2008 Bentley Continental GTC

Monumental Continental

Bentley's smallest and least-expensive car compromises little for the sake of topless fun.

The Bentley Continental GTC takes the proven formula of the Continental GT coupe and improves on it. The fixed-roof GT is a pleasure to drive, with an amazing engine and stunning luxury features, but the GTC adds an extra layer of exhilaration with its convertible top.

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It also looks a whole lot better than the hardtop coupe. Few would call the standard model ugly, but the topless profile of the new Bentley Continental GTC convertible is far more attractive than that of the pudgy Continental GT coupe, especially in the rear.

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Lacking the elegant look of classic Bentleys, with hoods that seem to stretch for blocks, the Continental GT and GTC have modern proportions, with a short hood, blunt nose and rounded rump.

Chopping the roof off of the Continental GT coupe makes the GTC look longer and more elegant than its hardtop twin, even though it's the same length and width as the coupe.

The innovative and compact 552-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine (named so because it is basically two V6 engines fused together) that these baby Bentleys share preempts the kind of long hood required by older Bentleys to accommodate the massive V8 and V12 engines of their day.

• Bentley Continental GTC Vehicle Summary

Other than the multi-layer fabric convertible top, the Bentley Continental GTC is pretty much identical to the Continental GT, which is to say it offers supercar performance with limousine-like comfort. It has the same six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual-shift capability via paddles behind the steering wheel. It also features all-wheel drive.

Bentley uses all-wheel drive because it transfers the engine's monstrous power more effectively to the road. It also makes the car safer to drive in inclement weather. Sophisticated stability control, traction control and braking systems further enhance safety.

The interior of the Bentley Continental GTC is identical to that of the Continental GT coupe, with the exception of a slightly smaller back seat and trunk. The top stows completely out of view underneath a leather-lined cover and features a glass rear window with a heating element.

Bentley makes only one other convertible model, the ultra-rare and much more expensive full-size Azure, which is based on the Arnage sedan.

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