2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S

After at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Bentley unveiled theContinental GT V8 version. Now, the company plans to expand the Continental lineup at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with the addition of a new Continental GT V8 S version.

Offered in both coupe and convertible version, the new model is characterized by an extra 21 horsepower, a revised suspension and increased performance figures. In short, Bentley described its latest creation as "sleeker, faster and more responsive." Also, despite the extra power, the new Continental GT V8 S deliver impressive fuel economy figures, including an incredible driving range of 500 miles.

Along with the extra power, the model also received updates to the exterior look, the addition of two specially developed exterior paints, a revised interior look and the usual list of standard Bentley features.

Exterior

The Continental GT V8 S is a sportier version of the base Continental GT V8 and it is distinguished by a more dramatic look. Bentley opted for a lowered ride height that offers a sleeker and more purposeful stance, while the exterior look is complemented by a sharp front splitter, discrete side sills and subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss.

Other distinctive features include the black gloss radiator grille with single chrome divider bar, the special "V8 S" badges applied to each front fender and the special exhaust system with the "figure of eight" tailpipes.

Buyers can order the new Continental GT V8 S in 17 exterior colors, two of which were specially designed for the model: Kingfisher Blue and the new Monaco Yellow.

Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase	2,746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall length	4,806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body)	1,944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (inc. mirrors)	2,227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall height	1,394 mm / 54.9 in
Kerb weight (EU)	2,295 kg / 5,060 lb

GalleryBentley Continental GT V8 S

Interior

As with any other Continental GT model, the new S version offers an interior filled with soft-touch leathers, wood veneers, polished metals and deep-pile carpeting. However, for the new S model, Bentley offers a range of two-tone trims and a unique contrast center stripe for the hide-trimmed roof lining painted in the same color as the main hide. Special "V8 S" badges are also prominent on each door sill tread plate.

Standard Interior features:

8-inch touchscreen which displays the car’s navigation
Audio and telephone system
Ride and comfort settings for the air suspension
30GB on-board hard drive.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the new Continental GT V8 S, Bentley placed an updated version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine tricked to deliver a total of 521 horsepower and a 502 pound-feet of torque that starts at 1,700 rpm. The engine is mated to a close-ratio ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and the coupe version sprints 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, while the convertible does the same sprint in 4.5 seconds. Top speed of the coupe and convertible models are 192 mph and 191 mph, respectively.

Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel economy also checks in unexpectedly high, with the coupe version delivering up to 26.8 mpg and the convertible variant checking in at 25.9 mpg combined on the EU cycle. This allows the driver to travel up to 500 miles between fill-ups.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Type	4-liter twin-turbocharged direct injection V-8 with cylinder deactivation
Max Power	521 bhp / 528 PS / 389 KW @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque	680 Nm / 502 lb.ft @ 1,700 rpm
Transmission
Type	ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and column mounted paddleshift
Driveline	Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Final Drive	2.85
Top speed	192 mph / 309 km/h
0-60 mph	4.3 secs
0-100 mph	10.3 secs

Suspension And Brakes

Just like with any other Continental model, the new S version is offered with an aluminum double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-leveling air suspension, but with a more sporting setup. Bentley lowered the car’s ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inches), while spring rates were increased by 45 percent up front and 33 percent on the rear. Bentley also installed a recalibrated steering system that ensures improved precision.

The car sits on 20-inch signature wheels in an open-spoke design and are contrasted by distinctive, red-painted brake calipers.

Brakes
Front	405 mm (15.9-inch) ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear	335 mm (13.2-inch) ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tires
Wheels	New unique 20-by-9.5-inch Open-spoke wheel in two finishes
Tires	275/40 ZR20, optional 275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type	Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock	2.6 turns
Turning circle	11.3 m (37.1 feet)
Suspension
Front	Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear	Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping	Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance

Prices

The new Bentley Continental GT V8 S will be put on sale in early 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Mercedes CL63 AMG

Bentley is not the only maker to offer high-performance luxury sports coupes. Mercedes also offers the CL63 AMG, which is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers a total of 536 horsepower. The model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and is priced from $153,000, which is considerable lower than the base price for a Continental GT V8’s $174,000 price.

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

For customers looking for a sports coupe that its more sport than luxury, though it is no slouch in the latter department, we suggest the Maserati GranTurismo Sport.

Sure, this trident-bearing sports coupe is a little bit less powerful, as its 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers just 454 horsepower, but its performance figures are pretty close to the Bentley. The GranTurismo Sport sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and to a top speed of 185 mph. The GT Sport is even cheaper, as it comes with a base price of $126,000.

Gallery Maserati Granturismo Sport

Conclusion

Maybe you think that a more powerful Continental model was overkill, but the GT V8 S is the proof that Bentley is hard at work improving its technology. With the extra 21 horsepower, higher fuel economy and revised suspension, the Continental is better than ever.

LOVE IT

Delivers more power
Faster
Revised technology

LEAVE IT

No prices just yet
You can find more powerful competition out there

Gallery Bentley Continental GT V8 S

Press Release

The appeal of the world’s most stylish, luxury grand tourer is enhanced with the introduction of the new, sporting Continental GT V8 S. Available as both a coupe and convertible, the new GT V8 S models bring added excitement to the Continental range with lowered and retuned sports suspension, sharper steering, dramatic ‘S’ signature styling cues and a distinctive soundtrack from the uprated V8 engine.

These two new models expand the Continental family and provide an even more engaging driving experience from Bentley’s already renowned 4-litre twin-turbo V8 powertrain. The new Continental GT V8 S Coupe and Convertible will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Show on 10th September, 2013.

