Bentley Continental GT Convertible 4.0 V8 (A) Review
04 Feb 2013|17,954 views
The Bentley Continental GT is an awesome car. I remembered taking the original 6.0-litre W12 version home years ago after a photoshoot and it was raining cats and dogs. But with four-wheel drive, putting 552bhp to the ground wasn't a problem and it was still incredibly quick.
This time round, thankfully, the weather was nice and sunny, allowing us to pilot the topless version of the Continental GT that sports a new 'entry-level' engine.
Exterior
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 received the same makeover as the Coupe version last year. On first glance, not much appears to have changed but nearly all the panels are new. This shows how well the original design was penned.
There are, however, a few cues for train spotters to differentiate the V8 from its W12 sibling. The enamel Bentley badge is in red (versus black for W12), the front grille is painted in a high gloss black and the air intakes on the lower part of the front bumper are shaped differently. The two at the sides flanking the centre are larger than those on the W12, too.
This time round, thankfully, the weather was nice and sunny, allowing us to pilot the topless version of the Continental GT that sports a new 'entry-level' engine.
Exterior
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 received the same makeover as the Coupe version last year. On first glance, not much appears to have changed but nearly all the panels are new. This shows how well the original design was penned.
There are, however, a few cues for train spotters to differentiate the V8 from its W12 sibling. The enamel Bentley badge is in red (versus black for W12), the front grille is painted in a high gloss black and the air intakes on the lower part of the front bumper are shaped differently. The two at the sides flanking the centre are larger than those on the W12, too.
From the rear, the 'figure eight' exhaust tips provide the sole visual clue. Our test car was also shod with enormous 21-inch wheels and sticky 275/35R21 Pirelli P-zero rubber. Like the rest of the badging on the car, the 'B' logo centre caps are also in red. At a cursory glance, the GTC V8 looks like it's the bigger engined brethren. We reckon some may even prefer the sportier looks of the black out grille and intakes.
Additionally, a black roof was fitted on our car, but being a
Bentley, nearly every hue is available. Like most convertibles, the car looks much better topless, especially since the flowing C-pillar of the coupe isn't replicated by the fabric roof - all the more better to spend 25 seconds to go al-fresco each time…
Interior
Inside, fit and finish is what one will expect from a car costing more than most five-room HDB flats. Everything looks and feels expensive. From the aluminium seatback release to the knurled shift lever - there is nothing in the cabin of the Bentley that will not make you feel like you're travelling first class.
The two-toned leather seats with diamond-patterned trim and
cooling functions are plush yet provide enough support. Being a 2+2, the GTC, unfortunately, isn't meant for four full-sized adults. The rear seats are a tad cramp and are best used by kids or friends who really want a joy ride over shorter distances.
Inside, fit and finish is what one will expect from a car costing more than most five-room HDB flats. Everything looks and feels expensive. From the aluminium seatback release to the knurled shift lever - there is nothing in the cabin of the Bentley that will not make you feel like you're travelling first class.
The two-toned leather seats with diamond-patterned trim and
cooling functions are plush yet provide enough support. Being a 2+2, the GTC, unfortunately, isn't meant for four full-sized adults. The rear seats are a tad cramp and are best used by kids or friends who really want a joy ride over shorter distances.
Apart from the analogue Breitling clock located on the centre console, the metal air vents help impart a sense of luxury and old world charm - just to remind you that the car is still made back in the 'empire' at Crewe. It's somehow all these little things that add up to give the GTC a special feel to it as it rightly should for a car of this price.
The Drive
The 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 in the Bentley GTC was developed in conjunction with Audi, developing a massive 500bhp and a mountain-moving 660Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the GTC V8 is a cinch to drive. There's more than enough torque from low revs to hustle the 2.4 tonne car to illegal speeds.
Moving off from a standstill, the GTC V8 feels lithe and the only
time one is aware of the size (and weight) of the car is on narrow single lane roads. Driven like a GT with the top down on roads with scant traffic, there's little wind buffeting although a wind deflector can be erected when the rear seats are not being used.
