2012 & 2013 Bentley Convertible Reviews & Ratings

British automaker Bentley has been around since the early 1900s, and its convertible models have never been overlooked. Although luxurious Bentley sedans might be a bit more recognizable, its convertible models, especially under the Continental nameplate, are regarded as one of the highest forms of automobile luxury around the world. Currently, Bentley offers two convertible models: the 2011 Bentley Continental, and the 2011 Bentley Continental Supersport.

The 2011 Bentley GTC Contine... (full review continues below)

British automaker Bentley has been around since the early 1900s, and its convertible models have never been overlooked. Although luxurious Bentley sedans might be a bit more recognizable, its convertible models, especially under the Continental nameplate, are regarded as one of the highest forms of automobile luxury around the world. Currently, Bentley offers two convertible models: the 2011 Bentley Continental, and the 2011 Bentley Continental Supersport.

The 2011 Bentley GTC Continental convertible is representative of a long, successful Bentley history- made of glorious British design and engineering. Bentley's first models were Grand Touring units, and the 1950s R-Type Continental and early 21st century Continental GT took this storied history and rewrote it by revolutionizing the automobile industry, and throwing all enthusiasts for a loop. These first Continentals might have been Grand Touring coupe and sedan models, but by the 1980s, enthusiasts desired a convertible Continental, and they got it. The 1988 Continental was certainly a sight to behold. The newest Continental GTC is a testament to these original vehicles, with a modern twist and updated technologies. It combines luxury and performance in a refined package. The new convertible Continental models was first introduced in 2005 and first produced the next year.

The GTC Continental convertible also comes in a "Speed" variant, which adds just that to the Continental package. For example, the base GTC Convertible produces 552 horsepower from its 6-liter engine, while the Speed variant ups that horsepower to 600 horsepower. (The Supersports, which will soon be discussed, ups that number even more, to 621 hp). Both the GTC Speed and base models get 11 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The base GTC has a price around $205,600, while the Speed trim has a price around $236k. The GTC convertible competes with the Mercedes-Benz SL class and the Jaguar XK-Series.

The 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports convertible is also still for sale from new stock. Like the GTC convertible, it is a part of the Continental line that was first released in 2003 as a replacement to the Bentley Continental R and T (based on the Rolls-Royce model). The Supersports, specifically, was first produced in 2009 in limited numbers. It's the first Bentley that's capable of using gasoline and ethanol to power its amazing 630 horsepower, 6.0-liter W12 engine. It's even faster than the GT, with a zero-to-sixty time of less than four seconds and a top speed around 204 mph. In fact, it's the most powerful and fastest Bentley ever made. The convertible variant has a price tag around $280,400 ($12-13 thousand more than the coupe version) and competes with such vehicles as the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. It also comes in a coupe variant, with is just as powerful and speedy. This convertible features a Quickshift system, a four-wheel-drive system, Ultra High Performance tires, twenty-inch alloy wheels, the most powerful (ceramic) brakes to ever be featured on a sports car, and an electronic stability program. Overall, the Supersports is a faster, more powerful version of the Continental GTC convertible. Both are fantastic choices for drivers that desire luxury, power, and the wind in their hair.