When the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible (pictured) makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show later this month, you might expect the focus to be on its slick looks, its power or its speed. However, what has grabbed our attention here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk is its remarkable fuel economy statistics.
The new GT Speed Convertible will share its powertrain specification with the GT Speed Coupe – that’s a 616hp twin-turbocharged 6.0litre W12 sitting alongside an eight-speed ZF transmission: helping the vehicle to an eye-catching 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy.
According to provisional ratings, the fuel economy of the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is expected to be 15mpg combined: not exactly making it a true green car, but still a notable improvement.
There has been no loss in the vehicle’s performance either. The W12 engine can power the vehicle to 60mph in just 4.1seconds and it can achieve a top speed of 202mph. It can reach a peak torque of 800Nm at 2,000-5,000 revs per minute.
One of the key reasons it has been able to reduce its fuel consumption so impressively is that it comes with an energy recuperation system. When combined with the quick shifting eight-speed transmission, this has improved the fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions by 15 per cent compared to the first generation of the model. There is a Sport mode available with the vehicle too however, which will sacrifice some of the fuel economy in favour of a sharper throttle response and gear shifting at higher speeds.
Also worth noting is the inclusion of an electronic stability control system that has been optimised for the new engine and is said to deliver better safety and more driver involvement.
The North American International Auto Show will kick off on January 14 for the Press, before opening its doors to the public on January 19.
Paul is a freelance writer with a background in everything from motoring to finance; and holidays to women's undergarments he just writes about them, honestly! He has now sadly crept into his early 30s and seems to have forgotten everything learned at school Still, he's a green car fanatic and isn't that what counts?
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