v 8 i n t r o d u c t i o n : 0 7 g t v 8: 0 8
g t c v 8: 17
e x t e r i o r f e at u r e s: 24 v 8 d r i v e t r a i n : 2 6
a l l - w h e e l d r i v e : 39 b r a k e s : 41
i n t e r i o r f e at u r e s: 4 2 i n - c a r t e c h n o l o g y : 4 9
v 8 r e c o m m e n d e d c o l o u r s: 58 b e s p o k e c o l o u r s: 68
w h e e l o p t i o n s: 70
w o o d v e n e e r s a n d t r i m o p t i o n s: 74 l e at h e r : 7 8
c a r p e t a n d s e at b e lt c o l o u r s: 82 s p e c i f i c at i o n pa c k s a n d o p t i o n s: 84 d e s i g n t e a m r e c o m m e n d at i o n s: 9 6
g t v 8 a n d g t c v 8 a c c e s s o r i e s: 110
t h e g t v 8 a n d g t c v 8 c o l l e c t i o n : 112
g t v 8 s ta n d a r d a n d o p t i o n a l s p e c i f i c at i o n : 114 g t c v 8 s ta n d a r d a n d o p t i o n a l s p e c i f i c at i o n : 116
The clues are there. The dark mesh radiator grille, ringed by bright metal. The aggressive lower bumper with its three air intakes. The blacked-out rear valance, with its twin exhaust tailpipes shaped into an elongated, side-on figure eight. And one further small, but significant detail: a red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’. These are the tell-tale signs of an all-new Bentley, powered by a 4.0 litre V8 engine.
From the distinctive backbeat of its eight cylinders at idling speed to the glorious snarl of full-throttle acceleration, the new V8 offers an exhilarating, involving and passionate route to
Bentley Continental ownership. It is an engine that can both stir the soul or calm the spirit, according to the mood of the driver or the conditions. Yet it also delivers a power-to-emissions ratio unparalleled in its class.
For years the name Bentley has been unrivalled among high performance grand tourers. Today, two new V8 models extend that reputation, offering sensational performance, outstanding efficiency and a soundtrack to thrill any driver. The Continental GT V8 and Continental GTC V8 have arrived.
There’s a lean and muscular look to the Continental GT V8 that’s entirely in keeping with the powertrain beneath the bonnet. The Crewe styling team has created a Bentley coupé of elegantly tailored lines and muscular form, with the precise crease of the front wings shaped by advanced aluminium superforming technology. Those distinctive large, close-set inner headlamps are ringed by jewel-like LED lights; at the rear, Bentley’s signature ‘floating’ LED lights draw one's eye to the extremities of the car, emphasising its low, wide stance. It’s a shape that echoes some of the great Bentley grand tourers of the past, yet the design is clean, contemporary and fresh.
The V8’s character is emphasised by the gloss black mesh grille, ringed in bright chrome, the aggressive jut of the threesegment front bumper and by the blacked-out rear valance with those tell-tale ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes. There’s a darker side to this Bentley, and it can be summoned up by pressing the
start button and bringing the advanced new 4.0 litre V8 engine to life. Acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds attests to the power of the advanced 500bhp V8 engine; the power to emissions ratio confirms that it sets a new benchmark for the breed.
Before the drive begins, you’ll want to take a little time to enjoy the ambience of the cockpit. Take in the simple, modern feel imparted to the impeccable craftsmanship of the fascia and wood trim by the design team’s recommended Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, an ambience emphasised by the use of Eliade cloth headlining. The cockpit itself harmoniously integrates advanced infotainment, clear instrumentation, clean, crisp lines and carefully-resolved meeting points of highly polished veneer, soft-touch leather and solid metal. It’s an inspiring place to spend some quality time; and with a potential range of over 530 miles between fill-ups thanks to that ultra-efficient V8 engine, you’ll be able to do exactly that.
w h y s t o p w h e n y o u ’r e h av i n g f u n ?
Although closely related to the GT, the Continental GTC V8 has its own distinct character. Those iconic Bentley features of dominant bonnet line, dark matrix mesh grille and twin large inner headlamps confirm its pedigree, while the wide track and four-square stance emphasise the performance focus of an all-wheel drive supercar. At the rear, wrap-around lamps accentuate the low, wide proportions, flanking a distinctive Bentley ‘double-horseshoe’ boot lid with a spoiler on its upper edge. Distinguishing features for the V8 model include a red enamel winged ‘B’ badge, gloss black grille with bright chrome surround, three-segment front bumper and the ‘figure eight’ tailpipes at the rear.
To call the Continental GTC V8 a convertible understates its capabilities. It is both a sensational open tourer when the weather permits and a practical year-round proposition, as well-insulated and refined as a coupé, thanks to its four-layer insulated roof. Inside, the ‘cobra head’ front seats can be specified with an
optional neck warmer feature, tempting you to enjoy open-top motoring on your way to the ski run. Choose the optional front seat ventilation system, and excess heat is drawn out of the seat backrest and cushion by silent-running fans, allowing you to experience summer sunshine while remaining cool. Unique to the Continental V8 models is the Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer trim, giving the interior a fresh, contemporary look.
