Motor Authority - blog Tag: GTC

There's only one thing Denzel Washington and Kim Kardashian could have in common, and it's clearly not talent-related. Not even videotape-related, so far as we know. It's what they drive - the celebrity vehicle of choice that doesn't come with a big opening weekend and an Oscar nomination, the Bentley Continental GT.

From athletes to actresses to the rare breed in between, the double threat, the Bentley Continental GT's attracted more than its share of famous owners. It's so embedded in the cultural vein of reality TV and pro sports, it's a surprise to see Paris or J-Lo rolling in anything but a Bentley.

For a brief weekend, we joined... There's only one thing Denzel Washington and Kim Kardashian could have in common, and it's clearly not talent-related. Not even videotape-related, so far as we know. It's what they drive - the celebrity vehicle of choice that doesn't come with a big opening weekend and an Oscar nomination, the Bentley Continental GT. From athletes to actresses to the rare breed in between, the double threat, the Bentley Continental GT's attracted more than its share of famous owners. It's so embedded in the cultural vein of reality TV and pro sports, it's a surprise to see Paris or J-Lo rolling in anything but a Bentley. For a brief weekend, we joined those celebs and not-so-celebs - thanks to Bentley, which freed up some seat time in the 2010 Continental GT Speed, the latest variant on the Conti theme that's been playing out on freeways and inside Garage Mahals since 2005, when the revived brand bowed with an impossibly grand sports coupe that changed its fortunes. Bentley's reputation had grown fusty: the big Arnage and Azure were relics of the days when Rolls-Royce was Nicky to Bentley's Paris. Enter the Continental GT, and the unthinkable happened. Bentley became chic and savvy. And we all know what happened to Paris, don't we? A little Speed music The GTC Speed probably is the logical finale to the Continental lineup. The coupe arrived in 2005, followed by the Flying Spur sedan and the convertible GTC. Then came Speed versions of the GT and Spur, and now, for 2010, it's the convertible's turn - which in the car world, probably means a new car is about 24 months in the offing. For now, the hulking GTC Speed inherits the wind of the other Speed editions, and still punches a 195mph hole in the atmosphere - with the top down. And, if you're that brave to hold on to your Fendis, you'll hardly be ruffled when the GTC Speed drops 0-60 mph acceleration runs in 4.8 seconds. It's all due to a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, W-12 engine teamed to an all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic shifter. The engine is a unique design, and one that’s hugely powerful. In standard Conti GT cars, it issues 552hp (390kW), locomotive numbers that push the 5500-pound Continental to 60 mph in less than 5.1 seconds in all versions. In the GTC Speed, lighter engine components and some turbo tweaks boost power to an even 600hp (448kW). One press of the red "Start" button on its wood-paneled, chrome-crusted dash lets on that something's gone astray underhood in a good way: there's an offbeat lumber in its idle, one that pours out torque with just a little feathering on the throttle. Channeling it all is a six-speed, paddle-shifted sequential automatic that's pretty invisible in its action. A Sport shift mode speeds up seamless gearchanges, pushing power around the four wheels through all-wheel drive and a Torsen differential. With all that heft, and all that heavy petting on the gas pedal, it's more shocking that fuel economy can be as good as 10mpg city, 17mpg highway. Even more settling is the Conti GTC Speed's retuned steering and suspension for 2010. It's minor stuff--the Speed versions are lower, of course, and the wheels are standard 20-inchers, which requires some fine tweaks. The convertible Speed also features the same air suspension and three-mode ride control (Continuous Damping Control, or CDC) from the Continental range, which helps manage its big-man strengths and weaknesses. It's clear the GTC Speed can hustle through corners, and can handle more than you can on an ordinary road. It's also obvious that doing so on, say, the main drag through Laguna Beach isn't prudent at all. On the few open stretches of canyon roads we could find on a breezy, cool Sunday in its element of Orange County, the GTC Speed felt at ease at any speed, blunting bumps with its sheer mass and turning in quickly. The light steering feel, deep braking potential (you can opt for $16,000 carbon-ceramic discs for ultimate stopping power) and adept suspension are all well sorted out, but they're no accomplices. There's no 5500-pound car that begs for hairpins like D-listers beg for screen time. Along with its mass, the Speed's bright-red paint and its $267,000 price tag worked quite well as