Although the Bentley Continental GT has being sold in its second-generation specification since 2011, the British grand tourer is actually 13 years old as of 2016. That’s not to say that the Continental GT is a dated vehicle, but it definitely needs an overhaul in order to keep up with the competition. That’s expected to happen in 2017, when Bentley is rumored to roll out the third-generation Conti GT in both coupe and convertible body styles.
Having already discussed the coupe when the first prototypes were spotted in the wild back in February 2016, we will now take a closer look at the drop-top GTC model, which also hit the streets in pre-production form. Much like all test cars wrapped in camouflage, this prototype does a great job hiding the more important exterior bits, but it also provides a few hints as to what we may see in dealerships for the 2018 model year.
I also know that Bentley used the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept as inspiration and that the new Continental GT will ride on a new platform shared with the second-generation Porsche Panamera. The MSB platform provides further hints as to what will motivate the upcoming grand tourer, but more about that in my speculative review below.
Updated 02/15/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Continental GTC out for a new testing session.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Bentley Continental GTC.
Spy Shots
February 15, 2017 – Bentley Continental GTC caught testing once again
October 26, 2016 – Continental GTC caught testing on the roads around the Nürburgring
July 6, 2016 – First testing session
Exterior
Although it won’t be as sleek as the EXP 10 Speed 6, the GTC will borrow many elements from the concept. The first spy shots suggest that the front fascia will be one of them, and will incorporate significantly larger headlamps, especially those flanking the grille. However, later prototypes hit the streets using different light units. Actually, it appears as if the headlamps seen on the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept have been glued together in an egg-yolk like pattern that reminds of the 996-generation Porsche 911 and the first-gen Boxster.
The convertible will also get beefier wheel arches and more muscular rear fenders.
A wider grille, a lower nose, and a redesigned bumper with a flatter center intake and larger side outlets were also added, giving the GTC a more aggressive stance. The convertible will also get beefier wheel arches and more muscular rear fenders. The side skirts are hidden from sight but it’s safe to assume they will be redesigned as well, most likely into a sportier shape.
The rear fascia will also get a flattened look, a wider trunk lid, and a new bumper with integrated exhaust pipes. The mule also shows that the taillights will be longer and expand into the trunk lid, but we won’t know for sure until the camouflage is removed. For the time being, these could be just stickers that don’t necessarily mimic the actual shape of the rear lights.
Interior
With no spy shots to run by, it’s difficult to tell what Bentley prepared in this department, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the GTC’s interior is based on the EXP 10 Speed 6’s. If this does turn out to be the case, however, don’t expect the production model to mimic the concept to perfection.
Chances are Bentley will keep the dual-brow dashboard covered in leather and contrast stitching along the quilted leather seats and door panels, but will opt for a different instrument cluster and a wider center stack. The latter is necessary in order to accommodate a large infotainment touchscreen and other control needed to operate the vehicle.
I also expect the GTC to feature various Alcantara surfaces, genuine wood trim, aluminum inserts, and maybe even carbon-fiber on the range-topping model.
The GTC could also borrow some gadgets from the second-generation Porsche Panamera, including the 12-inch display and the infotainment system. Of course, both will be customized to the Continental and feature unique menu designs and different software.
Drivetrain
Much like its predecessor, the third-generation Continental GTC will be offered with both the W-12 and the V-8 engines. The base model will likely use an updated version of the current twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8, while the range-topping version will probably get the new 6.0-liter W-12 that debuted in the Bentayga SUV.
The massive powerplant cranks out 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. If these figures remain the same, the new drop-top will have 33 extra horsepower and 148 extra pound-feet over the outgoing model. The V-8 on the other hand, will be uprated from the current 521 horses and 502 pound-feet to around 550 horsepower and some 540 pound-feet of twist. Both engines will continue to mate to the already traditional eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The new MSB platform will also enable Bentley to offer a hybrid model
Performance-wise, expect the W-12 model to hit 60 mph in around four seconds, or even less than that, thanks to the extra oomph and the new, lighter platform. The V-8 version would achieve this in around five ticks. Both models will most likely top out at more than 200 mph.
The new MSB platform will also enable Bentley to offer a hybrid model. Not much is known about it right now, but the plug-in hybrid technology will probably come from the latest Porsche Panamera. We will find out more about that when Porsche launches the hybrid sedan.
Prices
Pricing of the upcoming Continental GTC is obviously a mystery at this point, but it’s safe to assume that the significant updates will result in a higher sticker price. With the current model priced from $212,500, I’d say that the third-gen model will retail from at least $230,000.
Competition
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
When it comes to fast and luxurious British grand tourers, you can’t go wrong with the Vaquish Volante. Introduced in 2013, one year after Aston Martin revived the Vanquish name from its five-year hiatus, the Vanquish Volante sports a significantly more aggressive design and a powerful V-12 engine under its long hood. The naturally aspirated, 5.9-liter unit cranks out 568 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, enabling the roadster to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 3.8 seconds, which is quicker than any Continental without a “Speed” badge. Its top speed is rated at 197 mph, an impressive figure for a convertible. Pricing starts at around $300,000, which makes it significantly more expensive than the base Conti GTC, but on par with the W-12 model.
Find out more about the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante here.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
The first convertible to wear the “S-Class” badge and Mercedes’ first open-top luxury four-seater since the early 1970s, the S-Class Cabriolet is one of the very few vehicles that can give the Continental GTC a run for its money. Sporty but elegant and fitted with Mercedes 
’ latest technology, it also comes with a powerful V-8 engine that sends 449 horsepower to the rear wheels. For those looking for an alternative to the W-12 GTC, Mercedes offers the AMG S63, which uses a 5.5-liter V-8 rated at 577 horses. This version hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, which should be quicker than the upcoming W-12 GTC. Pricing is also on the Merc’s side. The standard model retails from $131,400, while the AMG fetches $176,400 before options.
Read more about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet here.
Conclusion
Arguably one of the most impressive luxury convertibles available on the market, the Continental GTC is about to get even better with the third-generation model. The new platform will probably solve the Continental’s weight problems, while access to hybrid drivetrains will enable Bentley to offer a more fuel-efficient model and improve the nameplate’s carbon footprint. The EXP 10 Speed 6-inspired design should also give the GTC a sportier stance that’s closer to the Vanquish, leaving the Continental Flying Spur sedan to parade as the more elegant proposition in the lineup.
Update History
Updated 10/26/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Continental GTC out for a new testing session, this time on the roads around the Nürburgring.
Updated 07/19/2016: Based on the recent spy shots and speculations, we created a rendering for the upcoming Continental GTC. Let us know in the comments section below what do you think about it.