Bentley announces details of new model year Continental GT as V8 derivative arrives

Bentley has announced new model year details for its ground-breaking Continental GT, the GT V8, and the introduction of new features.

A Panoramic Glass Roof is now available on the Continental GT W12, whilst High Gloss Carbon Fibre technical finish for fascia and doors is now offered on all models.

Courtesy of its powerful V8 petrol engine, the Continental GT V8 blends a lively and engaging drive with unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology.

The V8 model has recently launched on Bentley’s car configurator, where customers can explore the vast array of options available to build a truly unique car matching perfectly individual tastes, needs and lifestyle. Often regarded as one of the most configurable cars available, the Continental GT has 7 billion different configurations possible alone. 

Giving a new perspective on the occupants’ Extraordinary Journey whilst illuminating the exquisite craftsmanship of the Bentley’s cabin, a Panoramic Glass Roof is now offered as a cost option – starting at £3,150 – on the Continental GT Coupe W12.       

The sunroof is equipped with polarised glass that reduces glare allowing the passenger a clearer view of their surroundings, and an interior blind that is electronically operated from the console for when they wish to feel cocooned by the luxurious cabin of their Continental GT. The blind is clad in Alcantara® that matches one of the 15 headliner colours available from the Bentley palette.

A further stylish option now available on all Continental GT models is a High Gloss Carbon Fibre technical finish. Reinforcing the luxurious feel for which Bentley cabins are renowned, the High Gloss Carbon Fibre is applied to the fascia and door waistrails, while the centre console is Piano Black Veneer.

The Continental GT V8 is equipped with a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, Great Britain, the third generation Continental GT V8 and GT V8 Convertible combine driver-focussed performance with exquisite refinement and cutting-edge technology.

The new GT V8 – Offering a unique breadth of Grand Touring abilities

The third-generation Continental GT represents the pinnacle of Bentley’s design and engineering achievements and sits in the modern luxury Grand Tourer segment that the British brand created in 2003 with the launch of the first-generation model.

Excellent weight distribution makes the dynamic GT V8 feel even more agile and responsive. The new-generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 petrol engine delivers a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds) for the Coupe; and 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) for the Convertible.

Spirited performance is complemented by refined efficiency, stemming partly from the ability of the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive. Stop-Start technology, which operates at ‘near-to-stop’ speeds, is also available.

Effortlessly elegant, the new V8 is a truly breath-taking car, featuring 20-inch, 10-spoke painted alloy wheels and the option to choose from nine other designs measuring up to 22-inches. Both Coupe and Convertible models are distinguished by quad exhaust pipes and subtle V8 badging to the front wings.

The Continental GT V8’s innovative, luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement. It seamlessly integrates natural materials such as the highest quality leathers and rare, sustainably sourced veneers into the finest handcrafted cabin. A 10-speaker Bentley Audio system pumps out a powerful 650 watts of entertainment.

The GT V8 comes with an advanced, fully digital, driver-focussed instrument panel and the optional Bentley Rotating Display. The latter features a 12.3-inch touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves from the veneer to reveal the touchscreen, as well as three elegant analogue dials.

The new Continental GT V8 provides the driving character expected of a class-leading Grand Tourer, along with the opportunity to explore the range of performance available via the Bentley Drive Dynamics selector. The different modes offer the full breadth of performance, from class-leading refinement and comfort to focussed handling in Sport mode.

Both GT V8 models are both equipped with front and rear hollow, lightweight anti-roll bars for exceptional handling while the technically advanced, adaptive chassis created for Bentley’s intelligent Dynamic Ride System, which controls ride comfort and lateral roll, is also available as an option.

The air suspension further improves ride comfort and dynamic character, with the scope to vary from sporting spring stiffness to luxury limousine refinement, depending on which mode is selected. Continuous Damping Control optimises comfort and handling, by constantly adjusting the damper forces in response to road inputs, vehicle movement and driver demand.

As well as an Active All-Wheel Drive System, and Electric Power-Assisted Steering to aid manoeuvrability, the V8 models are offered with a wide range of driver assistance features, such as Active Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Park Assist.

Lire aussi : BENTLEY EXP 100 GT HONOURED AS 'BEST CONCEPT CAR' AT STAR-STUDDED 2020 GQ AWARDS