Introduced in 2006, three years after the launch of the original coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC brought with it the hallmark elegance and power characteristic of the Continental series, while introducing a new dimension of freedom and versatility with its convertible top. This seamless transition to a convertible format allowed the GTC to retain the GT’s luxurious interior, sophisticated design, and robust performance, establishing it as a coveted choice among high-end convertible enthusiasts. This period also marked a significant milestone in Bentley’s history, as these models were among the first developed under the Volkswagen group. The collaboration with Volkswagen introduced German engineering to the Bentley Continental series, evident in the vehicles' enhanced performance, reliability, and incorporation of innovative technologies. The blend of Volkswagen's engineering excellence with Bentley’s tradition of luxury and craftsmanship resulted in the 2009 Bentley Continental GTC, a vehicle that not only stood out for its aesthetic appeal but also offered an exceptional, exhilarating, and refined driving experience, symbolizing a perfect harmony of tradition and innovation.
The Continental GTC offered a 552hp 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 engine. It's also used in the popular Volkswagen Phaeton and Audi A8. Offering 479 lb-ft of torque from 1600 rpm, it's great for highway passing and high speed driving. The GTC has specifications similar to the GT, which speeds from 0 to 62 mph in 5 seconds. The convertible reaches a top speed of 195 mph with its roof up. When the top is down, the speed decreases to 189 mph. Like the Continental GT, the GTC is also a humongous car. Although it is smooth to handle and behaves gracefully, even while turning through curves. The steering is stiff, and sharp turns can make the steering appear even more unresponsive. The car handles open roads like a rocket, and with a smoothness that can make you forgive the, at times, stiff turnings.
The Continental GTC has the classic Bentley luxurious interior that symbolizes British craftsmanship and indulgence of the senses. The car is an expanse of leather and wood trim. The seats are deep and comfortable. The dashboard is full of confusing vents and knobs that are not as well placed as they should be. The air conditioning vents are made of glossy aluminium, chrome knobs, and crystal gauges. The carpet is deep and soft, and the engine is loud and aggressive in its roar. The car has a navigation system, satellite radio, and climate control to keep up with the convertible’s cooling or heating demands when the top is down. The seats are all powered and heated, and the convertible also has a rollover protection for the power roof. As standard with all Bentley models, there are multiple trim options with different veneers and color combinations. The car drives well, and the engine’s theatrical noise is all part of its charm. The steering is a little trickier than most cars but not unpleasant to handle. The steering is Servotronic powered, and the car also has Adaptive Cruise Control and large, powerful brakes that are surprisingly efficient. The front passenger space is good, but the back seat can be cramped, especially for taller people. The trunk is surprisingly small, considering the car’s size. It is a mere 9.2 cubic feet, about enough to hold a standard golf bag.
The 2009 Continental GTC has a stiff-looking front grille, and the lower air intakes under the bumpers are larger. The headlamps have chrome fittings, and the hood remains prominent throughout its incline towards the front grille. The headlights are slightly higher than expected, and the overall front of the GTC is somewhat aggressive. The car rides on 19-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli performance tires. These come with five-spoke alloys, which can be customized. The rear of the car is eccentric, just like its GT peer. It has squarish rear lights and a boxy but elongated trunk that looks slightly longer than the Continental GT’s. It’s not longer, by the way; it just appears to be. This is a showy car with a loud engine roar and a shape that is bound to turn heads wherever you drive it.
The Continental GTC is a four-wheel drive like all cars with the Continental label. The twin-charged W12 engine has a distinct sound, which may be a problem for many used to the deep rumble of the V8s in older Bentley models. The engine is 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic with steering-mounted paddles for shifting. The car moves from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. What is more important is that the maximum torque is readily available as early as 1600 rpms and allows the car to handle speeds and its bulk efficiently. This is a 5,500-pound Goliath of a car, and what is magical is that you will not feel its bulk in driving or braking. The car drives well, and the 2009 featured improved haptic steering, which is more responsive than earlier GTC models. Turns can be a problem, especially if you make a sharp turn, which can somewhat challenge this car. The car is excellent at high speeds, almost as good as a sports car, and the interior’s comfort and the overall car’s feel and drive more than makeup for this. The GTC also comes in a GTC Speed model, which is faster and has better performance specifications. The fuel economy is not too impressive, but it has never been so for any Bentley.
The 2009 Bentley Continental GTC launched for $197,500; this price has depreciated with time. If you’d like to see how much a 2009 Continental GTC would sell for or are interested in buying one, you might find one listed on Exotic Car Trader. Watch out for our Bentley listings. We also have a varied list of classic, antique, and luxury cars, so visit our Exotic Car Trader’s car listings.
The Continental GTC is a luxury coupe convertible variant of the famous Continental GT, which is a landmark Bentley car. The GT was the first model manufactured under VW ownership and was critically approved for its engineering precision and for keeping true to its Bentley roots. The GTC is another luxury car that is great for any luxury car collection.
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