Bentley’s new 4.0 litre V8 engine has an inspiring repertoire of sounds, from the deep V8 burble at low engine speeds to the growl and rasp that swell in crescendo as the throttle is pressed further towards the floor. This exceptional new 500bhp Bentley engine can hurtle the GTC V8 from standstill to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds with a compelling surge of power. And for the owner of a Continental GTC V8, one of the incidental pleasures of hood-down motoring is the chance to enjoy the V8’s mechanical symphony…in full surround sound.
w h e n t h e h o o d i s d o w n , y o u ’r e n o t a n o b s e r v e r . y o u ’r e a pa r t i c i pa n t.
Those knife-edge crease lines down the front wings of the Continental GT and GTC cannot be made using a conventional panel press. Instead, using a technique called superforming, 5083 grade aluminium is heated to 500ºC and shaped around a die using air pressure. No other process could have achieved such crisp, sharp lines. No other process could have enabled Bentley to create such a complex panel without seams or joins. And so, because this is Bentley, no other process would suffice.
That, in microcosm, is the story of the Bentley Continental. The drama of the large, LED-ringed inner headlight, the lean and muscular form of the rear haunch, the way the elliptical rear lights echo the shape of the exhaust beneath, all these are the product of uncompromised dedication to the ideal. From sketch to tape outline, tape outline to Alias software, Alias software to full-sized clay model, the refining, finessing and simplifying took tens of thousands of man hours. The result looks like it has been shaped by the wind itself. And that’s appropriate, for a car that can outpace a hurricane.
With power comes responsibility
Bentley’s new V8 engine is astonishing, not just for what it does but also for the way it does it. The power and torque figures of 500bhp and 660Nm from 4.0 litres alone would
indicate that this new V8 is an advanced high performance
engine. But take into consideration that the GT coupé’s CO2 emissions are a mere 246 g/km and it’s clear that the newest Bentley engine’s technology is world-leading. Even though the Bentley develops a full 500bhp, its power to emissions ratio
sets a new benchmark that will take most rivals years to equal.
Engine technology |
|
|
Four years is a short span of |
cylinders so that they only act |
throughout the V8’s operating |
time in which to develop a |
as gas springs. This has two |
range is a highly advanced |
revolutionary new engine, yet |
immediate benefits; the |
engine management system. |
Bentley’s commitment in 2008 |
remaining four cylinders |
A 32-bit TriCore™ |
to develop a GT capable of a |
operate at a higher level of |
microprocessor performs |
40% increase in fuel-efficiency |
efficiency, and the engine’s |
up to 180 million instructions |
has now been achieved with |
frictional and gas transfer |
per second, the kind of |
the new V8. It can be |
losses are reduced. As soon as |
computing power that a few |
admitted, however, that |
the driver presses the throttle |
years ago was enough to run |
Bentley already had expertise |
harder the engine instantly |
a space mission. Perhaps the |
in one technology: variable |
switches back to full |
new Bentley V8’s engineering |
displacement, where four of |
eight-cylinder operation. |
really is rocket science: at all |
the eight cylinders are |
Such is the refinement, |
events, the microprocessor |
effectively switched off at |
speed and smoothness of the |
provides an unparalleled level |
gentle throttle openings. |
technology that the engine’s |
of precision in its control of |
That technology now makes |
effective displacement |
the combustion process. |
its appearance in the new |
seamlessly switches from |
It also controls the thermal |
direct injection V8. When |
V8 to V4 and back again with |
management system that |
the engine’s control |
imperceptible ease. Switchable |
ensures a faster warm-up for |
microprocessor detects |
hydraulic engine mounts |
the engine and transmission, |
a light throttle opening, |
change to a ‘soft’ state during |
as well as the switchable oil |
perhaps as the driver |
idle for improved isolation |
control system, each of which |
maintains a steady cruising |
from vibration. |
has a contribution to make to |
speed or decelerates, it closes |
Seamlessly managing the |
the new engine’s overall 40% |
the valves in four of the eight |
transition between modes |
efficiency gain. |
Another key component of the new V8 powertrain is the new 8-speed transmission. Not only does it deliver faster, smoother gear changes, it also accounts for 6% of the total 40% efficiency gain achieved by the new V8. Having a greater number of ratios ensures that the engine is always working at its most efficient gearing, while drag torque losses have been minimised within the transmission.
'Hot side inside' twin |
High combustion |
scroll turbo chargers |
pressure direct injectors |
8-speed Quickshift transmission for smoother gear changes
Optimised combustion using tumble flow control
Drag minimising low friction bearing
Hot side inside
In their quest for efficiency, Bentley’s engineering team considered every component and how it could be designed to minimise energy losses without compromising power or durability. They call this process ‘engine optimisation’ and it encompasses everything from oil viscosity and indirect intercooling to the use of low friction bearings. Unusually, the turbochargers are mounted within the ‘V’ of
the V8, contributing to efficiency and weight reduction, a process that Bentley’s engineering team term ‘hot side inside’ (HSI).
Bentley’s engineers have even designed the electrical system to work in a more efficient way, reducing the amount of power sapped by the alternator. Using the principle of recuperation, the alternator’s output is
‘topped up’ by the battery at low engine speeds, then the process is reversed via energy recovery during those times when the car is decelerating. Over a typical drive cycle this can reduce fuel consumption by 4%, while the ‘on demand’ variable power assistance for the steering has another 3% efficiency gain to contribute.
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