speed limiters. The incredible bulk Few cars have packed on the pounds as invisibly as the Bentley Continental GT, and few look as good carrying the extra weight. Shearing the roof from the Conti coupe leaves a convertible that's less purely sexy than the hardtop, but the GTC Speed has a laid-back, vintage appeal embellished by sharp pleats in its fenders. Circular headlamps and LED taillamps lighten the shape a bit, but the interior's completely steeped in tradition. Bentley logos, chrome and wood trim span the dual-binnacle dash, which gets a Breitling timepiece - ironic German tonic for its very British interior. The Mulliner Driving Specification shows that even chrome air vent pulls, rich leather and wood, and delicate chrome detailing can be upstaged, what with the Mulliner's diamond-quilted leather seats, knurled shift knob, and a three-spoke steering wheel. In the GTC Speed, Bentley adds darkened metal trim, a rear spoiler, and wider exhaust pipes to the Mulliner spec. Bentley expects drivers to choose its GTC Speed cars over, say, the Arnage - but Conti drivers aren't shunted into squalor for purchasing the entry-level Bentley. Up front, there's fantastic head and leg room. The size of two Smart Fortwos, the Conti GTC Speed saves ample space for the first two adults to call dibs. It's the other two wedged in back, who may complain - even with the endless headroom and quick-folding fabric roof of the convertible pulled back. The Conti GTC loses about ten inches of shoulder room from the front to the back seats, and knee room is consumed by taller front passengers. The front seats do have power assistance for backseat passengers to clamber in, and there’s a console with cupholders between the rear seats. They may grumble, but the ravishing quality of the leather and wood will quiet most passengers for at least short trips. The GTC's power top that folds in 25 seconds and has indulgent feel and great sound-damping ability; you'll want to exercise it as least as often as the redline, if not more. The royal wheel Speed is of the essence with the Continental GTC - but the array of swatches and wood trims and techno options and custom order sheets will give even the leathery, Amex-scarred veterans of the Newport Beach Fashion Island pause. With the GTC Speed, all the standard features of the GTC are carried over: electronic climate control; Bluetooth connectivity; soft-close doors and decklid; and DVD navigation that also controls climate functions and audio controls and, as a result, leads to some confusing logic while choosing a destination. Sirius satellite radio and a six-CD changer are standard, while a Naim-tuned 1000-watt, 14-speaker audio system is a $6900 option. In this test vehicle, the Naim system didn’t improve sound quality as much as expected, and does not allow the driver to choose settings for bass, treble, and other typical sound qualities. Be prepared to consult a colorist before ordering, too; all Continental GTs can be specified with a choice of lambs-wool rugs, 17 shades of leather and five grains of wood trim. The Mulliner package of trim adds quilted leather, knurled chrome and turned aluminum panels in place of the wood dash pieces. The Speed offers its own set of paint and trim options, to go with a new finish for some of its chrome trim. The few options include the Naim audio system; an iPod interface; 20-inch wheels; the carbon-ceramic brakes; and adaptive cruise control. With a base price of $231,400, it's easy to push the sticker on the Continental GTC Speed to $276,405, as with our test vehicle. So few two-doors offer the interior space and ultra-luxe fittings of the Continental GT, only one rival comes to mind: the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The CL-Class blends a classy, conservative interior design with performance that has the straight-line acceleration, if not the handling, to keep up with top sports car models. Both feel hefty and poised on the open road, while the Bentley has the exclusivity edge to go with its cut-above cabin. Ultimately, it's the Bentley that's gone on to bigger, better things. With panache to spare, the 2009 Bentley Continental GT has an appetite for speed - and fuel - that’s unrivaled among four-seat coupes and convertibles. It's fine enough for royalty - but the Conti GTC's also become a sort of Orange County Jetta, if you're a Kardashian or some other flavor of nouveau riche. But then, as the saying goes, "it's the 'riche' that counts, now, isn't it?"2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Read More

When dealing with the amount of money and prestige involved with a custom Bentley Continental, it's easy to get carried away - and there are plenty of examples to attest to that. But sometimes a custom house pulls off an upgrade that actually enhances the original, and that's exactly what we have with the MTM Birkin Edition Bentley Continental GT.

