The Bentley Grand Convertible makes its bow at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
With a handful of models whose prices begin well into six figures, Bentley operates in a unique and rarified niche of the automotive world – but it does like to pull off a few surprises, as it did when it announced plans to add an ultra-luxurious SUV to its line-up several years back.
So rumors began swirling as the Los Angeles Auto Show approached as to what might be hidden under the covers at the Bentley stand. Speculation included the possibility of an ultra-roadster, or perhaps the lower-end model the maker has long been debating.
As it turns out, Bentley has gone the other direction, bringing to Tinseltown the Grand Convertible concept, based on its new 2015 Mulsanne Speed sedan, that it proclaims will “redefine the luxury of open-air driving.”
Rolls-Royce might defer. It has its own top-line ragtop, the $475,000 Phantom Drophead Coupe, based on its own flagship, the Phantom sedan. But Bentley appears ready to battle it out for some of the world’s most affluent buyers.
Based off the Mulsanne Speed, the Grand Convertible puts out more torque than the La Ferrari.
“This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer during an LA auto show sneak preview. “With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways.”
Bentley’s droptop starts out with the Mulsanne Speed’s 530-horsepower twin-turbo 6.75-liter V-8. In Speed trim it delivers an astounding 811 pound-feet of tire-spinning torque. That’s nearly 300 lb-ft more than the La Ferrari.
(Click Here to check out the Bentley Mulsanne Speed sedan.)
The Mulsanne sheds two doors in Grand Convertible form, the concept finished in Sequin Blue paint that – appropriate – had been created to match the favorite dress of one of its customers. The two-tone scheme finished the hood and windshield surround in “liquid metal” silver.
Bentley’s droptop starts out with the Mulsanne Speed’s 530-horsepower twin-turbo 6.75-liter V-8.
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The electrically operated tonneau cover is finished in Burr Walnut, Bentley claiming the concept required “the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. It is accented by parallel lines of chromed steel.”
The interior of the four-seat Grand makes use of 14 different hides of contrasting leather, finished in progressive-diamond quilting.
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As to whether Bentley will add the Grand Convertible to the line-up, CEO Durheimer suggested, “We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car,” adding that, “We will ensure that this car – if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece.”
Bentley currently offers just one convertible model, the Continental GTC, a ragtop version of its smaller Continental line.