Bentley introduces its brand new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, an engine that will power the renewed Continental GT and GTC. This unit is not as frightening as Bentely’s 6.0-litre W12 - which will remain at top of the range - but nonetheless it boasts an absolutely excellent delivery as well as reducing the overall carbon footprint of the British carmaker (although no official consumption figures have been released).
The new engine derives from the pretty similar unit that has been recently launched for the new Audi S6, S7 and S8, and makes use of a number of innovations such as direct injection and automatic variable displacement to V4 when traveling at low speed. The new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers 507 hp at 6,000 rpm with 660 Nm (487 lb/ft) of maximum torque available between 1,700 and 5.000 rpm. Both Bentley Continental GT and GTC will have its power delivered to all four wheels through Bentley’s signature 8-speed automatic transmission: the GT will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, while the GTC will need 4.8 seconds to hit that same speed. Both models are credited with a top speed of 303 km/h (188 mph) and a full autonomy of about 800 km.
The V8 versions can be told apart from the W12 variants by their shiny black front grille with chrome outlines, the red ‘B’ badges and the different front bumper, with three integrated air intakes. However, the most distinguishing features have to be the newly designed tail pipes and the 20″ alloys. Specifically designed 21″ 6-spoke rims are also available as optional extras in two colors: Diamond Black (which is an exclusive color for the V8s) and Diamond Silver, while the passenger compartment also gets some changes in the form of Eliade cloth headlining, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather and short center console. Here is the official photo gallery released by the carmaker.
View the full Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8 photo gallery
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