Bentley will unveil its eagerly anticipated V8, in Continental coupe and convertible models, at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show
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Bentley is set to unveil V8 versions of its Continental coupe and convertible at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit opening January 2012.
Supplementing the existing 6.0-litre W12 that has been the Continental’s regular mill since the model’s introduction in 2003, the V8 will be available in GT coupe and GTC convertible models.
The twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 produces 373kw at 6000rpm and 660Nm between 1700rpm and 5000rpm. It drives through a new close-ratio eight-speed auto transmission to undercut the five-second zero to 100km/h barrier, while running out to a claimed top speed of 290km/h-plus.
Developed in conjunction with Audi for use in that brand’s S8, S6 and S7 models, the 90 degree V8 employs direct fuel injection and variable displacement technology to drop fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by a claimed 40 per cent.
Bentley isn’t quoting figures yet, but says the V8 will gift the big all-wheel drive car with a cruising range of better than 800km from its 90-litre fuel tank – which equates to around 11L/100km. This compares more than favourably with the current, base 423kW 6.0-litre W12’s 16.5L/100km. At the same time, it sits in a similar ballpark to the W12’s 4.6-second zero to 100km/h figure. So it’s no slower, but quite a bit more thrifty.
Bentley says the new engine’s variable displacement function segues from V8 to V4 operation on light throttle applications imperceptibly. Importantly, Bentley says the V8 emits its own “distinctive growl”.
Visually, the V8 Bentleys will be identifiable via a chrome-framed, gloss-black matrix grille, a red winged Bentley badge and a three-piece black matrix lower front bumper. Up back, chromed V8 tailpipes and a red badge separate V8 GTs and GTCs from W12 models. 20-inch alloys are standard, with 21-inch six-spokers optional.
Inside, the glamorous British GT is identifiable mainly by trim details, including “Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console.” The cut-back console contrasts with the W12’s full-length arrangement.
Like the W12, V8s utilise a full-time AWD system featuring a Torsen (torque-sensing) centre differential and a 40:60 rear-biased torque split. No weight figure has yet been published, but it’s pretty certain the V8s will weigh less than the base W12 coupe’s 2.3 tonnes.
The V8 Continental GT and GTC are expected to arrive in Australia early in the second half of 2012.
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