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Detroit Auto Show: Bentley Unleashes 200+ MPH Convertible

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is a beast with either V-8 or W-12 power, but the pair can’t do one important feat for supercars–hit 200 mph. Back for a second generation, the GT Speed coupe just spawned a convertible version that–get this–will do a round 202 mph.

As reported, the GT Speed Convertible will use the same powertrain as the GT Speed coupe, which means a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 producing 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque (available from 2000 to 5000 rpm). Couple that with an eight-speed automatic transmission (no doubt beefed up to handle all that twist) and an all-wheel drive system with a 40/60 front/rear torque split, and you have a recipe for fierce acceleration. Bentley claims that the GT Speed Convertible makes the 0-60 mph run in 4.1 seconds and hits a top speed of 202. To put that in perspective, the GTC W12 does a 4.5-second 0-60 and hits a top speed of 195 mph, and the comparatively “cheap” and “slow” GTC V8 takes 4.7 seconds to hit 60 and maxes out at 187 mph.

How much will all this speed cost? It’s not completely clear at this point, but we expect the Speed convertible to command the same premium as the Speed coupe – that is, $21,750 more than the stock Continental GT W12. Add the same amount to the Continental GTC W12′s current MSRP of $218,525 and you’ll arrive at a ballpark estimate of a cool $233,525 (all prices include $2725 destination and $3000 gas guzzler tax).

Read more:  Motor Trend

 

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