Is it possible for a car to be thrilling while indulging you in the scent of rich leather and the warmth of the afternoon sun on your skin? Well, Bentley has an answer for that. It's the 2017 Bentley Continental GTC, a sleek and muscular-styled grand tourer packing enough force to satisfy your inner speed demons and enough luxury to make royalty jealous. Also, with enough engine options and trim configurations – including a beastly 700-horsepower Supersports variant – the Continental GTC has enough power to quench anyone’s hunger for speed. Regardless, a 0 – 60 mph sprint comes at just under 4 seconds, closely followed by a top speed in excess of 200 mph! Step inside, and the jaw-dropping appeal continues, enveloping you in exquisitely handstitched, supple leather and gleaming wood veneers that display unparalleled craftsmanship. Of course, with great exclusivity comes a great price. From base models fetching a budget-ish $210,000 to a whopping $320,000 for the range-topping Supersports variants, the Continental GTC appeals to a wide circle of discerning drivers.
The Bentley Continental GT (first-generation) made its international debut at the 73rd edition of the Geneva Motor Show (2003) as a fast grand tourer and the brand’s first mass-produced car under the new, ever-efficient VW AG management. Not just that, the Continental GT packed the most powerful powerplant made by Bentley ever – a mighty 6-liter twin-turbo W12 developing a thunderous 560 horsepower. Of course, being the forerunner of exclusivity and sophistication, Bentley added several specifications and variants to the Continental GT lineup. These ranged from lavish Mulliner Driving Specification to drop-top convertible (called the GTC) and performance-oriented variants like the power-hungry Speed and track-focused Supersports trims. Over the years, the first-gen Continental GT evolved, ushering in slight, quite modern design upgrades and other technological refinements to keep it relevant. By 2011, Bentley introduced the second-generation Continental GT, paving the way for bolder, more contemporary design language, state-of-the-art tech, and exciting engine options.
For the 2017 model year, a new variant joins the Continental GT family. The Supersports variants push automotive boundaries further, featuring a 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine developing a screaming 700 horsepower and a physics-defying 1,017 Nm of torque, enough to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a staggering 3.4 seconds. Of course, a mind-bending top speed of 207 mph deserves its own spotlight, too. Regardless, step down the trim level, and the symphony of power remains, with capable 6-liter Biturbo W12 engines developing a beastly 580 to 635 horsepower in the Speed variants. Moreover, there’s always the option of 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engines, promising a more spirited yet robust performance. Eventually, a 0 to 60 mph run comes in at around 4.5 seconds (or less) as the 5,000-pound Bentley hurries to a top speed of 200 mph. Still, all variants sport an 8-speed automatic transmission (Quickshift for the Supersports) for channelling power to all four wheels. Other performance enhancements include carbon-ceramic brakes, sharpened (yet pillowy) suspension, and lowered ride height for a more agile and predatory stance.
As a testament to an unwavering commitment to luxury and exquisite craftsmanship, the Continental GTC offers a unique blend of an elegant, quite sophisticated cabin with hints of cutting-edge technology that redefines the essence of grand touring. Top-notch, handstitched leather decorates the cabin in a dizzying array of (two-tone) color combinations, ranging from creamy Sand Beige and Camel to dark-stained Boxster Red and Charcoal Black. Cream to Imperial Blue Closely following such sumptuousness are the authentic Diamond Burl wood trims – available in gloss Piano Black, dark-tinted Burr Walnut, and more – that exhibit the dashboard, center stack, steering wheel, and upper door trims in a seamless manner. On the topic of build quality, solid-feeling, chrome knurled knobs and dials dot the cabin, beckoning to be touched. Yet, amidst the quiet cocoon, there’s no ignoring the cutting-edge technology that incorporates an electronically-controlled soft-top convertible, a crisp touchscreen infotainment system, powered seats (with built-in heated and ventilated functionalities), and a premium NAIM sound system for an uplifted acoustic experience.
With a silhouette that’s both timelessly elegant and aggressively modern, the Continental GTC is promised (or perhaps meant) to turn heads wherever it goes. At the front, a classic Bentley matrix grille stands proud, flanked by sleek, crystal-like LED headlamps and round-shaped DRLs. Towards the side, massive 21-inch multi-spoke alloys scream for attention, adding a commanding presence to the side profile alongside the wide, quite brawny haunches they fit in. At last, the Continental GTC’s drop-top magic comes into the full picture, creating an allure of luxury under the open sky. Finally, we move to the sculpted back, revealing twin oval-shaped tailpipes, a set of B-shaped LED taillamps, and a subtle rear diffuser that adds a sporty element to an exterior so elegant.
Of course, the Bentley Continental GTC is incomplete without its state-of-the-art technology that utilizes a squadron of driver-centric features for the sake of creating an unparalleled driving experience. These include modern convenience features, like heated/ventilated seats, a touchscreen infotainment system (allowing access to sat-nav, multimedia controls, and phone connectivity), self-levelling suspension, drive select mode, and a NAIM (premium) sound system to create a haven of sophisticated comfort. Luckily, the car's safety centers around technology, too, utilizing features like adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera, parking sensors, ABS, and airbags for unparalleled peace of mind behind the wheel.
The 2017 Bentley Continental GTC was offered in five distinct yet enticing trims. We begin with the 'budget-friendly' performance-focused twin-turbo V8 trims (V8 and V8 S) fetching a staggering $210,000 – $220,000, excluding options. Then there are the high-on-power W12 variants (W12 and W12 Speed) that commanded a strong $240,000 and above before we conclude with the limited-series Supersports variants that soared well above the $320,000 mark, epitomizing exclusivity and refinement. Ready to pay a premium for such a premium car? Then head to the selected Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader now to browse your dream Bentley convertible.
Safe to say, the 2017 Bentley Continental GTC is a testament to the British marque's long-lasting legacy of crafting exquisite and powerful machines that are both breathtaking to look at and thrilling to drive. Exotic Car Trader presents an extensive portfolio of exotic cars eager to exchange hands. At Exotic Car Trader, we understand and promote an effortless car-buying journey, all thanks to our straightforward car-buying guide. Additionally, users may benefit from our transparent car-selling guide that utilizes market-best practices and trends to guarantee a safe and secure deal.
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