The Bentley Continental SC.
The Bentley Continental SC.
To Make One's Mark...For some, a task accomplished or a victory gained is diminished unless it is also done with flair and passion. Style is the individual's signature upon events; it is the facet of the cut diamond that catches the eye.
THERE IS SIGNIFICANCE IN THE NAME CONTINENTAL SC. The Sedanca Coupes of the marque's early years offered Bentley owners a combination of open-air motoring and the comfort afforded by an enclosed cabin. The new Bentley Continental SC reinterprets the design tradition, but with an advanced glass roof design providing levels of refinement unimaginable to the drivers of its predecessors.
Even more than the muscular style of the new wings, it is the roof of the Continental SC that draws the attention. Above the driver and passenger, two removable glass panels can be released by the powered latches and safely stowed in the shaped holders beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. Even with the panels in place, the cockpit feels light and airy, as the entire roof panel is panelled in high strength glass. No ordinary glass, either, but the first automotive application of an advanced new material that admits light while providing the maximum protection from solar radiation and resisting heat-build up even in intense sunlight and high temperatures.
LEFT The sedanca coupe, shown on this 1930's 3 1/2 litre, was a classic coachbuilt style for Bentley motor cars of the era.
From the driver's seat, the enjoyment of piloting a responsive two-door motor car is increased by the visual and tactile pleasures of the interior. Light bathes the bold two-colour upholstery and highlights details like sparkling chromed gearlever and gate. The turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine of the Continental SC generates 590 lb. ft of torque and 400 bhp.This, combined with its shortened wheelbase, high ratio steering rack and wide track endow it with exceptional performance and roadholding, but the Bentley design team has taken equal care to endow it with the suppleness and refinement that is the fast tourer's hallmark.
As befits an inheritor of Bentley's famed red badge, the Continental SC combines visual and sensual appeal with magnificent performance. When closed, the cockpit roof still admits welcome light, but few owners will resist the chance to enjoy the exhilarating experience of open-air driving with a minimum of buffeting or wind noise. The Continental SC is a motor car for those who have a passion for good design, magnificent craftsmanship and supple power; a car to satisfy the purist and delight the aficionado.
The Flexibility Of Choice Between Closed And Open Cockpit; A Sporting Interior; the responsive performance of a Bentley fast tourer; these are the delights of the Continental SC with its fixed rear glass roof panel and two removable front roof panels. With typical care, the Bentley design team has provided a safe stowage for the roof panels under the floor of the luggage compartment whilst retaining practical luggage space.
The Continental SC has dual colour trim with a seat style designed for lateral support that also features perforated niche panels and integral seat belt. Single colour interior and engine-turned aluminium dash and waistrails in place of fine wood veneers may be specified.
The motor car shown is simply one example of the many specifications available from the wide choice of colour combinations and finishes offered by Bentley Motors. The scope is extended even further through the engineers and craftsmen of Mulliner, who are able to undertake special commissions to design and specify a motor car for an individual's driving characteristics and tastes.
An eye for detail; the Continental SC features a new style of alloy wheel with a distinctive hex nut centre cap and a new front bumper and airdam with integral fog/driving lamps that matches the distinctive style of the new wings.
The Continental SC combines the panoramic cockpit ambience afforded by a unique roof design with the performance characteristics of a two-door Bentley fast tourer. Its roof features two detachable glass panels and a rear fixed glass panel.Even when closed, this gives the cockpit an airy feel while with the panels detached the driver and passenger can enjoy the sensations of open-top motoring with little of the associated wind buffeting. The Continental SC's distinctive styling, jewel-like detailing, supple ride and responsive performance make it a rewarding sporting motor car or short sprints and long journeys alike.
BODY STYLE
Two-door close-coupled glass roof sedanca coupe.
Unique roof design with fixed rear glass panel and two removable front panels.
Stainless steel laser-cut matrix grille.
Blistered front and rear wing panels with new bumper and airdam featuring integral fog/driving lamps.
