Bentley Continental GTC In Depth

Press Release

Page 1 ??????????????????????????????????????? Overview
Page 2 ??????????????????????????????????????? Design
Page 3 ??????????????????????????????????????? Interior
Page 4 ??????????????????????????????????????? Exterior
Page 5 ??????????????????????????????????????? Suspension
Page 6 ??????????????????????????????????????? Powertrain
Page 7 ??????????????????????????????????????? Specs

Interior design

By its very nature a convertible Bentley is the perfect car to demonstrate the unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury which abounds throughout its cabin. Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, explains the importance of ensuring that the exterior and interior designs work in harmony:

???????????????????????????????????With the roof stowed you immediately notice how the interior is beautifully framed by a continuous strip of stainless steel that runs around the waist line. Within this frame the interior is a combination of the finest handcrafted leather, wood and polished metals. It is the ultimate showcase for the skills of Bentley??????????????????????????????????????s incredible craftsmen and craftswomen.????????????????????????????????

The symmetrical theme of the fascia, which echoes the shape of the Bentley wings, is reflected through the cabin and onto the leather hide tonneau cover. As with a tailor-made suit, the tonneau cover has carefully positioned stitch lines, highlighting its form and craftsmanship.

The front seats have a new sculpted rear which produces an additional 30mm (1.2 inches) of knee-space in the rear.

In the rear of the Continental GTC the centre console finishes with a veneered panel just behind the front armrests, therefore leaving the rear seats as an uninterrupted surface of leather hide, optimising the maximum space for the proportion of the car.

As with all Bentley interior design, great attention to detail has been paid to the jewellery in the car, using a mix of polished and satin metals, such as you might find in modern watch design. Between the rear seats there is access to allow skis to be passed through from the boot area. The boot can also hold two golf bags, and of course plenty of luggage, making this a truly practical convertible.

The inner roof of the Continental GTC is trimmed with a very high quality fabric that looks like the slung headliner in the original coachbuilt Bentleys. Customers have a choice of eight headlining colours enabling them to create a luxuriously light feel or a darker, more sporting ambience.

Craftsmanship

Naturally, wood veneers and leather hides remain an integral part of the Bentley furniture and, when on show in the convertible Continental GTC, prove that these most traditional materials can convey a truly contemporary feel. Though craftsmanship remains as important as ever, these enduring skills have been complemented by some 21st century technology allowing, for instance, wood veneer to be dramatically curved in a way that would simply not have been possible in the past.

Small but ingenious design touches highlight the difference between a Bentley and other cars. For example, a beautiful satin metal wind-stop can be attached across the rear seats. Made of chrome and aluminium, it folds and stores in the boot when not in use.

Craftsmanship key features

Sharing much of its specification with its Continental GT and Flying Spur stablemates, the key craftsmanship attributes of the Continental GTC convertible are:

• Burr walnut wood veneers applied to the fascia, upper door trim and front console.

• Choice of alternative veneers: Birds Eye Maple, Madrona, Piano Black, Dark-stained Burr walnut

• Wood veneers are cut using the latest laser technology. They are then lacquered by hand before being machined and polished.

• The finished wood veneer is applied to new aluminium substrates that are more thermally stable than before, enhancing durability and flexibility.

• The wood veneer is, as with all Bentleys, book-matched to create perfect symmetry, with one side exactly reflecting the other.

• Bentley is unique among car makers in using natural, unbleached wood veneers.

• Premium A-grade leather hides in one of 17 colours cover the seating, door panels, waistrails, dashboard and rear tonneau cover.

• Carpets and seatbelts to match all hides.

• The finest leather hides are imported from Northern Europe because insects that can damage the quality of the finished leather don't like colder climates.

• Hide-trimmed multi-function steering wheel and chrome-trimmed gear selector.

• It takes approximately eight hours to trim a steering wheel.

• The steering wheel is double-stitched by hand using two needles simultaneously.

• Classic Bentley brightwork decorates the Continental GTC. Iconic symbols such as the ?????????????????????????????????Winged B?????????????????????????????????????? badge and the matrix grille grace the exterior, while bulls-eye ventilation outlets with their organ stop controls sit alongside unique chrome knurled switchgear that was inspired by blending contemporary jewellery with switches from vintage Bentleys.

Interior features and technology

Continental GTC owners will want for nothing inside their car, whether behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger. The car is equipped with the latest advanced cabin technology from its electro-hydraulically operated soft fabric roof, power-latching doors and fully adjustable electric front seats (that are also heated with an optional massage function), to its climate control and advanced infotainment system.

Interior key features:

• True 2+2 configuration with improved rear legroom over Continental GT coup??????????????????.

• Fully adjustable electric front seats incorporating three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with optional massage facility.

• Rear seat panel removable to reveal lockable ski hatch.

• Electronic climate control system.

• Comprehensive infotainment system includes:

  • DVD satellite navigation system with route guidance and post-code entry

  • Optional television tuner (except for US market)

  • Premium audio system

  • Climate control operation

  • Computerised suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings).

  • 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment.

• BluetoothTM remote SIM access profile telephone system with wireless connectivity for rSAP-enabled telephones, most BluetoothTM-enabled telephones and onboard SIM-card reader.

• Telephone voice dialling (n/a Japan)

• Keyless entry and keyless ignition system.

• Power latching to both doors for easy exit and entry.

• Console-mounted start/stop button (in conjunction with keyless ignition).

• Electronic park brake with move-off assist (move-off assist n/a for USA).

• Column-mounted gearshift paddles.

• Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver??????????????????????????????????????s footrest.

• Comprehensive anti-theft and immobiliser systems.

• A range of Mulliner options is available from launch, enabling each customer to personalise the specification of his or her new Continental GTC. These comprise:

  • Aluminium fascia panels

  • Contrast stitching to seats and door panels and embossed ?????????????????????????????????BENTLEY?????????????????????????????????????? to seat facings

  • 4-spoke wood and hide steering wheel

  • Lambswool rugs for front footwells

  • Deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming

  • Choice of premium veneers

  • Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap