Even though the Continental GTC has only been around since 2006, Bentley thought that it was time to perform a light facelift to its luxury four-seater convertible. While they were at it, the Brits also added a range-topping Speed model bringing the GTC in line with its GT coupe sibling. The Continental GTC Speed benefits from a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 600-horspeower (610PS) and 750 Nm (553lb ft) of torque, and it's matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up or 195 mph (312 km/h) with the top down, and a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8''). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5'').
The GTC Speed model also gets a lowered suspension by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear with revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for improved handling, a 'Dynamic' mode for the ESP system with progressive intervention and wider 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped around in chunky 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero tires.
On the outside, the GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements like blacked out radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, bespoke alloy wheels, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler.
Inside, the Speed model features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminum switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and 'Speed' logos to the polished treadplates.
As for the standard car, the 2009 Continental GTC benefits from a few minor exterior enhancements that include the more upright radiator grille, the chrome headlamp bezels, a new lower bumper design with a widened air intake, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new color hide. Under-the-hood-upgrades concern the retuned Servotronic power steering, retuned suspension with new low-friction dampers for improved ride comfort and the availability of a new radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system.
