Published: Jan 09, 2012

2013 Bentley Continental GTC V8 Convertible Joins GT Coupe at Detroit

Bentley’s convertible GTC variant boasting the new V8 engine has appeared beside its hard-top sibling at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The new Continental GTC V8 luxury convertible is joining the coupe at the Bentley stand at Detroit this week, and just like its hard-top sibling comes with the option of a powerful V8 for those that feel the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 is too much of a beast. Buyers now have the option of the newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, rated at 500hp and 487lb-ft of torque, and there's every chance the Continental GTC V8 will match the W12's performance.

2013 Bentley Continental GTC V8 Convertible Joins GT Coupe at Detroit

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0-60mph should thus take less than 5.0 seconds but the upside is that it will have 40 percent fewer emissions. Cylinder deactivation technology is the key to the engine's frugality, as it allows the V8 to run on four cylinders at low speeds. Special hydraulic engine mounts ensures the change between four and eight cylinders is imperceptible by compensating for the different resonances of the V4 and V8 modes. Direct injection technology, thermal management, low friction bearings, brake energy regeneration and special turbocharger packaging for high efficiency make up other fuel saving features.

The Bentley V8's also have a new ZF-sourced close-ration eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to help boost acceleration and reduce emissions. Aside from the lightweight convertible roof, there's nothing to distinguish the GTC V8 from the GT V8 hardtop. Both are adorned with 'B' emblems and a black gloss grille, setting it apart from the larger powerplant Bentley, and feature a unique center console that separates driver from front passenger and unique wheel patterns.