Bentley Uncovers Drop-Top Continental GTC Ahead of 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

CREWE, England — Bentley will reveal a convertible version of its recently renewed Continental GT coupe at next month's 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. Again named GTC, the convertible is a fabric-roofed, 6.0-liter W12-propelled four-seater like the previous-generation version, which debuted in 2006. This new car looks sharper and offers more rear room and more convenience features, although it will appear very familiar to anyone who has seen the previous iteration.

There are now Mercedes-style neck warmers for front-seat occupants. Optional 21-inch rims (20s are standard), increased power, retuned suspension and a revised torque split for the all-wheel-drive powertrain are the key improvements for this comprehensively re-engineered new model, which also rides on a wider track.

Output rises to 567 horsepower from 547 hp, and torque lifts slightly to 516 pound-feet, with 60 percent of these outputs now directed to the rear wheels rather than 50 percent previously. As with the latest GT coupe, a new Quickshift transmission allows faster gearchanges than before, although only six ratios are provided, while many competitors are now offering eight.

The air-sprung chassis has been upgraded compared to the previous GTC, yielding quicker steering and improved agility, although at 5,501 pounds this Bentley will be no Lotus when it comes to negotiating tight turns.

Despite its weight, the GTC will launch to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and 100 mph in 10.9 seconds, and tops out at a mighty 195 mph. City driving returns 11 mpg, while drivers can expect 19 mpg highway, figures that are expected to improve when the Continental is offered with a new turbocharged V8 next year.

Inside Line says: The return of a drop-top Continental was entirely predictable, and it's no less desirable for that. But Bentley lovers will be looking to new boss Wolfgang Durheimer to provide much fresher-looking new products in the future.