more visual punch than its non-Speed GTC relative.

Is it any good?

The GTC Speed is far better than anything weighing as much as it does should be. A heavyweight in all senses of the word, the GTC Speed offers quite staggering pace. The performance figures don't do the ferocity by which the Speed accelerates justice, the Continental GTC Speed's four-wheel drive system shrugging off the 6.0-litre W12's 600bhp and transmitting it to the road with utter impunity. Plant the accelerator either from standstill or on the move and the GTC Speed gathers momentum with alarming ease, 100mph reached from a standing start in just 10.6 seconds.

Bentley's chassis people have done a remarkable job with the Speed. Turn in quickly and the GTC's nose goes exactly where you want it, this bruiser having a real delicacy in the bends. There's not much in the way of feel from the steering but it's well weighted and precise. To achieve this Bentley has hard mounted the front sub-frame to the body and played with the air suspension's settings. In its firmest Sport configuration it's a touch too unyielding, but choose the second of the four settings and the GTC Speed blends fine control with comfort.

Much is made at Bentley of the GTC's multi-layered hood. It does a remarkable job of making the GTC Speed feel much like its coupé relative when it's up but not even a rubber sound insulating layer is going to stop the glorious warbling and burbling that the W12 creates on acceleration and from the exhausts on overrun. It's very much the sound of cultured muscularity; this is a Bentley after all. Changing gears is best left to the automatic transmission rather than taking control: while the beautifully positioned paddle-shifters give you a semblance of input, the software ultimately decides whether it's going to swap ratios.

The cabin remains an absolutely wonderful environment in which to pass time, Bentley's craftsmen and women working their magic with wood, leather and turned metal. Speed additions include a new steering wheel and trim finishes inside while larger alloy wheels, subtle front and rear spoilers and a dark front grille identify the Speed outside. If there's one area where the Speed is let down it's the infotainment controls in the centre console. Satnav systems have moved on significantly over the one offered in the GTC: it feels and looks low-tech.

Should I call the bank manager?

The chances are, if you're in the market for this £153,400 car, you'll have the necessary means without needing to lift the phone to the bank. That list price is merely a starting point too, as there are so many personalisation options with Bentley you can be sure you'll spend a good 10-20% more than that. Choosing the massive ceramic brakes (a must if you're going to use the GTC Speed's power between the bends frequently) will lighten your pocket by around £12,000. They save you 23kg in unsprung weight though, which should improve the ride further - even if it'll barely register on the GTC Speed's hefty overall kerbweight. You'll need some cash to run it too with an optimistic 17mpg being the official combined economy figure.

Summary

The GTC has always been a fast, capable car, but the Speed turns it up to eleven. It's sensationally fast, yet remarkably composed and surprisingly enjoyable as a driver's car. It's not cheap, but then the premium it commands over its non-Speed relative isn't that great. A tremendously well-rounded performer that'll provide huge comfort and easy long-legged ability or fearsomely rapid cross-country pace, the GTC Speed is a remarkable car. If you can afford it.

Kyle Fortune