Bentley GTC Speed
600bhp open-top Continental spotted ahead of 2009 sales
Is this the way to pick up Bentley's credit crunch-afflicted sales? Probably not, to be honest, but it's a nice enough addition to the Continental GT range, completing the set of Speed versions that already consists of the coupe and Flying Spur saloon.
The grand Speed is Bentley's gentlemanly GTI, cranking up performance over the standard models, lowering the suspension and adding some bigger wheels and a sports exhaust.
Power is boosted from 48bhp to 600bhp, while torque is a whopping 553lb ft - up 74lb ft. The other Speeds can crack 200mph, and the coupe hits 60mph in 4.3sec. Expect the GTC to be off that pace a little bit, thanks to the physics of losing a tin-top, but it will still be more than fast enough.
The interior will also receive a tarting up, with the three-spoke 'wheel and alloy pedals bestowed upon the other Speeds making appearances in the drop-top. If you want one, you'll be able to boost Bentley's sales and buy a GTC Speed for about £150,000.
