First Look:
It’s really hard to deny the fact that the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC is one of the most impressive choices among all the ultra-luxury convertibles currently available in market. But considering the fact that an even better and improved model is on the horizon, putting money down the model for this Continental GTC becomes tricky. The 2012 Continental GT Coupe is all set to get a tad styling refresh, more back seat space, sharper handling and modernized electronics. And this is what makes considering the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC like considering last year’s iPhone.
But if you have decided that you should get a Continental GTC right now, then you can go for this GTC as it will offer you immense comfort, open air motoring and unmatched opulence. Also for the price tag of $200,000-plus, you’ll be getting sinuous leathers, premium metal accents and rich wood trim. And topping all these amenities is a 6.0 ltr 12-cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 552 bhp.
Also even if you get this Continental GTC, soon you’ll find yourself riding a horse which is all set to be put out to paddock, considering the fact that the new model soon will be entering the market and then the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC will be called “last year’s” model. Even if you are decided on considering the “next year’s” model, it still is a good idea to go for some of the competitors of the Continental GTC. On top of our list of ultra-luxury convertibles are the Aston Martin DBS Volante and DB9 convertibles, both the car comes within the price range of the Continental GTC and offers class leading handling and styling.
What’s New for 2011 Bentley Continental GTC?
The 2011 Bentley Continental GTC enters the market pretty unchanged, and the Series 51 option will be replaced by a limited-edition version called the 80-11.
Body Styling and Features:
The 2011 Bentley Continental GTC comes in a single body style of a premium ultra-luxury convertible, which is available in a nicely-appointed one trim level. The standard feature list for the car includes painted 19 in forged-aluminum wheels, an electronically modifiable air suspension, a power-folding soft top, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlamps, rear and front parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, a complete leather interior having a option of secondary and primary hides in seventeen colors, dual-zone automatic climate control having rear-seat controls, burl walnut trim, 10-way power heated front seats having power lumbar and memory functions, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a glovebox-mounted 6-CD changer and a 12 speaker stereo having satellite radio.
Optional equipments for the car includes carbon-ceramic brakes (comes only with the elective 20 in wheels), a power-closing and -opening trunk, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, an iPod interface, an 1,100w 13-speaker Naim sound system having 2 subwoofers, 4 upgraded interior veneers, massaging front seats and a rearview camera.
There also are plenty of special order options known as the Mulliner Driving Specification which ranges from more fashionable veneers and dedicated exterior paint colors and lamb’s-wool carpeting to diamond-quilted seating surfaces.
New features for the model 2011 are the 80-11 Edition package of options. This assemblage is limited to only eighty examples and brings in some restricted cosmetic enhancements which includes twenty inch wheels, a Mulliner alloy fuel cap, a dark gray metallic soft top, a 3 spoke steering wheel, package-specific interior trim materials, alloy pedals and small external and internal badging.
Under The Hood:
The power for the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC comes from a twin-turbocharged 6.0 ltr engine having its 12 cylinders set in the Volkswagen’s unique “W” formation. The W12 engine of the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC generates humongous power of 552 bhp and 479 lbs-ft of maximum torque. Even more impressive here is that all that torque is on tap at only 1,600 rpm. The engine here is mated with 6 speed automatic transmission having steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, which also is the only transmission here and transmitted to all the four wheels of the car.
The acceleration of the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC really impressive, and despite the heavy 5,478-lbs curb weight, of the truck the Bentley Continental GTC sprints from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds. The Continental GTC also has an impressive top speed of 195 mph.
Just as any powerful car, the estimated fuel economy for the 2011 Bentley Continental GTC is low, with 11 mpg in city and 18 mpg on highway, which comes to a combined fuel efficiency of 13.
Safety:
The standard safety features for the 2011 Continental GTC includes traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes having brake assist and front-seat side airbags. Some other safety features for the car includes a rollover protection system which automatically deploys from behind the back seats.
Verdict:
The 2011 Bentley Continental GTC still is a strong choice among all the ultra-luxury convertibles in market, but considering the fact that this GT will soon be adopting the all new upgrades of the all new GT coupe, its better to wait for the impending 2012 model.
