2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible: First Look
- Competes with: Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Looks like: The “world’s fastest coupe” has some convertible company
- Drivetrain: 616-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 and eight-speed automatic
- Hits dealerships: TBD
Bentley is claiming the title of “world’s fastest convertible” for the drop-top version of its Continental GT Speed; the convertible joins the lineup for 2013.
The British automaker is putting some impressive numbers behind its claim. Power comes from the coupe version’s 616-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The coupe model’s new twin-turbo V-8 isn’t available on the convertible.
Bentley claims a top speed of 202 mph and a zero to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. A Sport mode delivers sharper throttle response and alters shift points, according to the automaker.
Like its GT Speed coupe sibling, the soft-top convertible wears the same distinctive front end with four circular lights and a dark mesh-style grille that drops over the front bumper. The rear end features prominent flared fenders, twin oval exhaust tips and chrome-accented tail lamps. It rides on model-specific 21-inch silver or dark-tint alloy wheels.
Inside, the seats and surfaces are swathed in diamond-quilted leather, and shoppers can choose between aluminum or carbon fiber trim and accent it with several types of wood trim.
This range-topping Bentley won’t be cheap. Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but coupe versions of the 2013 Continental GT Speed start at $217,725, including a $2,725 destination fee. We’ll know more about the car after its debut on Jan. 14 at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Check out more photos of Malibu Barbie’s new ride below.
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Hellbent on finding a journalism job after earning an English degree from DePaul University, I stumbled into the automotive industry in 2003 — much to the delight of my Corvette-obsessed dad. After working as an editor at Consumer Guide Automotive for several years, I joined Cars.com in 2011 and am currently an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. I wear a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan. My first car was a 1994 Mercury Tracer, and I currently drive a 2012 Mazda5.
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