Six piston front calipers painted in red provide the stopping power needed. It was just unfortunate that we didn't really get to test if the brakes will fade with on-limit handling. We assume most owners won't drive it like a hooligan but rather enjoy the scenery and admiring glances.
The 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 in the Bentley GTC was developed in conjunction with Audi, developing a massive 500bhp and a mountain-moving 660Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the GTC V8 is a cinch to drive. There's more than enough torque from low revs to hustle the 2.4 tonne car to illegal speeds.
Moving off from a standstill, the GTC V8 feels lithe and the only
time one is aware of the size (and weight) of the car is on narrow single lane roads. Driven like a GT with the top down on roads with scant traffic, there's little wind buffeting although a wind deflector can be erected when the rear seats are not being used.
Six piston front calipers painted in red provide the stopping power needed. It was just unfortunate that we didn't really get to test if the brakes will fade with on-limit handling. We assume most owners won't drive it like a hooligan but rather enjoy the scenery and admiring glances.
The air suspension can be adjusted from soft to firm (as well as raised to clear kerbs) and the ride, despite the massive wheels, is composed and planted - never harsh.
Best thing to do in the car? Put the top down, pull back on the fixed position paddle shifters, put your right foot down and hear the engine blip as it shifts down and guns towards the next light. The exhaust note is addictive and the horizon is reeled in at a good rate.
Conclusion
Bragging rights aside, there is no reason to opt for the W12 over this so-called 'entry level' model. The V8 powered GTC doesn't lose any appeal vis-à-vis its larger engine sibling. It sounds good, is just as fast in everyday situations, less thirsty and more environmentally friendly.
What's more, according to Wearnes Automotive, the topless version is more popular with the fairer sex as well.
Best thing to do in the car? Put the top down, pull back on the fixed position paddle shifters, put your right foot down and hear the engine blip as it shifts down and guns towards the next light. The exhaust note is addictive and the horizon is reeled in at a good rate.
Conclusion
Bragging rights aside, there is no reason to opt for the W12 over this so-called 'entry level' model. The V8 powered GTC doesn't lose any appeal vis-à-vis its larger engine sibling. It sounds good, is just as fast in everyday situations, less thirsty and more environmentally friendly.
What's more, according to Wearnes Automotive, the topless version is more popular with the fairer sex as well.
The Bentley Continental GT is an awesome car. I remembered taking the original 6.0-litre W12 version home years ago after a photoshoot and it was raining cats and dogs. But with four-wheel drive, putting 552bhp to the ground wasn't a problem and it was still incredibly quick.
This time round, thankfully, the weather was nice and sunny, allowing us to pilot the topless version of the Continental GT that sports a new 'entry-level' engine.Exterior
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 received the same makeover as the Coupe version last year. On first glance, not much appears to have changed but nearly all the panels are new. This shows how well the original design was penned.
There are, however, a few cues for train spotters to differentiate the V8 from its W12 sibling. The enamel Bentley badge is in red (versus black for W12), the front grille is painted in a high gloss black and the air intakes on the lower part of the front bumper are shaped differently. The two at the sides flanking the centre are larger than those on the W12, too.
This time round, thankfully, the weather was nice and sunny, allowing us to pilot the topless version of the Continental GT that sports a new 'entry-level' engine.Exterior
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 received the same makeover as the Coupe version last year. On first glance, not much appears to have changed but nearly all the panels are new. This shows how well the original design was penned.
There are, however, a few cues for train spotters to differentiate the V8 from its W12 sibling. The enamel Bentley badge is in red (versus black for W12), the front grille is painted in a high gloss black and the air intakes on the lower part of the front bumper are shaped differently. The two at the sides flanking the centre are larger than those on the W12, too.
From the rear, the 'figure eight' exhaust tips provide the sole visual clue. Our test car was also shod with enormous 21-inch wheels and sticky 275/35R21 Pirelli P-zero rubber. Like the rest of the badging on the car, the 'B' logo centre caps are also in red. At a cursory glance, the GTC V8 looks like it's the bigger engined brethren. We reckon some may even prefer the sportier looks of the black out grille and intakes.
