The fastest four-seat convertible in the world
Bentley’s supercar range has been extended by the Continental Supersports Convertible, the fastest four-seat convertible which uses the same powertrain and underpinnings as the Coupé of the same name, introduced last year. The Convertible has an electrically operated, three-layer fabric roof with advanced acoustic insulation to provide superb levels of refinement and comfort when raised.
A choice of eight hood colours are available, including a new Dark Grey Metallic option, which is achieved by weaving a 'grey' acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent 'metallic effect' fibre in a twill weave construction to create a directional colour effect.
With the potent 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that produces 463kW at 6000 rev/min and 800Nm of torque at 2000-4500 rev/min, is the fastest drop top Bentley ever built. The power is split 40:60 between the front and rear axle which reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’.
Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system cuts shift times by 50% (to 93 milliseconds) and enables double downshifts. Retuned Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, stiffer suspension bushes and uprated rear anti-roll bar benefit body control, steering response, turn-in and balance. At the same time the increased 50mm rear track improves grip and stability on the lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels on which are mounted the 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres.
Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes provide fade-free braking and contribute a 20kg reduction in rotating and unsprung mass from the front axle.
Bentley Continental is now capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent, regardles of the fuel used.
It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and, conditions permitting, can continue onto a top speed of 325km/h.