2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

After releasing a video showing off the sound of Bentley’s new V8 engine, the company has officially announced details on the new Continental GT V8 before its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, 2012. The new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine will be offered for both the CT coupe and GTC convertible models and will go on sale in the summer of 2012.

The new V8 engine delivers 500 HP at 6000 rpm and 487 lb-ft of torque available between 1700 to 5000 rpm. The models equipped with this new engine will be offered with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission and will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, while top speed will go up to 180 mph. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions have been improved significantly, but official figures will be released in early 2012. Bentley has promised that when equipped with the new V8 engine, the Continental models will be capable of traveling over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel.

"With the new 4.0 liter V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

Exterior and Interior

The major addition to the new Continental GT V8 will obviously be the new engine, Bentley has also done some work on the aesthetics of the vehicle. Both the Continental GT and GTC will be distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley "B" badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes, as well as the option of three different hood colors. At the rear, the vehicles will get unique chromed "figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance, and red enamel "B" bootlid badge. Both models will also be offered with standard 20-inch alloy wheels or an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

For the interior, the GT and GTC will get Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, and an optional two-tone leather color split and short center console.

Engine

Everything else aside, the big news for the new Continental GT and GTC V8 is the new engine. The new 4.0 liter twin turbocharged V8 engine delivers a total of 500 HP at 6000 rpm and an extraordinary peak torque of 487 lb-ft available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rpm. The engine is combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, which together will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, while top speed goes up to 180 mph. By comparison, the models equipped with a 6.0 liter W12 engine will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and can hit a top speed of 198 mph.

However, Bentley has promised that the new V8 engine will come with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Official numbers will be announced in early 2012, but until then, the company said that the Continental V8 will be capable of traveling over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of gas.

Prices

The new Bentley Continental V8 will be making its world debut in January 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale later in the year. A leaked brochure has revealed the European prices for the new Continental GT models. The coupe version is priced at 161,840 euro (about $211,600 at the current exchange rates) and the convertible version at 178,024 euro ($232,700).

Competition

The new V8 engine will allow the Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8s to move in on the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and the BMW M6. The CLS model is powered by a a 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that delivers 525 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. For the new M6, BMW will drop its usual V10 engine in favor of a turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 that will deliver a few more than 500 HP.

topspeed.com