Review: Bentley 3W Continental GTC (2006-11)

Review: Bentley 3W.I Continental GTC (2006-09)

Overview

Released in December 2006, the Bentley 3W Series I (3W.I) Continental GTC was a four-seat, soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the four-wheel drive Continental GTC was by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine that was which was mated to a six-speed ZF 6HP26A automatic transmission.

W12 engine

The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 petrol engine had four rows of three cylinders that were formed by combining two 15 degree VR6 engine cylinder blocks with each cylinder ‘double bank’ at a 72 degree angle. The engine featured twin KKK turbochargers (providing 0.7 bar boost pressure), air-to-air intercooling, double overhead camshafts per ‘VR’ cylinder bank, continuous vane-adjustable variable valve timing for intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions and roof

Compared to the Continental GT on which it was based, the Continental GTC was 3 mm shorter (at 4804 mm), the same width (1918 mm) and 8 mm taller (1398 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged (2746 mm). However, the Continental GTC’s power-operated, triple-layer hide roof could open or close in approximately 25 seconds and at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Suspension

The Continental GTC had four-link, double wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal, multi-link rear suspension. The suspension also included self-levelling air springs (front and rear) and continuously variable dampers.

4WD system

The Bentley Continental GTC’s permanent four-wheel drive system utilised a Torsen centre differential which, in normal conditions, provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the system could redirect torque to the wheels with grip.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Bentley Continental GTC included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Brakes

The Continental GTC had 405 mm by 36 mm ventilated front brake discs and 335 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs. 

Features: Continental GTC

Standard features for the Continental GTC included 19-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats with heating and massage functions, satellite navigation, TV tuner, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, bi-xenon headlights with washers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, heated rear window, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and door mirrors, heated and folding door mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Review: Bentley 3W.II Continental GTC (2009-11)

Overview

Released in May 2009, the Bentley 3W Series II (3W.II) Continental GTC introduced low-friction dampers for greater ride comfort and a revised power steering system for greater feel and feedback. Although power outputs were unchanged, engine efficiency was improved through the introduction of lower friction and lighter components, and a new engine management system.

Visually, the 3W.II Continental GTC could be identified by its more upright radiator grille with a more pronounced square edge, wide lower air intake and chrome headlamp bezels.

Safety equipment

The 3W.II Continental GTC was fitted with a Bosch 8.1 electronic stability control (ESC) system which included a ‘Sports Traction’ mode. For the Continental GTC Speed, the ESC system also included a ‘Dynamic’ mode that permitted increased wheel slip at higher speeds.

Features

Compared to its 3W.I predecessor, standard features for the 3W.II Continental GTC were extended Bluetooth connectivity and a park assist display. Adaptive Cruise Control was also available as an extra-cost option.

From February 2010, the Continental GTC was also fitted with Bentley’s ‘Powerboot’, i.e. an automatically opening and closing bootlid.

Continental GTC Speed

Also released in May 2009, the Continental GTC Speed was distinguished by its 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres and sports suspension which included a lowered ride height and uprated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Visually, the Continental GTC Speed could be identified by their larger front grille and air intakes, lower front bumpers, unique side skirts and rear spoilers.

Continental GTC Supersports

In 2011, the high performance Continental GTC Supersports was released. The Supersports was fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres, stiffer suspension bushes, retuned anti-roll bars and revised continuous damping control settings. The Supersports also had carbon fibre-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic brake discs, with 420 mm front brake discs with eight-piston calipers and 356 mm rear discs with dual-piston calipers.

Unlike the standard Continental GTC, the Supersports had a Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split; the ZF transmission was also revised to provide 50 per cent faster gearshifts and double-downshifts.

Visually, the Continental GTC Supersports could be identified by its flared rear wheel arches and dark-smoked steel finish for front grille, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. Inside, there were carbon-fibre bucket seats.

Brochure

• Brochure: Bentley 3W.II Continental GTC (April 2010)
• Brochure: Bentley 3W.II Continental GT and Continental GTC Supersports (January 2011)

Related links

• Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Bentley 3W Continental GTC
• Wikipedia.org: Bentley Continental GTC