Bentley gave us a completely revamped Continental GT a short time ago, and now we get its airy twin, the Continental GT Convertible. Making its debut right before the L.A. Auto Show begins, the topless Bentley incorporates everything new and good about the redesigned Conti. It’ll come with the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine making 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, just like the coupe.
Styling for the drop top is elegant but doesn’t distance itself much from the coupe beyond the obvious lack of a roof. That’s totally fine, because the new Continental GT is stunning either way. Bentley has an option for old-school tweed lovers out there too: a roof made of the stuff. Details on how such a roof is possible haven’t yet been spelled out, but we’re guessing it isn’t made of your traditional (not waterproof) tweed.
A couple different technology packages will be offered at launch. One is called “City,” and adds hands-free trunk operation, traffic-sign recognition, city braking systems and a top-view camera. The other is called “Touring” and it tacks on adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, a head-up display, infrared night vision camera and pre-sense braking. Frankly, it feels like many of these options should be standard like they are on a $30,000 Honda Accord.
All the other pertinent equipment is virtually identical with the 2019 Continental GT we already drove. It has the three-chamber air springs, 48-volt-controlled active anti-roll bars and enough brakes to stop a 200-car train. To be exact, ten-piston clampers are up front and four-piston calipers do the job in the rear. That’s 28 pistons if anyone cares to count.
Price and availability aren’t out yet, but perhaps Bentley will tell us more when the car is shown at the L.A. Auto Show. The hardtop Conti starts at $214,600, so expect a hefty price increase from that, especially if you check the box for tweed …