[Oversteer Overlord]

Bentley shows Continental V8 for the first time

Bentley has displayed its Continental V8 range for the first time at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit today.

Initially the range comprises two cars, the GT and the convertible GTC. Both come equipped with the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 which puts out 500bhp and a huge 487 lb ft of torque. It all runs through a new-to-Bentley ZF eight speed gearbox to all four wheels.

Of course, a key feature of all Bentleys is that torque is available at low revs and this one's no different with peak torque starting at 1700rpm and continuing through, as flat as a pancake, until 5000rpm. The static to 60mph sprint is done in 4.6 seconds.

All that power isn't at the expense of economy, with Bentley claiming that you can eke out a range of 500 miles from a single tank.

Visually distinguishing the V8 from the W12 is as simple as looking at the grille - the V8 features a gloss black grille with a chrome surround and centre bar. Red "B" badges front and back also help it to stand out as different, as do the figure-eight exhaust tips.

Inside, you'll notice that the headlining has been replaced by cloth rather than leather - hey, those who just bought a W12 need to justify it somehow.

While pricing for the US hasn't been announced as yet, there is indicative US dollar pricing for the Middle East, with the Continental GT V8 starting at $172,527 and the Continental GTC V8 from $189,780.

[huangester]

jaw dropping!! excellent!!

[McRae]

ill take one in BRG...kthxbai

[SPEEDANDTECH]

at 172k, I don't know about this. Might as well pony up get the w12. the price should have been 155-165k plus options.

that's my 2 cents.

[gk@domanimotors]

^^ I am pretty sure the performance of the 2 GTs will be similar because of the weight savings... I think the V8 is a smart move as it is more aggressive looking, sportier, lighter, etc.. I could see younger people buying it. Kind of like Cayenne GTS vs Turbo. I am sure they will sell a ton of both.

[supertomcat]

smart move by bentley and i love the sound track this thing makes. i would love to see what a few aftermarket touches can do to this thing.

[diskreet]

Interesting, because I saw one of the new V8 Continental GTs in person at a Cars and Coffee event in December. It was a beautiful machine.

[Sechsgang]

If they were able to get the price to 150-160 I would have actually thought about it...but at that range, no way, SLS amg all the way.