Secret luxury cars of 2006 - Also on their way to UK showooms

What?: Bentley Azure/Continental GTC When?: Spring/autumn How much? From £190,000/£135,000 (est)
Bentley will give well-heeled, open-top motoring fans an agonising choice when it launches not one, but two, convertibles in 2006.

First will be the Azure in the spring. Based on the Arnage saloon, it’ll be one of the most exclusive rag-tops around, with a 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 under the bonnet and a price tag of around £190,000.

Later in the year, the Continental GTC will arrive. As the name suggests, this is based on the Continental GT coupe and will share the same four-wheel-drive chassis and 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine. It’s expected to cost around £135,000.

What?: Rolls-Royce Corniche When?: Late 2006 How much? From £280,000(est)
If you thought the Bentleys were pricey, take a look at this. Rolls-Royce hasn’t yet confirmed that its new convertible will use the Corniche name, but if it is as stunning as the 100 EX concept car it’ll be based on, it should be the most elegant and imposing drop-top money can buy.

The overall look is similar to the Phantom saloon’s, but the sleeker front and rear ends, distinctive lights and polished aluminium running from the bottom of the front bumper to the top of the windscreen give it a much more seductive look.

Based on a shorter version of the Phantom’s platform, and using the same 6.8-litre V12 engine, it should provide a drive and performance to match its jaw-dropping styling.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.