Bentley created the modern luxury Grand Tourer segment in 2003. Now in its third generation, the Continental GT is the most agile ever. As a lover of cabriolets, I couldn’t resist to take their Convertible V8 for a spin. The Dragon Red II paintwork contrasts with the dark grey metallic hood complemented by 22” five open-spoke wheels in a painted finish.
The combination is sure to attract every- body’s attention wherever you go. However this is not a loud car by any means. At the end of the day, it is a Bentley: designed, engineered and handcrafted in Great Britain. Effortless elegance and refinement combine with unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology to deliver and unforgettable driving experience.
Its 4.0- litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542bhp and takes you from 0to 60mph in 3.9 seconds. This is as much “oomph!” as you’ll ever need. The roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph. When this girl lets her hair down, the fun truly starts. Fast and responsive, this GT Convertible fliesoff the pedal, grabs to the tarmac and feels truly connected to the driver.
Its exceptional handling is aided by front and rear anti-roll bars while Bentley’s intelligent Dynamic Ride System controls ride comfort and lateralroll, cushioning passengers from excessive movement. The air suspension uses three-chamber air springs for a silky smooth ride. An Active All-Wheel Drive System varies the front-to- rear torque split dependent on the driving situation.
The different modes available via the Bentley Drive Dynamics selector gives the driver the opportunity to explore the range of performance the car has to offer (I personally recommend Sport). The cabin is a tribute to handcrafted luxury. Mine came in dual-tone Linen and Beluga leather, with fascias and centre consolein Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, finished with contrast stitching.
The seats can be adjusted in 21 different ways for ultimate personalisation. The dashboard is a driver-focused instrument panel that comes with the optional Bentley Rotating Display, featuring a 12.3” touchscreen housedin a three-sided unit, which revolves the veneer to reveal the screen, as well as three elegant analogue dials (love it). This is a fabulous car in which to do long distance, a car for the open road, to share unforgettable journeys. A true Bentley.
OTR: £170,000
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