The Continental GT is one of the greatest modern expressions of opulence, but the GTC with its missing roof is an even better one. The 2016 Continental GTC came just a year after Bentley updated the model and since it was the last update, it was a major one. Not only does the 2016 GTC look much more modern than before, it also looks sportier than ever and has more modern technologies then any previous Continental. In 2016, Bentley also upped the horsepower of the GTC and GT models making them the fastest Continentals ever made apart from the Speed and Supersports models. And being built on the original Continental platform, the used prices had dropped quite a bit thanks to the latest model. So much so that the GTC W12 is often much cheaper than the V8 model making a nice bargain today, especially with all the improvements that came about in 2015 that we will cover shortly. But before going into more detail, Exotic Car Trader always has a few Continentals for sale so have a look at those if you are in the market for one.
The original Continental GT was the first model to come out of Bentley to be entirely built and overlooked by its new parent company, VW. Its all new twin turbocharged W12 engine awed the world with performance and the luxury level this ultra fast GT had rivaled Rolls Royce. This Volkswagen’s move turned out to be a great success as Bentley had sold over 80,000 examples by 2020 making it by far the best selling Bentley ever made. And soon after the coupe, the convertible GTC came out sporting the same monstrous drivetrain. Fast forward to the 2016 GTC, it was still built on the same platform and used the same drivetrain apart from the transmission. That alone goes to show just how advanced the GT was, and even in 2016 it was one of the most luxurious and fastest GTs on the market. That’s especially true as the second generation which came out in 2012 saw a ton of improvements, and then again in 2015 once the final facelift came out. That means the 2016 Continental GTC is the most modern iteration before the latest Continental came out built on an all new platform.
Although the interior of the second generation Continental was noticeably redesigned, it was still very obviously based on the old model. And that old model had an interior reminiscent of the Rolls Royce made nineties Bentleys. That gives the 2016 Continental GTC interior much more charm as it’s not cluttered with excessive lights and bright screens. The overall atmosphere is much more inviting and warm while still being just as luxurious as ever. But at the same time, it doesn’t look outdated by any means thanks to new LED ambient lighting, a redesigned gauge cluster graphics, an optional sports steering wheel, and new stitching patterns among a few other updates from 2015. And while the VW infotainment system doesn’t look that impressive compared to modern cars, it was still one of the best systems out there not too long ago and it still does its job more than well. Of course, the rear seats are still cramped, especially in the GTC, but to a 2+2 coupe, that’s always forgiven.
The 2015 model range update brought about much more extensive upgrades on the outside. Those changes made the 2016 Continental GTC look just as aggressive and fun as the V8 GTC which is always a plus in today’s age. Most notably, the front bumper got a complete redesign and it now featured substantially larger cooling intakes filled with those signature Bentley mesh grilles. The mesh inserts could be finished in black for a sportier look, or in chrome which adds to the GTC’s extravagant character. Down the side, a new chrome or black strip of trim stretched the entire length of the car and into the rear bumper. But the most interesting change on the side are new wing vents in the shape of the flying B logo. The rear end didn’t see any notable changes apart from the ducktail trunk being more pronounced. And as a last touch, the 2016 GTC as well as all other models in the lineup got new 21 inch directional wheels. Those were both sporty and elegant at the same time complimenting the overall design perfectly.
Starting in 2015, all Continental GT and GTC models using the W12 engine got a power increase. The 2016 Continental GTC boasts 590 horsepower which is just over 20 more than the pre facelift Continentals, and about 15 lb-ft of torque more for a total of 531. The extra power isn’t that impressive but it helps lower the 2016 Continental GTC’s 0-60 time to 4.3 seconds from the original 4.5. That said, the top speed remained about the same at 198 mph. Overall, the performance figures are more than enough to impress even today, not to mention that hardly ever will you come across something faster on the road, especially with the top down. And while the GTC is by all accounts fairly nimble and handles its weight pretty well, it's still a hefty thing at 5,600 lbs. But a slight power increase isn’t the only thing the 2016 GTC gets. In 2015, cylinder deactivation found its way to the W12 engine which could then shut down six cylinders when you don’t need them for improved fuel economy. That lowered the fuel consumption from 18 to 15 mpg which also made the GTC W12 kinder to the environment, a bit.
Although it had a starting price of $236,000 back in 2016, the Continental GTC has depreciated a good amount. While the prices are all over the place, the average selling point is right around $125,000. However, very often a 2016 GTC will sell for well under six figures which is an impressive bargain for what it is. And even the cheapest examples are still basically new with right around 20,000 miles on the clock. Showroom examples on the other hand can reach up to $150,000, but even then they have to be in an interesting and appealing specification.
Ultimately, the latest Continental GTC is a noticeably better car in every way than the second generation. However, with a basically same drivetrain, the same level of luxury and at a $100,000 discount, the 2016 Continental GTC is on the face of it, the Bentley bargain of the century. And if you are after a Continental or any other luxury vehicle, buying it through Exotic Car Trader is one of the best options out there. Exotic Car Trader covers escrow protection, delivery, and first inspection while all you need to do is send an online offer. The process of selling a car through Exotic Car Trader is even more convenient as you don’t even have to worry about posting the car to our website.
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