Commenting on the introduction of the two new S models, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors, said:

“The Bentley Continental is the definitive grand tourer. Its effortless performance, generous space, handcrafted luxury and all-wheel drive capability take you on a journey in refined style and comfort. Now, for those customers who want even more drama and excitement, the sharper, sporting edge of the new GT V8 S adds a new dimension to the Continental range.”

More power, more performance, and a range of 500 miles on a single tank

Building on the success of the acclaimed Continental GT V8, the new GT V8 S models feature a more powerful version of Bentley’s high-efficiency 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine developing 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 KW) at 6,000 rev/min and an immense 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 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). The performance of the GT V8 S convertible is equally impressive, reaching 60 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.7s) and a top speed of 191mph (308km/h).

The 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 new GT V8 S coupe returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 26.8 mpg (10.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 246 g/km. The equivalent figures for the convertible are 25.9 mpg (10.9 l/100km) and 254 g/km.

This impressive combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine. Variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders shut down when cruising, reduces fuel consumption without any loss of refinement. When more power is required, the engine switches back automatically and seamlessly to the full eight cylinders.

The high-technology V8 engine also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, advanced thermal management, energy recuperation via the electrical charging system and innovative turbocharger packaging for greater efficiency.

The V8 engine’s variable displacement system presented a unique challenge for Bentley exhaust engineers. When cruising on a light throttle in 4-cylinder mode, the exhaust system is tuned for refinement while maintaining a distinctive V8 sound. However, under acceleration the character of the system changes dramatically as the twin turbo-charged Bentley V8 transforms into an emotive growl.

A more agile, responsive and involving driving experience

The power and performance of the GT V8 S models are complemented by a range of chassis enhancements which deliver greater agility and a more involving driving experience without compromising the Continental’s legendary ride comfort.

The GT V8 S retains the aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control that is common to all Continental models. For the GT V8 S, there is a more sporting setup with subtly different tunes for Coupe and Convertible. Lowered sports suspension (by 10 mm) is complemented by increased spring rates (45% front, 33% rear) and revised damping for a more engaging and responsive drive. Bush stiffnesses are increased by up to 70%, while the rear anti-roll bar is stiffened by 54% over the standard GT V8 models for improved body control and turn-in. A recalibrated steering system completes the new chassis system, offering both improved precision and feedback through changes to static toe and camber and new software.

Careful recalibration of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures minimal degradation in ride comfort despite the gains in handling performance.

The Electronic Stability Control is also optimised for the GT V8 S. The retuned system allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. This provides the spirited driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the uprated chassis and increased power.

The Lower Body Styling Specification - front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser - benefit aerodynamics by reducing front-end lift and provide greater stability at higher road speeds.

Shared with all Continental models, the all-wheel drive system employs an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear-biased power split. This ensures the delivery of safe yet dynamic handling in all road conditions.

Distinctive sporting design cues

While the elegant coachwork of the Continental GT is inspired by iconic Bentleys of the past, its modern, sculpted design, with crisp, highly defined feature lines, is formed using advanced body construction techniques, achieving class-leading standards of quality and body integrity.

For the new ‘S models, the design of the Continental takes a more dramatic direction and its enhanced road presence is clear before a wheel is turned. The lowered suspension provides a more sleek and purposeful stance, complemented by unique, lower-body styling including a sharp front splitter, discrete side sills and subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss. The black gloss radiator grille with single chrome divider bar and ‘figure of eight’ exhaust tail pipes instantly signify the powerful V8 engine.

The signature 20-inch wheels are unique to the ‘S’ models with an open-spoke design that reveals distinctive, red-painted brake calipers. Subtle ‘V8 S’ badges are applied to each front fender, and as with the other members of the Continental V8 family, the famous Bentley Wings badges feature a red centre.

In common with the Continental GT W12, the GT V8 S models are available in the full palette of 17 paint colours, of which seven vibrant hues are specifically recommended by Bentley Design to match the sporting character of the new model. Of these, two shades (Kingfisher Blue and the new Monaco Yellow) are signature colours for the GT V8 S.

Hand-crafted contemporary luxury

The cabin of the Continental GT is renowned for its supreme luxury with soft-touch leathers, wood veneers, polished metals and deep-pile carpeting, hand-crafted in Bentley’s unrivalled workshops at the factory in Crewe, England.

The cabin of the ‘S’ models presents a thoroughly modern interpretation of Bentley luxury in which colour and tone offer further appeal to the senses.

Available with a range of striking duo-tone interiors, customers may also select from the full range of seventeen hide colours. The GT V8 S coupe also features a unique contrast centre-stripe for the hide-trimmed roof lining, matched to the colour of the main hide. Contrast stitching throughout, including to the steering wheel, is also available as an option.

Knurled chrome detailing to the gearshift lever and ventilation controls provide a perfect contrast to the Piano Black veneers which are sanded and lacquered up to 18 times to produce a truly flawless finish. Discreet ‘V8 S’ badges are displayed on each sill tread plate.

As with all Continental models, the ‘S’ models include advanced infotainment technology as standard, including an 8-inch touchscreen which displays the car’s navigation, audio and telephone systems as well as the ride and comfort settings for the air suspension, all complemented by a 30GB on-board hard drive.

Tailoring the specification

Customers may tailor the specification of the GT V8 S by selecting from a range of optional equipment.

The sports exhaust option features redesigned silencers, revised pipe architecture and re-tuned mountings which result in a free-breathing system that delivers a full-blooded V8 sound track.

The optional Mulliner Driving Specification features 21-inch 7-spoke Black Edition wheels, drilled alloy foot pedals, a ‘jewel’ filler cap and a cabin trimmed in diamond-quilted, perforated leather with indented headlining. Other key options include Mulliner dark - tint front and rear lights and Beluga gloss door mirrors to match the Lower Body Styling Specificatio

Cars

2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S