2012 Bentley Continental GTC

With a more muscular, defined stance the 2012 Continental GTC flaunts its new body with the confidence of a supermodel.  Being the first redesign since its debut in 2006, the GTC now comes with even more unmistakable Bentley presence.  Slightly longer with a wider track and higher waistline, the GTC now possesses a chiseled, sporting appearance that was largely absent from the first generation.  And with jeweled headlamps, stunning LED daytime running lights and these optional 21” 7-spoke wheels, the GTC becomes a car you just can’t take your eyes off.  And unlike most convertibles, you could argue that the GTC looks just as good or even better with the top up.  This extra charge heather paint choice further adds to the car’s elegant style.

(Stand-up 2)  Admittedly, with its scale busting weight of over 5,500 pounds the athlete you’re getting here is more like Prince Fielder and less like Brett Gardner.  But if you can’t appreciate the more powerful W12 engine’s 516 pound feet of endless torque than I guess a Bentley isn’t your cup of tea.  Now up to 567 horsepower, this E85 capable twin turbo 12-cylinder can overcome the GTC’s mass to propel it from 0-to-60mph in 4.5-seconds.  Top speed is 195mph and gas mileage of 11mpg city/19mpg highway means you pay a $3,000 gas guzzler tax.  A couple of trickle down drivetrain bits from the Continental SuperSports, like the Quickshift 6-speed automatic transmission and a rear biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system help to ratchet up the GTC’s spirited driving side.  But that’s not what this Bentley is all about.  There’s not nearly as much joy in pushing this car hard as there is in grand touring-type travel.  Putting the top down for a summer night’s cruise is where the GTC truly shines.  And with more legroom than before, the rear seats can accommodate a second couple for true 4-seat convertible fun.  And they sit deep too preventing the wind from ruining the experience.  And even without the wind screen in place, this cabin is as turbulence free as they come.  Optional ventilated and massaging seats with a neck warmer just add to the comfort.  The boot, if you will, is large enough for multiple bags with room to spare.  And because most GTC owners use their cars as daily drivers, Bentley paid special attention to interior convenience nuisances; activate the convertible top to go down and the climate control shuts off and vice versa.  And of course with the linen colored hides, chestnut veneer trim, deep pile carpets and cool-touch metal accents the handcrafted GTC is a sight to behold.

But don’t assume that just because the as tested price is over $242,000 that you’re buying automotive perfection.  For instance, the UVO system in the Kia Rio delivers a more modern, faster and in-depth infotainment system and even in their highest setting the cooled seats have little effect.  On the other hand if you’re an audiophile, the optional Naim system is $7,000 well spent.  With the Continental GTC – top-down British motoring has never looked so good.