The Name Originates from the 1950s "Continental R"

This is true luxury. We participated in the international test drive of a new model that makes you feel that way. It's the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

The location was in Andalusia, southern Spain. The starting point was Malaga, facing the Strait of Gibraltar. This is the heart of the Costa del Sol, famous as a resort area with a warm Mediterranean climate.



The course involved driving north from there, on highways and winding roads, with Seville, the capital of Andalusia, as the goal. Seville, with its many mosques and cathedrals from the 15th and 16th centuries, is truly an ancient city among ancient cities. Strolling through the city at dusk felt like stepping back in time. I was captivated by a horse-drawn carriage that slowly passed by, its hooves echoing.

The test drive route was approximately 400 km. This is a long distance for an international test drive. This is because the origin of the Continental GT's name is the "Continental R" from the 1950s, and it literally means to travel across the continent. For the British, the continent naturally means Europe. Therefore, this time, a content was prepared to tour Spain, a part of the continent, on a long drive.




The test car is the open-top version of the Continental GT coupe, which was released last year. It is equipped with an electric soft top that can be opened or closed while driving at speeds below 50 km/h. Well, these features are probably common for European cars. Even if it suddenly starts raining, you can close the roof by slowing down, without having to find a place to pull over on the roadside.

Bentley as a Sports Car Brand

The engine is the familiar 6-liter W12 twin-turbo, producing a maximum output of 635 ps and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. These figures can only be described as being in the realm of supercars. The power delivery in response to the accelerator is extraordinary; the turbines start spinning from low RPMs, delivering relentless acceleration from a standstill through all speed ranges.



The handling is also superb. The car's body precisely follows the driver's steering inputs. Although the body rigidity might be slightly less than the coupe due to the absence of a roof, it possesses a robustness that belies this. This can be said to be evidence of Bentley's heritage as a sports car brand.

In Japan, Bentley is often perceived as a luxury car brand, similar to Rolls-Royce. However, Bentley was originally founded as a sports car brand. Its success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the 1920s remains legendary to this day. Therefore, its focus on power and handling is only natural.

The Interior Reflects the True Value of a British High Brand

By the way, I wrote "true luxury" at the beginning. While this applies to the exterior design and the driving experience, I felt it most strongly when I stepped inside the interior.

The beauty of the real wood adorning the dashboard, the leather seats with their diamond stitching creating a gorgeous atmosphere, and the switches that feel user-friendly not just in appearance but also to the touch. The finish in these areas surpasses that of German or Italian cars in the same price range. It truly reflects the value of a British high brand.



Driving through Andalusia with the top down, enveloped in such a luxurious space. This test drive can truly be called the epitome of luxury. It felt far more indulgent than driving along Santa Monica or Miami Beach. The juxtaposition of Bentley, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with an ancient city where people have lived for centuries was exquisite, even mystical.

To elaborate further on the interior, there are reportedly eight types of dashboard panels, and 15 types each of carpets and trim levels. Of course, as is typical of British cars, bespoke options are available, so it's no exaggeration to say there are infinite patterns. Also noteworthy is the seven color variations for the soft top, including a British tweed pattern.



The Continental GT Convertible is a car that transcends mere specifications. Its greatest appeal lies in the worldview that Bentley has cultivated over many years through its relationships with aristocrats and celebrities worldwide. An open-top car is a luxury vehicle. Indeed, perhaps open-top cars were born from a world of luxury. I felt this during the 400km drive.