2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

CREWE, England — The new 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible will debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show as a companion to last year's Continental Supersports coupe. Bentley claims its new model is the world's fastest four-seat convertible and the fastest Bentley drop top ever. The car goes on sale worldwide mid-summer.

The performance specs would appear to back up that claim.

The Continental Supersports Convertible gets the potent twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that's rated at 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Like the rest of the 2011 Continental range, it is also flex-fuel capable, meaning it can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol. The engine drives all four wheels through a revised ZF six-speed Quickshift automatic gearbox.

Bentley says the combination provides 0-60-mph acceleration in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph.

The Continental Supersports Convertible rides on 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 high-performance rubber. Bentley has widened the rear track, retuned the suspension system and fitted carbon-ceramic brakes to further enhance the car's high-speed capability.

The convertible features a cockpit trimmed in satin-finish carbon fiber, Alcantara and soft-grip leather.

A new Convenience Pack for all Continental models bundles adaptive cruise control, an iPod interface, front seat massage function, telephone handsets and a rearview camera.

Inside Line says: No prices yet, but the Continental Supersports coupe starts at $269,595. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent