Due to be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January, the new twin-turbo engine displaces 4.0 litres and produces 500 bhp (373 kW / 507 PS) and 660 Nm (487 lb/ft) of peak torque.
Tellingly, those outputs aren’t too far behind the 567 bhp (423 kW / 575 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of the existing 6.0 W12 Continental, which remains in the range.
It’s a similar story with performance: the V8’s eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system allow for a 4.6 second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).
By contrast, the W12 takes 4.4 seconds to get to 60 mph and can reach 198 mph (318 km/h). On that basis at least, it seems there’s not much difference between the two models.
But it’s fuel consumption and emissions where the new V8 is really meant to score over its larger-engine sibling - indeed, Bentley is claiming that the 4.0 litre powertrain fulfils the firm’s promise to deliver a 40 per cent improvement in efficiency.
Certainly that seems to be the case regarding CO2 emissions, as the V8 GT coupé achieves 246 g/km compared to the W12’s 384 g/km.
For some reason, fuel consumption figures won’t be released until early next year. However, the Continental V8 is supposed to be able to drive over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel, thanks in part to a V4 mode that kicks in when cruising or under light throttle loads, low friction engine internals and an energy regeneration system.
Assuming the V8’s tank size remains at 20 gallons (90 litres), that would give an average consumption figure of around 25 mpg (11.3 l/100km). So, with the Continental W12 managing just 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, it looks like that 40 per cent target could well be met.
The V8 version is distinguished by its gloss black grille, red enamel Bentley badges, twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust pipes, revised front bumper design and dark rear lower valence. On the inside, there’s a shorter centre console, Eliade cloth headlining and a unique Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
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