GIVE NEW MEANING TO THE THRILL OF THE OPEN ROAD For those who love the rich exhaust note of a V8 engine, there is no experience quite like driving a Continental GT V8 S Convertible. Like its hard-topped sibling, the luxury convertible version of the newest Continental delivers significant improvements in performance over the original Continental V8: an even higher top speed, tighter suspension and improved handling. But its the sound of that monstrous V8 engine as the wind whistles past that makes the Continental GT V8 S Convertible such an irresistible proposition. Sporting details are visible all over the car, from the Beluga gloss body kit and door mirrors to the V8 S badge emblazoned proudly on the wing. Luxurious it may be; exhilarating it most certainly is.

HEAR THE ROAR, FEEL THE RUSH Beneath the bonnet of the Continental GT V8 S Convertible lies the source of that heart-stopping sound: a 4 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that can produce 521 bhp (388 kW / 528 PS @ 6,000 rpm). It generates a phenomenal 680 Newton metres of torque at 1700 rpm and it can propel the car and its occupants from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. Its top speed: a fearsome 191mph (308 km/h). Variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders switch off at gentler throttle openings, reduces fuel consumption and cuts both frictional and gas transfer losses. When more power is required, the engine switches back automatically from four cylinders to the full eight. The GT V8 S Convertibles sports suspension and steering have also been specifically calibrated to work effectively with its body structure to ensure the ride, handling, agility and overall driver feedback levels are of the highest order. The Continental GT V8 S Convertible: exhilarating in every sense. Once in motion, the upgraded Continental chassis and suspension system combine to provide a more responsive drive, while the satisfying roar of the 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine all the more important when driving with the top down, comes with the option of a sports exhaust system with a revised pipe architecture, redesigned silencers and re-tuned mountings. With seating for four adults and all the luggage space you need, the Continental GT V8 S Convertible is a grand tourer in every sense. But as you take to the road with the top down, you could be forgiven for feeling that really, its all about the drive, not the destination.