2012 NAIAS: Bentley Continental GT & GTC V8
In an effort to look concerned about the environment and offer a bit of a discount on their entry offering Continental range, Bentley has developed a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to motivate the Flying B in place of the 6.0-liter W12 that they’ve used for almost a decade. (Don’t worry, for those wealthy clients who aren’t as concerned with saving polar bears the W12 remains available.) Horsepower comes in at an even 500 while torque maxes at 481 lb-ft. An 8-speed automatic sends power out to all four wheels and all the usual Bentley luxuries remain available.
Thanks to technologies like direct injection and cylinder deactivation engineers expect the newly frugal Continental to return more than 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Exterior modifications are very minimal but red back Bentley badges, “figure-eight” tailpipes and a dark lower valance will help differentiate the V8 from the W12 models. We’re happy to report V8 owners won’t be giving up much in the way of performance with Bentley estimating 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph. Get your orders in now, the V8 goes on sale this summer.
Photos by Jason Muxlow
