Bentley has taken the wraps off of its new Continental GTC convertible to reveal the fastest four-seat open-top in the world.

Using the same 6.0-litre W12 engine with 552bhp, the GTC reaches 195mph, although this drops to 190mph if you want to do it with the roof down. Acceleration is just as vivid with 0-62mph coming up in 4.8secs.

The roof has three insulating layers and a glass rear screen to create a hushed ambience in the cabin when it's raised while it glides away under the rear canopy at the touch of a button.

To accommodate the open-top design and create space for the roof, Bentley has redesigned the rear suspension, while still leaving 235 litres of storage space. The suspension remains air sprung with four adjustable settings.

To make more space in the cabin, the front seats have a more sculpted rear to leave more legroom for rear passengers.

The usual Bentley accoutrements are present in the cabin, including full climate control, DVD satellite navigation, and keyless entry and ignition.

There will also be a range of Mulliner options for owners to further personalise their GTC.

"The Continental GTC is the most distinctive new Bentley yet," beamed a proud Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors.

"It is the most emotional car in the range and a showpiece for Bentley."

Bentley is keeping tight-lipped over prices at the moment, but expect to pay a £20,000 premium over the Continental GT's £115,000 price tag when the convertible goes on sale at the end of 2006.

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