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26th
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France: Perhaps the love capital of the world? Or is that Italy? Regardless. A love affair that started with a Brit crossed country lines -- and even the English Channel -- as the latest iteration of Bentley's drop-top and I made each other's acquaintance. Starting in London, England and ending up in Le Mans, France (then back again) afforded us some alone time. Whether on rural roads or on the motorways, top up or down, it's not hard to see why this fantastic piece of machinery is turning heads internationally.
What is the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible?
Aside from being as divine as a fresh pot of perfectly brewed English Breakfast tea, this Bentley takes the title of being the world's fastest four-passenger vehicle -- and I'm talking legitimate room for four people, not a 2+2 that holds a couple of individuals and perhaps a Corgi and maybe a dog toy, too.
Unveiled to the world at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible draws its inspiration from its GT Speed Coupe sibling, but with a twist: It goes topless.
2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible Price and Specs
If 6.0L, twin-turbocharged, W12 and 616 horsepower don't make you weak in the knees, this might: Drop the 8-speed, close-ratio transmission into gear, pop it in Sport mode (a mode that delivers a sharper throttle response and allows gear-shifting at higher engine speeds) and let the tingly sensation consume your inner being.
The potency of its hand-built engine combined with a trigger-happy right foot will leave the hair on your body blowing as you reach speeds of 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Furthermore, if you ever have the chance to truly experience its full glory, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 325 km/h. You'll have to excuse me while I freshen up. I think I salivated on my keyboard in the process of writing that statement...
Adding fuel to the already hot fire is the inclusion of a permanent all-wheel drive system. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, this year-round touring vehicle can stand up to the elements without breaking a sweat.
Its MSRP starts at $262,600.
Driving the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
Speed-regulated zones in England and France somewhat restricted the GT Speed Convertible's wrath from being unfurled. That said, there's plenty of excitement and merriment to be honed in on despite certain limitations.
With the top up, the four-layer soft roof does an impeccable job of deadening intrusive sounds trying to manipulate their way inside the serene cabin.
With the top down, enjoy the full benefits of open-air cruising and pay close attention to the opera that comes out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible's rifled exhaust pipes. Pavarotti would be pleased to hear such a mellifluous note that penetrates the ears and leaves little to the imgination. It can growl sweet nothings to me all day.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
While there are shared parts between the Coupe and the Convertible, there are some striking differences, as well. Aside from the obvious drop-top, exclusive 21" alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and "rifled" exhaust tail pipes characterize the exterior of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible.
You'll find a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark- or light-tint chrome finish. Not to mention the Silver Lake exterior paint that pops against the cumulonimbus clouds.
Inside, a Linen-coloured hide greets the entrants. It is then accented with touches of imperial blue and burr walnut veneer. The fun doesn't stop there: The optional massage seats ($1,045) are a heavenly touch when embarking on a long journey. There's also the Naim for Bentley premium audio system, which (when not listening to the grunt and burble from the exhaust) had me singing praises (and pop songs) all day long.
The only drawback I found was the minimal storage the boot holds in the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed. There's only 260 litres back there. I know, not very impressive, but it does hold one large and one carry on suitcase. It could be worse. I'm not complaining.
Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
When comparing the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, there really isn't much that comes close. There is the Aston Martin DBS Volante, but it's technically a 2+2 and only has 510 horsepower -- yes, I said "only!" There's also the Ferrari California (again a 2+2 configuration) with 483 horsepower, and a top speed of 312 km/h.
You could easily say the GT Speed Convertible is in a class of its own, which it is, for more than one reason.
 |
What is the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible?
Aside from being as divine as a fresh pot of perfectly brewed English Breakfast tea, this Bentley takes the title of being the world's fastest four-passenger vehicle -- and I'm talking legitimate room for four people, not a 2+2 that holds a couple of individuals and perhaps a Corgi and maybe a dog toy, too.
Unveiled to the world at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible draws its inspiration from its GT Speed Coupe sibling, but with a twist: It goes topless.
 |
| Aside from being as divine as a fresh pot of perfectly brewed English Breakfast tea, this Bentley takes the title of being the world's fastest four-passenger vehicle (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible Price and Specs
If 6.0L, twin-turbocharged, W12 and 616 horsepower don't make you weak in the knees, this might: Drop the 8-speed, close-ratio transmission into gear, pop it in Sport mode (a mode that delivers a sharper throttle response and allows gear-shifting at higher engine speeds) and let the tingly sensation consume your inner being.
The potency of its hand-built engine combined with a trigger-happy right foot will leave the hair on your body blowing as you reach speeds of 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Furthermore, if you ever have the chance to truly experience its full glory, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 325 km/h. You'll have to excuse me while I freshen up. I think I salivated on my keyboard in the process of writing that statement...
Adding fuel to the already hot fire is the inclusion of a permanent all-wheel drive system. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, this year-round touring vehicle can stand up to the elements without breaking a sweat.
Its MSRP starts at $262,600.
 |
| If 6.0L, twin-turbocharged, W12 and 616 horsepower don't make you weak in the knees, this might: Drop the 8-speed, close-ratio transmission into gear and pop it in Sport mode. (Photo: Bentley) |
Driving the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
Speed-regulated zones in England and France somewhat restricted the GT Speed Convertible's wrath from being unfurled. That said, there's plenty of excitement and merriment to be honed in on despite certain limitations.
With the top up, the four-layer soft roof does an impeccable job of deadening intrusive sounds trying to manipulate their way inside the serene cabin.
With the top down, enjoy the full benefits of open-air cruising and pay close attention to the opera that comes out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible's rifled exhaust pipes. Pavarotti would be pleased to hear such a mellifluous note that penetrates the ears and leaves little to the imgination. It can growl sweet nothings to me all day.
 |
| With the top down, enjoy the full benefits of open-air cruising and pay close attention to the opera that comes out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible's rifled exhaust pipes. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
While there are shared parts between the Coupe and the Convertible, there are some striking differences, as well. Aside from the obvious drop-top, exclusive 21" alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and "rifled" exhaust tail pipes characterize the exterior of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible.
You'll find a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark- or light-tint chrome finish. Not to mention the Silver Lake exterior paint that pops against the cumulonimbus clouds.
Inside, a Linen-coloured hide greets the entrants. It is then accented with touches of imperial blue and burr walnut veneer. The fun doesn't stop there: The optional massage seats ($1,045) are a heavenly touch when embarking on a long journey. There's also the Naim for Bentley premium audio system, which (when not listening to the grunt and burble from the exhaust) had me singing praises (and pop songs) all day long.
The only drawback I found was the minimal storage the boot holds in the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed. There's only 260 litres back there. I know, not very impressive, but it does hold one large and one carry on suitcase. It could be worse. I'm not complaining.
 |
| Inside, a Linen-coloured hide greets the entrants. It is then accented with touches of imperial blue and burr walnut veneer. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
When comparing the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, there really isn't much that comes close. There is the Aston Martin DBS Volante, but it's technically a 2+2 and only has 510 horsepower -- yes, I said "only!" There's also the Ferrari California (again a 2+2 configuration) with 483 horsepower, and a top speed of 312 km/h.
You could easily say the GT Speed Convertible is in a class of its own, which it is, for more than one reason.