Borrowing from the Continental GT's success, Bentley unveiled its convertible variant, the Continental GTC (Grand Touring Convertible), in 2005. Later, in 2009, the GTC received the Speed specification, adding more power and agility to the already intoxicating thrill of open-air driving. Like the original, the 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is not only a car built for all seasons but also for different driving requirements. It aces cruising down the highway as well as holding its own against today's grand tourers and even managing to run circles around some of them. One of its biggest strengths that makes it appealing is that, like today's Continental GTC Speed, Bentley didn't sacrifice anything in the 2014 GTC Speed. Let's ignore the rear seats and limited trunk space. Despite its focus on performance and driving dynamics, it still has the automaker's refinement all over it. So, what does it have under the hood?
Driving a convertible with the outside atmosphere inside the cabin is an experience everyone should have at least once. Sure, the 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is heavy, tipping the scales at around 5,500 pounds, but it certainly doesn't drive like anything within the same weight class. This is thanks to the 616 horsepower and 590 lb.ft twin-turbo W12 that bellies all the extra weight from the roof mechanism and chassis bracing. Peak power arrives at just 2,000 rpm translating to surprisingly quick acceleration times for a car of its size and weight. 0-60 takes 4.1 seconds, and you'll hit the speed limiter at 202 mph, even with the roof down.
The 2014 Bentley Continental GTSC Speed's doors are just as big as other proportions. When opened, they reveal the luxury enclosed within the beautifully sculptured body. Like in any convertible, the first thing you should do after stepping in is lower the roof and windows and let the daylight shine on the beautiful leather seats, rich wood veneers on the dash, and chrome-finished trimmings. Putting up the wind deflector, if any, shouldn't bother you, as what's the point of lowering the roof without enjoying some wind? Though comfort was never an afterthought when designing the cabin layout, Bentley must have added the rear seats postscript. They're uncomfortable to sit in and lack even the basic amenities you'd expect when paying a quarter of a million for a grand tourer in 2010.
Like its coupe sibling, the 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed adopts a darker trim aesthetic to match its more athletic character than the regular GTC. Still, being a Bentley, it doesn't lack a touch of shine on the grille, headlight surrounds on the front end, taillight surrounds, and exhaust tips on the rear end. It's no surprise that the car's overall aesthetic is better with the roof lowered as it dilutes the roof curvature you'd see on the coupe. Bet it would have looked way better if Bentley had used a hard top instead of a soft top. But again, that would mean more weight.
Tech deficiency is a weakness of Bentleys from that era, but the 2014 Continental GTC Speed can be described as prioritizing the driving experience over complex displays. Besides the TFT display on the instrument cluster and the infotainment display, everything else is analog, resulting in a simple aesthetic; thus, you don't have to deal with a tech learning curve. The seat functionalities are easy to control and every convenience function is within reach. The driver and safety features suite is well-equipped with everything you can ask for. The only drawback is that some examples will not have adaptive cruise control, as it was a charged option during production. But on the plus side, you might get one with the optional massaging and ventilated front seats.
Quite a few cars over a decade old are worth buying, especially if you're looking in the grand tourer bracket. The 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is among the best you can get your hands on. It still has the Bentley magnetism, and it's luxurious and quite a contender for showing off performance prowess. The monetary outlay? Expect to spend between $70,000 and 80,000 if you're in the market for one. If you can't find the right one, you can check Exotic Car Trader's Bentley listings or give us a call if you have intricate specifics in mind. Rest assured, we'll have you driving home in one sooner than you think.
Convertibles are meant to be elegant, stylish, and good-looking, but the 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed adds thrilling performance to that. And that's not even considering the sheer joy of experiencing the elements with the top down. Is there any other reason you need to buy one? Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! So, is the 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed still worth considering? Absolutely. If you can find a well-maintained example, it won't disappoint.
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