The kit adds 90hp, raising the output to 650hp from the big V12 engine, and lifting torque to 587lb-ft. That's enough grunt to get the big car up to 62mph (100km/h) in just 4.9 seconds and on to 124mph (200km/h) in 15.9 seconds - three seconds quicker than the stock version.

MTM also lays claim... When dealing with the amount of money and prestige involved with a custom Bentley Continental, it's easy to get carried away - and there are plenty of examples to attest to that. But sometimes a custom house pulls off an upgrade that actually enhances the original, and that's exactly what we have with the MTM Birkin Edition Bentley Continental GT. The kit adds 90hp, raising the output to 650hp from the big V12 engine, and lifting torque to 587lb-ft. That's enough grunt to get the big car up to 62mph (100km/h) in just 4.9 seconds and on to 124mph (200km/h) in 15.9 seconds - three seconds quicker than the stock version. MTM also lays claim to the title of 'world's fastest Bentley' thanks to the Birkin Edition's 205mph (331km/h) top speed, proven three years ago and not exceeded since. MTM gets the extra performance out of the Continental GT with upgraded exhaust, an engine retune and a few secret tweaks. Other performance upgrades include a special F-Cantronic system that incorporates an electronic system to lower the Bentley by 35mm at the rear and 25mm at the front. Huge 412mm brakes with six-piston calipers stop the massive Bentley with ease. Twenty-one inch alloy wheels in a classic design match the modern-classic lines of the Continental. The exterior and bodywork are otherwise left untouched. MTM also offers the Birkin treatment to the Continental GTC, Flying Spur, GT Speed and GTC Speed in addition to the Continental GT pictured here.MTM Birkin Edition Bentley Continental GT Read More

We’ve already seen Opel expand its Insignia lineup with the Hatchback and Sports Tourer, as well as the more recent OPC performance variant, but there’s one more model in the works that’s destined to be the most exciting and extreme. The model in question is a new coupe variant based on 2007’s stunning Gran Turismo Coupe (GTC) concept car.

This computer generated rendering gives us a good indication as to what the new model will likely look like, suggesting the dramatic styling of the original GTC concept will be toned down significantly. Don’t despair, as some of the concept’s aggression will be... We’ve already seen Opel expand its Insignia lineup with the Hatchback and Sports Tourer, as well as the more recent OPC performance variant, but there’s one more model in the works that’s destined to be the most exciting and extreme. The model in question is a new coupe variant based on 2007’s stunning Gran Turismo Coupe (GTC) concept car. This computer generated rendering gives us a good indication as to what the new model will likely look like, suggesting the dramatic styling of the original GTC concept will be toned down significantly. Don’t despair, as some of the concept’s aggression will be reserved for a high-performance OPC version of the Insignia Coupe packing the same 325hp (242kW) turbocharged 2.8L V6 engine as the Sedan. Another cool feature will be Opel’s new ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, as well as an electronic limited slip differential. The HiPerStrut system will be unique to the OPC model and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving grip levels in wet or dry conditions. Lesser models will borrow other powerplants from the Insignia range, including four-cylinder and V6 options. Diesel engines may also be offered, as well as an EcoFLEX version, though this latter option is unlikely to make production due to low demand. Given its current ‘sale’ status, Opel’s priorities right now lie in finding a suitable buyer for the brand but once the dust settles work on the new Insignia Coupe will continue. Expect its launch to fall late in 2011 or early 2012.2009 Opel InsigniaOpel Insignia Coupe preview Read More