Additionally, a black roof was fitted on our car, but being a
Bentley, nearly every hue is available. Like most convertibles, the car looks much better topless, especially since the flowing C-pillar of the coupe isn't replicated by the fabric roof - all the more better to spend 25 seconds to go al-fresco each time…
Additionally, a black roof was fitted on our car, but being a
Bentley, nearly every hue is available. Like most convertibles, the car looks much better topless, especially since the flowing C-pillar of the coupe isn't replicated by the fabric roof - all the more better to spend 25 seconds to go al-fresco each time…
Interior
Inside, fit and finish is what one will expect from a car costing more than most five-room HDB flats. Everything looks and feels expensive. From the aluminium seatback release to the knurled shift lever - there is nothing in the cabin of the Bentley that will not make you feel like you're travelling first class.
The two-toned leather seats with diamond-patterned trim and
cooling functions are plush yet provide enough support. Being a 2+2, the GTC, unfortunately, isn't meant for four full-sized adults. The rear seats are a tad cramp and are best used by kids or friends who really want a joy ride over shorter distances.
Inside, fit and finish is what one will expect from a car costing more than most five-room HDB flats. Everything looks and feels expensive. From the aluminium seatback release to the knurled shift lever - there is nothing in the cabin of the Bentley that will not make you feel like you're travelling first class.
The two-toned leather seats with diamond-patterned trim and
cooling functions are plush yet provide enough support. Being a 2+2, the GTC, unfortunately, isn't meant for four full-sized adults. The rear seats are a tad cramp and are best used by kids or friends who really want a joy ride over shorter distances.
Apart from the analogue Breitling clock located on the centre console, the metal air vents help impart a sense of luxury and old world charm - just to remind you that the car is still made back in the 'empire' at Crewe. It's somehow all these little things that add up to give the GTC a special feel to it as it rightly should for a car of this price.
The Drive
The 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 in the Bentley GTC was developed in conjunction with Audi, developing a massive 500bhp and a mountain-moving 660Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the GTC V8 is a cinch to drive. There's more than enough torque from low revs to hustle the 2.4 tonne car to illegal speeds.
Moving off from a standstill, the GTC V8 feels lithe and the only
time one is aware of the size (and weight) of the car is on narrow single lane roads. Driven like a GT with the top down on roads with scant traffic, there's little wind buffeting although a wind deflector can be erected when the rear seats are not being used.
Six piston front calipers painted in red provide the stopping power needed. It was just unfortunate that we didn't really get to test if the brakes will fade with on-limit handling. We assume most owners won't drive it like a hooligan but rather enjoy the scenery and admiring glances.
The air suspension can be adjusted from soft to firm (as well as raised to clear kerbs) and the ride, despite the massive wheels, is composed and planted - never harsh.
Best thing to do in the car? Put the top down, pull back on the fixed position paddle shifters, put your right foot down and hear the engine blip as it shifts down and guns towards the next light. The exhaust note is addictive and the horizon is reeled in at a good rate.
Conclusion
Bragging rights aside, there is no reason to opt for the W12 over this so-called 'entry level' model. The V8 powered GTC doesn't lose any appeal vis-à-vis its larger engine sibling. It sounds good, is just as fast in everyday situations, less thirsty and more environmentally friendly.
What's more, according to Wearnes Automotive, the topless version is more popular with the fairer sex as well.
Best thing to do in the car? Put the top down, pull back on the fixed position paddle shifters, put your right foot down and hear the engine blip as it shifts down and guns towards the next light. The exhaust note is addictive and the horizon is reeled in at a good rate.
Conclusion
Bragging rights aside, there is no reason to opt for the W12 over this so-called 'entry level' model. The V8 powered GTC doesn't lose any appeal vis-à-vis its larger engine sibling. It sounds good, is just as fast in everyday situations, less thirsty and more environmentally friendly.
What's more, according to Wearnes Automotive, the topless version is more popular with the fairer sex as well.
Car Information
Bentley Continental GT Convertible 4.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.2km/L
Horsepower
373kW (500 bhp)
Torque
660 Nm
Acceleration
4.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Bentley Continental GT ConvertibleThank You For Your Subscription.