Bentley announced on Monday that its newly redesigned Continental GT and GT Convertible will soon be available with a twin-turbo V8 engine, in addition to the brand’s traditional W-12 engine.
The third-generation Continental GT, which was unveiled in 2018, initially featured only a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine. However, the new V8 option promises impressive performance levels akin to those of earlier Continental GT models. This 4.0-liter V8 engine utilizes twin turbochargers arranged in a “hot V” design, allowing for compact dimensions and reduced lag. It is similar to the engine found in the Lamborghini Urus, another luxury vehicle produced by Volkswagen’s extensive automotive group.
With full turbo boost, the Continental GT V8 delivers an impressive 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, powered through the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system. The coupe version can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the convertible takes 4.0 seconds, making it approximately 0.25 seconds slower than the W-12 model that was recently evaluated by Will Sabel Courtney. Bentley claims both models can reach a top speed of 198 mph, given drivers have a long enough stretch of road to achieve that velocity.
The Continental GT V8 is designed for versatility, providing a comfortable cruising experience when not pushed to its limits. It includes features like cylinder deactivation and an aggressive stop-start system at lower speeds, enabling fuel savings in heavy traffic.
When stuck in traffic, passengers can enjoy the car’s ten-speaker, 650-watt premium audio system while settling into the luxurious 20-way adjustable leather seats. The vehicle’s self-adjusting damping system and optional air suspension contribute to a smooth ride, ensuring comfort throughout the journey—though, as noted by Mike Guy from The Drive, tired eyes may still be an issue.
For those who prefer a blend of open-air driving and luxury, the convertible GT V8 offers an automatic folding roof that can open or close in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Staying true to its British design heritage, customers can even opt for a tweed convertible roof.
While the convertible version has a distinctive appeal, it will debut first in the United States rather than the UK, despite its British origins. Bentley offers ten different wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Deliveries of the Continental GT V8 are set to commence in the third quarter of this year for the U.S., with global deliveries expected to follow in the first quarter of 2020. Although pricing has not been officially released, it is anticipated to start at over $200,000..
