Bentley To Launch Second-Generation Continental GTC

Guests at the prestigious show got an exclusive preview ahead of the car’s official debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.

Speaking at Pebble Beach, where the world's oldest surviving production Bentley was sold at auction for $962,500, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: "The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design.

“With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past.

"However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.”

The new Continental GTC will feature a 6.0-lite W12 engine, a new QuickShift transmission, coupe like refinement and a hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.

Other notable features include a 21-inch wheels, cobra line front graphics, jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights, an upright matrix radiator grille, and a new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile.

The car’s interior will boast 17 soft touch leather combinations, 7 different veneers, seating ventilation, neck warmers, and a matching veneer sunglasses case, which stows neatly in its own storage area.

Mr Dürheimer also hinted at the possibility of a new Bentley luxury SUV hitting the production line in the near future.

Deliveries of the new Continental GTC will start in late 2011, with prices from £149,350.