Bentley Continental GTC Speed unveiled

Bentley has combined the 625PS (616bhp) W12 engine of the GT Speed with the four-seat connvertible body of the Continental GTC to create the 202mph GTC Speed - and in doing so, claims to have built the world's fastest four-seater open-top.

The Continental GT is heading for its 10th birthday, and yet, new model development shows no sign of slowing down. The latest variation, which will be officially unveiled at the 2013 Detroit motor show later this month, and becomes the first open top car offered the Crewe-based company to top 200mph in standard form.

It's powered by the long-lived twin turbo 6.0-litre W12, which as well as developing that headline maximum power output figure, also pushes out 800Nm (590lb ft) between 2000-5000rpm. Acceleration is startling - 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds, and on to 100mph in 9.7 seconds. If it drives like the GT Speed, it's the ease in which these figures can be replicated that truly impress. Overall combined consumption is 19mpg and CO2 emissions are 347g/km.

Compared with the standard GTC, the Speed gets lowered (by 10mm) suspension, and stiffer bushes, uprated anti-roll bars and revised air suspension settings. Visually, the GTC Speed can be identified by its subtle bootlid  spoiler, dark chrome air intakes and radiator grille, 21–inch wheels, and new, larger exhaust tail pipes.

The GTC Speed is set to go on sale in summer 2013, and although the prices are yet to be announced, expect it to come in at around £165,000 before options.