Rarified Air: Comparing Luxury Convertibles – Bentley Continental GTC V-8 Convertible

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The Bentley Continental GTC V-8 Convertible

With a sticker price of about $193,115, the Bentley Continental GTC V-8 Convertible is cheaper (but still hardly affordable) than a comparable Ferrari California and offers a more Learjet atmosphere as opposed to the California’s fighter-jet feel. This is quiet money and I mean quiet. The level of hush is almost frightening. The level of thrust, however is smooth and comfortable but definitely as noticeable as being pushed back by a schoolyard bully.

Bentley installs a V-8 in place of the usual W-12. Supposedly,  excising four cylinders improves fuel economy, but strapping two turbos on top gives the same performance and allows you to sell more (very) expensive cars to more very wealthy people. Whatever the case, this is how the other half lives.

Let the top down and open up those two turbos and you will think that you are piloting a locomotive.

The sound is backed up by an Audi-derived twin-turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads with direct fuel injection. The V-8  is actually quicker than the twelve. In this drop top, 0 to 60 mph took just 4.2 ­seconds, 0.2 better than the W-12. The V-8 GTC could do the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds and goes past that mark all the way to 113 mph.  The 8-speed automatic (with manual shifting mode) engages gears softly, and selects them flawlessly. Fuel economy indeed improves, 15 mpg in the GTC versus the 14  from the W-12.

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I have about a few characters left to tell you about the  heated memory power seats, in premium grade leather and genuine Eucalyptus trim throughout the interior. 21-inch aluminum wheels, available in chrome and painted finishes. The Continental GTC V-8’s infotainment system features a high-resolution touch-screen interface for navigation and infotainment functions. A 14-speaker system, created exclusively for the Continental GTC. A rear reversing camera is also available, and with the optional neck warmer feature, a discreet vent in the seat just below the headrest provides a stream of warm air to take the chill off a spring or autumn drive.

You sit up rather high in a Bentley Continental GTC V-8 Convertible and deservedly so. You have made a sound purchase that will hold it’s value and give you a wonderfully satisfying car to motor in. Besides, it saves the planet, right?

Check out this video of Roman Mica reviewing a Rolls-Royce Ghost!