They say money can’t buy happiness, but what it can buy you is a 200-mph topless luxury grand tourer with a throbbing W12 at your right foot’s disposal. The 2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed offers a captivating blend of luxury and performance, embracing you in a symphony of solid, handcrafted materials that speak volumes of royalty and sophistication. A 6-liter W12 twin-turbo W12 powers the GTC Speed, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds. Bury the throttle, and it'll charge past the 200-mph barrier in no time. More importantly, the GTC Speed delivers it in style (or, perhaps, sophistication). A quick look at its breathtaking sculpture and exquisite interior and the inevitable question of its six-figure price tag – a whopping $236,100 – seems justifiable. So, is this sanctuary of sophistication worth the hype? Let’s find out.
Bentley’s Continental GT follows a prestigious lineage, dating back to the early 1950s when Bentley introduced the R-Type Continental, a luxurious fastback packed the ‘grand tourer’ essentials, including a powerful six-cylinder engine and a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette. The Continental nameplate was officially revived in 2002, marking the British marque’s first foray into mass-production vehicles under the stewardship of the VW Group. However, it wasn't until 2006 that the GT's drop-top version – named the GTC – was unveiled, offering a wind-in-your-hair experience while retaining the coupe's elegance and performance. Yet, Bentley wasn’t done yet. By 2007, it ushered in the GT ‘Speed’ variants, which embodied greater performance and agile handling, closely followed by its convertible sibling. The evolution took a step further as Bentley set to launch the second generation of the Continental GT in 2011, paving the way for bolder styling, advanced technology, and newer engine options.
Underneath the hood breathes a revised 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine outputting a beastly 600 horsepower and a neck-snapping 553 lb-ft of torque. The marvel of an engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox that channels the power to all four wheels through an intelligent AWD drivetrain. The result? A 0 to 60 mph run is possible in nearly 4.5 seconds, charging all the way up to a staggering top speed of 200 mph – with the roof up, of course. However, the GTC Speed isn’t all about straight-line dominance. It couples a finetuned, quite nippier suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, lower ride height, and other performance-enhancing upgrades to become a well-rounded grand tourer that you may take out for a spin on the track.
The Continental GTC Speed sports a cabin drenched in luxury, gracing exquisite, high-grade two-tone leather grade of the finest Beluga hide from top to bottom. Body-sculpted, bucket-like seats dominate the cabin, showcasing intricate handstitched diamond patterns that echo Bentley’s meticulous attention to detail. Also, bespoke individualization reigns supreme here, offering up to 17 unique, distinct interior colors. However, the individualization doesn’t end there. The cabin hosts a staggering collection of wood veneers, ranging from the classic Dark Burr Walnut’s warmth to the Piano Black’s mirror-like gloss. Eventually, the classic theme lingers on as the cabin incorporates solid, chrome knurled knobs, elegant analog dials, and a crown-jewel-like Breitling timepiece that adds an aura of ageless beauty to the overall cabin aesthetics. Finally, the GTC Speed's pièce de résistance - the soft-top roof - unfolds gracefully to reveal a vast expanse of azure sky.
On the outside, the GTC Speed strikes the eye with a bold silhouette that is both commanding and undeniably Bentley. At the front sits a gleaming Bentley matrix grille, separated by classic round-shaped (bi-xenon) headlamps that ensure visibility as clear as the grand tourer’s lineage. The boldness carries towards the side, dominated by unique 20-inch alloy wheels housing the optional carbon ceramic brakes. Also on the sides are protruding, quite flared fenders that couple sharply creased body lines to pay homage to the car's performance prowess. Still, there's no ignoring the soft-top roof that gracefully unfolds at speeds of up to 75 mpg, revealing a world of open-air exhilaration. At the rear, source a styled (power-opening and closing) boot and a brief boot lip spoiler highlighting the car's aerodynamic prowess.
The Continental GTC Speed doesn't shy away from adopting cutting-edge technology for an unparalleled driving experience. From the marvel of engineering that is the 6-liter W12 engine to the self-leveling air suspension, the GTC Speed delivers what it promises – unyielding power and poise. Meanwhile, step inside its plush embrace and find a squadron of luxury and convenience features such as 14-way (heated and ventilated) powered seats with massage functionalities, 14-speaker premium NAIM sound system featuring two subwoofers, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry, all seamlessly integrated for a user-friendly, quite intuitive interface. However, the wizardry doesn’t just end there. The GTC Speed incorporates active (and passive) safety features – including rear-view camera, (front and rear) parking sensors, radar-guided cruise control, ABS, airbags, and a rollover protection system – that ensure a driving experience that is as secure as it is luxurious.
Back when it was new, the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed could be yours at a staggering $236,100. Of course, begin ticking the optional extras like the carbon-ceramics, 1,100-watt premium NAIM sound system, adaptive cruise control, and the rear-view camera, and you'd be breaking the bank at nearly $250,000 or more. Want to pinnacle of luxury without burning a (massive) hole in your pocket? Discover a curated list of Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to drive home your dream machine.
The 2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed – a marriage of luxury and performance – embodies the true spirit of luxury grand touring befitting the flying B badge. At Exotic Car Trader, find hundreds of exotic cars – modern or otherwise classic – eager to exchange hands. It encourages an effortless car-buying experience that uses a straightforward car-buying guide, eliminating the need for haggling with private dealers and buyers. Additionally, we promote safe and secure dealing through our laid-out car-selling services that utilize market-best practices and the latest industry fraud detection tools to ensure a smooth car-selling experience.
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