(December 15, 2011) CREWE, England — Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 9. The new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.



The new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 487 pound-feet which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rpm, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph and a top speed of over 180 mph.

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of traveling over 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Full and official figures will be released in early 2012.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ trunk lid badge emphasize the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 liter,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers 631 horsepower.

Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system.