The Bentley Continental GT was a game-changer for Bentley. Not only did it redefine the grand tourer category, but it also paved the way for the Bentley Flying Spur and the Continental GTC. These weren't unexpected moves, as Bentley had always been known for luxurious coupes and sedans that appealed to different tastes. Over the years, this approach has significantly contributed to the automaker's success. In 2009, Bentley unveiled the Continental GTC Speed, which, like the Continental Flying Spur Speed, catered to drivers who craved a more performance-oriented driving experience. Under the hood was Volkswagen's W12, which was still going strong nearly a decade after its debut in the Continental GT. However, as the "Speed" in the name would suggest, it had more power than the regular Bentley Continental GTC.
More power often equates to a better driving experience overall. But Bentley didn't just stop at re-tuning the 6.0-liter turbocharged W12 to produce 610 horsepower and 553 lb.ft. Underneath, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed received a stiffer suspension lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved driving dynamics and carbon ceramics brakes to help stop its nearly 5,500-pound weight. 0-60 takes just 4.5 seconds, and the speedo gives out at 195 mph with the roof down wind whipping through your hair. Reaching, and perhaps surpassing, the Bentley claimed 200 mph requires a closed roof for a more aerodynamic profile.
Inside, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is a leather and wood extravaganza like any other Bentley but with the added style of the Mulliner Driving Specification that was standard during production. This means you either get the wood on the dashboard, center console, and doors as Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, or Piano Black veneer. Diamond quilting on the seats, a signature Bentley touch, adds texture and visual interest that is aesthetically pleasing. It even makes you forget you're in a car over a decade old.
Looking at the exterior design alone, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is identical to the standard Continental GTC, inheriting all the design cues from the Continental GT except the roof. However, a closer comparison of the GTC and GTC speed reveals the Speed's wider track and lowered ride height, which gives the car a more athletic stance, emphasizing its sporty nature. The squared-edge Bentley matrix grille at the front and lower air intake grilles are blacked out for the same reason. Flanking the grille are Bentley's signature quadruple headlights that do more than illumination as they add a touch of elegance to the front fascia.
The dashboard might be a symphony of knobs and dials and lacking the newest in gadgetry, but the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed offers a focus on the pure joy of driving without distractions. Sure, it's not as engaging to drive as a sports car or a performance-oriented exotic, but the engine's punchiness will have you questioning the car's weight as it effortlessly powers through the rpm range, awaiting the next gear shift up to the sixth gear. The lowered suspension is complemented by an electronic stability program (ESP) with a Sport Traction mode that moderates ESP intervention on low traction surfaces, for example, when cornering. You'll also find a Dynamic mode that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds, thus ensuring torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the engine's full potential. See, GT cars aren't all about luxury and comfort.
$55,000 is the average market price for a 2010 Bentley Continental GTC, and despite the car's age, it sounds too good to be true, especially considering the fact that it was a quarter-million-dollar car when new. But again, it's not like Bentley built it as a one-off or a special edition model. Unsure about the best place to purchase one? Take a peek at Exotic Car Trader's Bentley listings. We might just have the perfect 2010 Bentley Continental GTC.
The 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed proves that a decade can't diminish excellence. Is it worth buying? Yes. Its timeless elegance and exhilarating driving dynamics continue to captivate and while it may lack some of the modern gadgetry found in newer models, it's the focus on the pure joy of driving that makes it worth buying. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! For drivers who crave a luxurious open-air experience infused with exhilarating power, the 2010 Continental GTC Speed is a highly desirable option.
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