Cars on show: Continental GT V8 S coupe and convertible
Faster, more efficient V8 power for Continental
Bentley has unveiled an up-rated version of its Continental GT V8. Dubbed the S, it uses the existing 4.0-litre V8 and eight-speed automatic gearbox, but power has been cranked up to 521bhp with peak torque of 680Nm available from just 1,700rpm.
What that means is a seriously fast car. 0-62mph takes just 4.5 seconds and top speed is 192mph for the coupe version, the cabriolet capable of 4.7 seconds and 191mph respectively.
That engine also has cylinder-deactivation technology, which means it shuts off half its cylinders when not required and becomes an engine with the same displacement as a conventional family hatchback.
What this means for fuel economy is that the new Bentley will return a claimed 26.8mpg in hard-top format and 25.9mpg for the drop-top.
Road tax for a car like this is going to be pretty high. CO2 emissions are 246g/km and 254g/km respectively, so you’ll pay £840 in the first year and £475 per year thereafter.
Bentley has also dropped the ride height by 10mm, stiffened up the springs and changed the steering for a sportier ride. There’s also 20-inch alloys and a bodykit to separate the S from your more common or garden Bentley.
The new GT V8 S coupe and convertible arrive in Bentley dealerships from early 2014.
You can read the full Bentley Continental Convertible review by clicking here.
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