Bentley put a hold on developing any new models in order to work on a new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine that we already expected to see in the Continental GT V8 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Details for the Coupe model were already revealed to that effect, but now that the auto show has opened its doors, the new Continental GTC V8 was there, welcoming the auto industry with open arms with its new engine and a total of 500 HP and 487 lb ft of torque. In Europe, the GTC V8 is priced at €149,600 - or about $191,000 at the current exchange rates. Prices for the North American market will be announced at a later date.
"With the new 4.0 liter V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
Exterior and Interior
The biggest change for the GTC will obviously be found under the hood, but Bentley has also made some changes to the aesthetic portions of the model. The new GTC V8 has received a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley "B" badge, a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes, unique chromed "figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance, and red enamel "B" bootlid badge. It will also be offered with a choice of three different hood colors and a choice of standard 20-inch alloy wheels or an optional 21-inch six-spoke design available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.
Distinctive sporting style
- Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider
- Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-colored dividers
- Dark rear lower valance
- Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
- Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres
- 7 exterior colors offered in standard range
Sporty, contemporary interior
- New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models
- Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim
- Short center console in place of W12 through-console
- 4 hide colors offered in standard range
- Unique two-tone leather colour split
Engine
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 will be powered by the brand’s new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine delivering a total of 500 HP at 6000 rpm and 487 lb ft of torque which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rpm. This engine will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 188 mph.
The Bentley Continental GTC V8 will be powered by the brand’s new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine delivering a total of 500 HP at 6000 rpm and 487 lb ft of torque which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rpm. This engine will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 188 mph.
The engine is mated to a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of traveling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel.
Prices
Prices for the new North American market will be announced at a later date, but in Europe the GTC V8 is priced at €149,600 - or about $191,000 at the current exchange rates.
Competition
The main competitor for the new Bentley Continental GTC V8 will be the newBMW M6, in its convertible version. The M6 will use a new turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 that will deliver up to 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The M6 is about 100 HP more powerful than the GTC V8, but its performance - 0 to 60 mph sprint time is 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph - takes a back seat to the GTC V8 - 0 to 60 mph sprint time in 4.8 seconds, while top speed halts at 188 mph.
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