2007 Bentley Continental GTC Preview

Bentley is now a Two Convertible Marque

What just might be the world's most desirable touring car has now lost its head, resulting in one of the most enticing four-seat convertibles ever made. The former is the Bentley Continental GT, winner of a number of

To many, the only way to make a coupe such as the Continental GT better is to chop its top off. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

design awards and the l'objet désiré of wealthy commuters the world over. Its handcrafted interior is second to no rival and performance, courtesy of a compact yet muscular 560-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12, stunning.

To many, the only way to make a coupe such as the Continental GT better is to chop its top off, exposing hand-stitched hides, brushed billet aluminum and high-gloss burred walnut veneers, an interior that Bentley says is nearly identical to its coupe sibling, to the scorching elements.

The new GTC does just that, although describing the process that Bentley's Crewe, England designers, engineers and product planners undertook to make sure its latest creation lives up to the ultra-premium

The luxuriously appointed convertible can reach a top speed of 304 km/h. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

marque's legendary quality and performance, in such a crude fashion hardly does the new model justice.

"The Continental GTC is the third step in our new product and segment strategy," explains Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. "It will again open up the Bentley brand to more customers who only buy convertibles, as well as being a logical next car for our existing owners."

To put the Continental GT in perspective, the luxuriously appointed convertible can reach a top speed of 304 km/h (190mph), a velocity kept controllable thanks to the car's extremely stiff body structure, sophisticated air suspension setup, and grippy all-wheel drive system.