2012 Bentley Continental GTC

That drivetrain is identical to that in the Continental GT, with the same horsepower and torque figures coming from same silent but deadly W-12 cylinder engine (think of two V-6’s snuggling together). The all-wheel-drive system is standard, and it routs 60 percent of the car’s torque to the rear wheels.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The roof itself is a triple-layered fabric unit with a heated glass rear window, and the whole contraption hides behind a leather-wrapped toneau cover in a rather plodding 25 seconds. The GTC’s climate control and the optional $7,015 Naim audio system automatically adjust their settings when the top is stowed.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Other options on our test car included 21-inch alloy wheels ($3,110); a chromed lower grille ($1,010); several forests worth of Tamo Ash wood trim that you see here ($2,685); massaging and ventilated front seats ($820); and a backup camera ($987).  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Also included was a $960 neck warmer option that tickled your head-stem with varying levels of warm air from a vent near the top of the seatback, an ideal companion to nighttime cruising with the top down.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

If warm neck-air isn’t enough to keep you comfortable and you still need the top down, consider that with the seat warmers in their hottest setting, the GTC’s seats could fry an egg or seven and seem a few degrees short of literally lighting your pants on fire.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The GTC also has is the same troublesome navigation system that’s found in the GT. Because Volkswagen owns Bentley, this system is identical to the one in your hairdresser’s assistant’s intern’s Jetta, albeit with a larger screen. Why Bentley doesn’t at least use the far more sophisticated Google Earth-based system that’s found in Audi’s (also owned by Volkswagen) is a bit of a headscratcher.   (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Ironically, it’s with the top up that some unfortunate noise is apparent. Too much wind seems to sneak through the top of the driver and passenger windows, so much that I was regularly checking to make sure the windows were rolled up properly. All the more reason to just keep the roof stowed.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Somehow the mere act of removing the roof gives the Continental GTC refound purpose as a languid cruiser and bomb-proof commuter. This is car that was born to be a convertible. Drop the top and bathe the beautifully-wrought interior in natural light and the car’s shy throttle and the engine’s cautious purr encourage a relaxed attitude that compliments the character of a convertible.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Though the Continental GT was never a lightweight, this GTC adds an additional 400 pounds for a hefty total of 5,501. Yet it will still rocket smoothly forward while only paying a .1-second penalty in its 0-60 time versus the coupe.  (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)