2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible: First Look

All-New Convertible
The all-new third-generation Continental GT Coupe made its debut last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and now the iconic British marque is introducing the convertible version of this luxury tourer in appropriate environs, sunny Southern California. With all-new styling, updated features and improved powertrain, this Continental GT Convertible is a big step from that original that debuted more than a decade ago.

Sculpted Lines
Although the general shape of the car remains familiar, the sculpted body possesses lines that are more defined thanks to a new process using Super Formed technology. The aluminum skin is heated to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for more precise and complex lines in the body. According to Bentley, the Continental GT is the first production car ever to have an entire bodyside made from the Super Formed process.

LED Matrix Headlights
The 2019 Continental GT Convertible?s larger grille gets flanked by larger LED Matrix headlights that seem to flow into lines in the hood and fenders. If these elements look familiar, it?s because the look premiered on the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept, which has inspired many design cues on this new Bentley drop-top.

New Taillights
The new open-top Continental GT also has new taillights, again reflecting the design of the EXP concept. The clean design features elliptically-shaped lights that match the shape of the exhaust outlets.

Massive Wheels
The new Continental GT Convertible rides on 21-inch Tri-Spoke wheels; however, the new model is available with 22-inch wheels as well.

Fabric Top
The fabric convertible top can be raised or lowered in 19 seconds, and it can be performed at speeds up to 30 mph. Seven different top colors are available, including a tweed look for the first time. The top provides enough sound deadening that the new convertible is as quiet inside as the previous-generation coupe.

Staying Warm
Even with the top down there?s no reason passengers should be cold ? a new neck warmer is integrated into the heated comfort seats. The steering wheel and armrests are also heated, eliminating most excuses for not putting the top down on a cold day.

Rotating Display
The finest materials are used throughout the 2019 Continental GT Convertible?s cabin, blending with the latest high-tech features. A perfect example is Bentley Rotating Display. This 12.3-inch touchscreen is a three-sided unit that can either show the display, three elegant analogue gauges or simply uninterrupted veneer for a clean look.

High-Quality Materials
As expected, the interior is all Bentley, employing the highest-quality materials with natural leather, sustainable wood veneers and polished chrome details. For the first time ever, Bentley is offering dual-veneer options for a unique look. Each Continental GT convertible interior requires more than 10 square meters of wood ? Bentley tells us it takes nine hours to create and fit the wooden inlays by hand for each car.

Luxurious Interior
Seats feature a new ?diamond-in-diamond? quilted design in the leather and offer 20 power adjustments as well as heating, cooling and massage functions. Three different audio systems are available, including a Naim 2,200-watt 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers that are built into the front seats with eight sound modes available.

Highly Motivated
As with all Bentleys, the Continental GT convertible is as much about performance as it is about luxury. Behind the restyled grille is an all-new version of Bentley?s 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine. With 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the new Continental GT convertible can reach 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, 100 mph in 8.1 seconds and ? with enough (closed) road or track ? the wind can be blowing through the Continental GT Convertible pilot?s hair at 207 mph. A new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox produces much faster shifts as well as improved fuel economy.

All-Wheel Drive
Although this convertible has been created for enjoying days with the top down, with Bentley?s new Active All-wheel Drive system the Continental is just as capable in inclement weather. This new system constantly varies the front-to-rear torque split depending on the driving situation. However, the Continental GT will use rear-wheel drive in most normal driving situations for improved driver engagement as well as better fuel efficiency.

Coming Soon
The new Bentley Continental GT Convertible is expected arrive in American showrooms sometime next year with a starting price of $236,100.