Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible for 2013

Dubbed as the “world’s fastest four-seater convertible”, Bentley has unveiled the new Continental GT Speed Convertible.

The GT Speed Convertible gets all of the speed-family accoutrements. What we can see is a matrix radiator grille hiding a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 with 616 hp and 800 Nm of torque, and is mated to an 8-speed ZF transmission, which allegedly betters fuel economy by 15%.

Additionally, the suspension has been lowered and beefed up to cope with the new title. Yes, you also get larger-rifled exhaust tips, inlet manifolds finished in black crackle and a “Mulliner Driving Specification” cabin. The 21-inch wheels seen are totally unique to this car. Also quite incredible is the fact that this car sports a torsional rigidity of 22,500 Nm/degree (which is only 500 Nm below that of a Lamborghini Gallardo coupe). All that ought to come handy to control the extra 220 kg added.

Still, when the GT Speed Convertible weighs 2,500 kg, what’s a few hundred going to do? Importantly though, the weight doesn’t scuttle performance: 0-100 kph comes in around 4.1 seconds, only a tenth shy of the coupe. Yes, the gap will stretch as you approach higher speeds. But don’t forget that this still is the “fastest four-seater convertible in the world” with a top speed of 325 kph.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is expected to make its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show this month. We expect a mid-summer entry for the flagship model in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of GCC.

Keep track of prices and specs in the Bentley Continental GT buyer guide.