Bentley GTC Speed - Times Online
Is this car Bentley’s last, glorious hurrah before the winter of economic collapse descends over the excesses of the boom years? Last week, the company said it would be closing its Crewe factory and ceasing production of both its Continental and Arnage models for seven and six weeks respectively, signalling an end to one of the most profitable periods in its history.
And yet, at the Detroit motor show last week, Bentley remained its old swaggering self as it unveiled this GTC Speed, the fastest four-seater series-production convertible on the planet. It is also the most powerful convertible the firm has ever built, and while its 200mph top speed made it look out of place among the hybrid and electric vehicles on show, when it hits the road — probably in the summer — it promises to become an instant classic.
Bentley says its current problems will not affect production of the car when it opens its customer order books tomorrow. It also offers a tip for those considering splashing out: although the car does 200mph, aerodynamics will reduce the top speed to 195mph when the roof is down.