New rear side window profile.
TECHNOLOGY
Electronic Traction Assistance System (ETAS):EMS microprocessor monitors traction with wheel speed data and reacts via fuel metering to individual cylinders, significantly faster and more precisely than conventional throttle or brake intervention systems. Viscous limited slip differential eliminates need for individual wheel control.
UV and heat-filtering roof panel glass offering maximum solar ray protection to retain control of cockpit ambience in all climates.
Micro-alloy ventilated front brake discs provide excellent braking capability.
Automatic Ride Control provides computer control of the suspension dampers to optimise ride comfort and handling.
Transmission shift energy management provides computer control of the gearbox to produce smooth gear changes under all conditions.
Adaptive Shift Control modifies the gear change points in 'normal' mode according to driving style.
Zytek EMS3 engine management system provides high density 32x2 site bit-maps for fueling and ignition, enabling more accurate engine mapping and providing greater efficiency, power and almost instant throttle response.
Both alarm and headlamp operations are programmable to the owner's individual preferences.
CFC-free air conditioning system.
GSM digital telephone system (UK)
Analogue telephone system (North America)
PERFORMANCE
6.75 litre V8 engine with exhaust driven turbocharger and liquid-cooled charge cooler.
Digital boost control system.
Aluminium alloy wheels fitted with directional 285/45 R18 tyres.
Viscous control differential for optimum traction and control.
Centre console-mounted gearshift with sport/standard gear change pattern selector.
Four speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox with torque converter lock-up.
Unique fast touring suspension tune with high ratio steering rack.
Maximum power 300kw (400bhp) at 4000 min-1DURABILITY
Maximum torque 800Nm (590 lb. ft.) at 2150 min-1
Maximum speed 245 km/h (155 mph)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 6.1 seconds
0-100 km/h 6.4 seconds
Fuel consumption European Union drive cycle US EPA
Urban 25.8 1/100 km (10.9 mpg) 11 mpUSgall
Extra urban (highway) 13.1 1/100 km (21.6 mpg) 16 mpUSgall
Combined 17.8 1/100 km (15.9 mpg) 13 mpUSgall
SAFETY
Fully powered braking system with four channel electronic anti-lock system and anti-dive geometry.
Driver and front seat passenger airbags.
Anti-side intrusion beams to doors.
APPOINTMENTS
Power latched detachable front glass roof panels with protected underfloor stowage in luggage compartment.
Fixed rear glass roof panel.
Push button started mounted on fascia.
New gear lever with semi-circular chrome ball top, leather lower and chrome collar.
Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals.
Two colour hide interior.
Sculpted hide-covered steering wheel with matched hide-covered dashboard cowl.
Continental SC sports seats with perforated niche panels.
Seat belt integrated into seat frame, with automatic headrest adjustment.
Turbo boost gauge.
Stacked centre console instrument layout.
Electric tilt-adjustable steering column with 'easy entry-exit' feature.
Memory facility allows the positions of the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel of four different drivers to be recalled.
Dual level air conditioning.
4x30 Watt tuner-cassette audio system, with 6 CD autochanger mounted in centre console armrest.
Two stage front seat heating.
Bi-level lumbar support system to front seats.
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 2961 mm 116.6 inManufacturer's Suggested Retail price
Overall length 5241 mm 17 ft 2.3 in
Overall width (across mirrors) 2058 mm 6 ft 9 in
Overall height 1466 mm 4 ft 9.7 in
Track front 1549 mm 60.98 in
Track rear 1581 mm 62.24 in
Fuel tank capacity 108 litres 23.75 gallons
Laden weight (GVW) 2980 kg 6570 lb
Unladen weight (kerbside) 2610 kg 5754 lb
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 11.03 m 36 ft 2 in
Luggage compartment volume 0.202 m 7.15 ft with false floor
Continental SC $319,900.00 Continental SC Mulliner $339,900.00