Bentley’s sporty GT Speed coupe has been on sale since August 2007 and back in June last year we saw the introduction of the Flying Spur Speed saloon. However, there’s one more derivative of the Bentley Continental family that is yet to receive the Speed treatment and that is the stylish GTC convertible, which is set to make its debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

The new model is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s. Like the previous Flying Spur and GT models, the GTC Speed will feature an uprated version of the standard... Bentley’s sporty GT Speed coupe has been on sale since August 2007 and back in June last year we saw the introduction of the Flying Spur Speed saloon. However, there’s one more derivative of the Bentley Continental family that is yet to receive the Speed treatment and that is the stylish GTC convertible, which is set to make its debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The new model is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s. Like the previous Flying Spur and GT models, the GTC Speed will feature an uprated version of the standard car’s twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 engine. Specific changes to the engine include a new crankcase design, a lighter camshaft chain and a faster cam sensor, as well as increased boost pressure from the turbos. The mega powerplant is officially rated at 600hp (448kW) and 553ft-lb (750Nm) of torque in the Speed models, and will push the car to a top speed of 200mph with the roof up. When lowered, top speed is reduced to a still impressive 195mph. The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in 4.5 seconds and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds. The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a pseudo manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Other Speed attributes include 20in wheels, a stiffer suspension and a unique front bumper. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. Inside, the car gets the usual plush Bentley appointments such as Nappa leather trim, seat piping, a 1,100W Naim audio system, and plenty of wood and chrome. For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both the GTC and GTC Speed: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes - the largest production passenger car brakes in the world - and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap. Output for the GTC is rated at 552hp (411kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque.2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Read More

Bentley’s sporty GT Speed coupe has been on sale since August of last year and back in June of this year we saw the introduction of the Flying Spur Speed saloon. However, there’s one more derivative of the Bentley Continental family that is yet to receive the Speed treatment and that is the stylish GTC convertible, and these latest shots reveal more than ever.

Expected to bow in early next year as a 2010 model, the upcoming Bentley Continental GTC Speed has been spotted in prototype form testing at Germany's Nurburgring circuit. Looking largely the same as the last sighting, with a very slightly more aggressive face thanks to... Bentley’s sporty GT Speed coupe has been on sale since August of last year and back in June of this year we saw the introduction of the Flying Spur Speed saloon. However, there’s one more derivative of the Bentley Continental family that is yet to receive the Speed treatment and that is the stylish GTC convertible, and these latest shots reveal more than ever. Expected to bow in early next year as a 2010 model, the upcoming Bentley Continental GTC Speed has been spotted in prototype form testing at Germany's Nurburgring circuit. Looking largely the same as the last sighting, with a very slightly more aggressive face thanks to its opened-up mesh-grille lower intakes and a lower ride height, the car's sophisticated design still shines through. This time around, however, we also get a peek at the interior of the car. The steering wheel is the primary change from the driver's point of view, doing away with the horizontal layout for a new split three-spoke design with brushed metal accents and a stitched leather rim. Drilled aluminum pedals add to the sporting feel, while the remainder of the interior appears to be nearly identical to the non-Speed variant. Like the previous Flying Spur and GT models, the GTC Speed will feature an uprated version of the standard car’s twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 engine. Specific changes to the engine include a new crankcase design, a lighter camshaft chain and a faster cam sensor, as well as increased boost pressure from the turbos. The mega powerplant is officially rated at 600hp (448kW) and 553ft-lb (750Nm) of torque in the Speed models, and manages to move the coupe from 0-100km/h in under five seconds. The slightly heavier GTC drop-top should do the same sprint in around five seconds flat, while top speed should come in at around 300km/h. Other Speed attributes include 20in wheels, a stiffer suspension and a unique front bumper. Inside, the car gets the usual plush Bentley appointments such as Nappa leather trim, seat piping, an 1,100W Naim audio system, and plenty of wood and chrome.2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed spy shots Read More