Bentley introduces sharper V8 power to the world’s most stylish, luxury grand tourer, as it unveils the Continental GT V8 S in North America for the first time. Alongside this debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is the world’s fastest four-door luxury saloon, the Flying Spur, and the pinnacle of the Bentley range, the Mulsanne.
2013 was Bentley’s record year. Global deliveries increased by 19%, to 10,120 cars, achieving double-digit growth for the fourth consecutive year. The Americas reinforced its position as the number one market, with deliveries increasing by 28% to 3,140 cars.
Available as both a coupe and convertible, the new GT V8 S models bring added excitement to the Continental range.
The new V8 S models provide an even more engaging driving experience from Bentley’s already renowned 4-litre twin-turbo V8 powertrain. The engine develops 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 KW) at 6,000 rev/min and a peak torque of 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) at a mere 1,700 rev/min.
Delivered via a close-ratio ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the increased V8 power provides effortless, exhilarating high performance with breath-taking acceleration and imperceptibly smooth power delivery. Switch into S mode via the gear selector and the V8 S rewards the spirited driver with a sharpened throttle response while gears are held for longer with faster shifts.
The GT V8 S coupe dispatches the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) onto a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h). This increased performance is achieved without detriment to the V8 engine’s class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions, or its ability to cover more than 500 miles (805 km) between fill-ups.
The Continental range now consists of four distinct models. The V8 S complements the GT V8, giving customers a choice of different V8 models for the first time. The W12, with its iconic engine, is the signature car of the Continental range. And the fastest luxury GT in the world, the 205 mph Continental GT Speed, forms the pinnacle of the model line.
