A PAIR of new Bentley Continental V8 models have been unveiled ahead of their debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show.
And the new 4.0-litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupe and GTC convertible will come with a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
This latest V8 unit delivers a whopping 500bhp of punch plus peak torque of 660Nm, and combined with a new close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission, it translates into a sub-five second 0-60 acceleration time and top speed of more than 180mph.
Official figures won’t be released until later, but Bentley says improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector means the dynamic duo will be capable of topping 500 miles on a tank of fuel.
The cars are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix lower front bumper, while at the rear there are chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge.
Both models have 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design available in Diamond Black - exclusive to the Continental V8 - or Diamond Silver finishes.
The newcomers fit into the Continental range beneath the flagship 6.0 litre,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC.
Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with more than 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world.