By our
count, there have been some 10 different variants of the modern Bentley
Continental, with two engines and four levels of performance currently offered.
Having driven three of them recently, let’s channel a plutocratic grown-up
Goldilocks and assess this latest variant: the V8 S. It’s essentially a W12
Speed with 2/3s the cylinders and 11/13s the power output that barely needs
1/13th again as much time to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph and costs about
9/10ths as much.
Bentley
Continental GT V8 S - Front Angle, 2014
The twin-turbos blow 1.5 psi more turbo boost into the V-8 for 21
extra horses and 15 lb-ft more twist, dropping the
0-60-mph time by a claimed 0.3 second (now 4.3). EPA ratings are unchanged at
15/24 mpg (coupe), 14/24 (convertible). Suspension revisions roughly mirror the
Speed’s, including a 0.4-inch-lower ride height, stiffer spring and damping
rates, increased front camber, and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar. The (still)
hydraulic Servotronic steering and stability control
system programming are similarly sportified.
A front
splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser—all black—improve aerodynamics, and
unique wheel designs differentiate the V8 S. Inside, a contrasting center
stripe runs the length of the leather headliner, and the Piano Black veneers
boast up to 18 coats of hand-sanded lacquer.
Bentley
Continental GT V8 S - Interior, 2014
My biggest
takeaway from a 370-mile grand tour of SoCal was that stiffening the chassis
didn’t ruin the V8’s ride quality. Even in comfort mode, the car corners with
the same unflappable flatness as a W12 Speed I recently hooned
up a mountain pass in the UAE. The helm still communicates more road surface
detail than expected from a front axle burdened with more than 3050 pounds, and
the locomotive-grade carbon brakes can be applied gently enough to avoid
sloshing a brim-full teacup in town, while proving indefatigable when charging
downhill into a surprisingly tight corner.
Bentley
Continental GT V8 S Seats
You won’t
appreciate the 4 percent power bump as much as you will the better-buttoned
suspenders. Those tweaks and the cosmetic upgrades should lure some V8 owners
into trading up to the S—presuming they can get by with a mere 192-mph top
speed (the Speed coupe does 205). For me, the V8 S is Goldilocks’ “just right”
choice among the Conti-GT range.
Bentley
Continental GT V8 S - Rear Angle, 2014
Bentley
Continental GT V8 S - Emblem / Logo, 2014
Specs: ·
Base Price $196,500-$216,200 ·
Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe or convertible ·
Engine 4.0L/521-hp/502-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 ·
Transmission 8-speed automatic ·
Curb Weight 5050-5500 lb (mfr) ·
Wheelbase 108.1 in ·
Length x Width x Height 189.2 x 76.5 x 54.9-55.2 in ·
0-60 mph 4.3-4.5 sec (mfr est) ·
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 14-15/24 mpg Energy Cons, ·
City/Hwy/Comb 225-241/140 kW-hrs/100 mi ·
CO2 Emissions 1.08-1.13 lb/mi ·
On Sale in U.S. Currently
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