Bentley released new details on the V8 version of the new Continental at the model’s debut at the Detroit Motor Show. The new 4.0-liter V8 engine is capable to deliver 500 horsepower and 660 Nm of torque, enough resources for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.
The British people from Bentley claim that the fuel economy of the Continental has been improved by 40% while the performance figures were kept at a decent level.
“The new V8 engine gives Bentley a three-engine line-up for the first time since the early days of the company and we’re confident it will characterize the Bentley driving experience as the 6.75 V8 and 6.0 W12 do”, commented Brian Gush, Head of Powertrain Engineering.
The new engine features cylinder deactivation technology which can shut down four of the eight cylinders at low speeds. In order to make this switch unnoticeable, there are hydraulic engine mounts which make the V8 to V4 transition very smooth.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 is priced from €136,000 while the GTC V8 has a starting price of €149,600.
My issue with the Conti is not the WEIGHT per se, rather that so much of it sits fore of the front weelhs. I will not covet any Bentley (nor any other Audi) that has not adopted the new corporate architecture.