You Can't Measure Bentley by Displacement!

A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine has been added to the Bentley Continental.

This brings the number of engine options for the Continental to two: the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine and the V8.

Furthermore, Bentley offers a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the Mulsanne, which is considered its "traditional displacement." Thus, there are currently three types of engines bearing the "Flying B" emblem in the lineup.

However, the hierarchy among these three engines is not as straightforward as with other manufacturers. From a model lineup perspective, the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the Mulsanne is clearly the top-of-the-range. Yet, the situation becomes complicated by the fact that the Continental, which is more casual and sporty than the Mulsanne, is equipped with a W12 engine that has four more cylinders. Moreover, the W12 boasts a maximum output of 575 ps, which is 63 ps more than the Mulsanne's V8. It's becoming increasingly unclear which one is truly "superior."



However, when we look at the maximum torque, the positioning of the three models becomes clear.

6.75-liter twin-turbo V8: 1,020 Nm / 1,750 rpm
6.0-liter twin-turbo W12: 700 Nm / 1,700 rpm
4.0-liter twin-turbo V8: 660 Nm / 1,700 rpm

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It is likely that Bentley categorizes its models not by cylinder count or maximum output, but by maximum torque. This can also be seen as a reflection of Bentley's philosophy, which emphasizes maximum torque over maximum output in engine characteristics.

A Very Similar Atmosphere to the W12, But...

Let's return to the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Comparing its maximum torque to the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, we notice a difference of only 40 Nm. Despite a 50% difference in displacement, the maximum torque differs by only 6%. This indicates that the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is exceptionally well-engineered, and also that the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 and the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 are positioned very closely to each other in the lineup.

As if to prove this point, there are almost no visual differences between the Continental GT with the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 and the Continental GT V8 with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. While the Continental GT V8 features a black finish on the front grille and an air intake design on the chin spoiler reminiscent of an F1 front wing, it would be difficult to instantly distinguish between a W12 and a V8 if you saw one pass by on the street without knowing.



Furthermore, the "figure-eight" shaped exhaust tailpipes and the red "Flying B" emblem (instead of the W12's black) are details that only an owner would likely notice. The model names are "Continental GT" for the W12 and "Continental GT V8" for the V8. It's almost as if Bentley doesn't want to widely advertise the arrival of the V8, given how few unique touches there are for the V8 model.

What a Joyful Bentley!

However, once you're behind the wheel, the difference between the Continental GT and the Continental GT V8 becomes distinctly apparent. Both cars have undergone unique suspension tuning to match their respective engines, enhancing their overall completeness as vehicles.

For instance, the W12 offers a ride characterized by a solid, substantial feel. The steering also feels heavier, and the engine's response from a standstill is tuned to complement this character.



To be more precise, it was incredibly fun. The car allowed me to reach speeds where I could fully appreciate the chassis's potential on each and every corner that came my way. While a flat-torque engine might conjure images of dullness, this 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 507 ps at 6,000 rpm, is a complete exception. Its ability to rev sharply towards the redline, accompanied by a refined exhaust note distinct from American V8s, was nothing short of exhilarating.

Talent Not Wasted

Of course, even with ample power, if the suspension can't handle it, the performance would be wasted and could even lead to frustration. However, the Continental GT V8 delivered a pleasant surprise in this regard as well.

To be clear, a Bentley is not a sports car; it's a grand tourer. Therefore, the suspension isn't excessively stiff, and there is some body roll when cornering aggressively. However, all these elements are so well-balanced that you can control the car exactly as you intend.

In a Class of Its Own

Let me get straight to the conclusion.

As far as I know, the Continental GT V8 is undoubtedly "The Best Handling Bentley."

As you know, Bentleys were originally conceived not as chauffeur-driven vehicles, but as driver's cars. For this reason, despite their large size, the Flying Spur and Mulsanne have repeatedly demonstrated agile handling on winding roads.



However, the Continental GT V8 is in a league of its own. It offers responsive handling, much like a more compact sports saloon. Therefore, it's almost a shame that the visual differences and the naming are so minimal compared to the W12 model, as the worlds they offer are so distinct.

If it were up to me, I would have named it the "Continental GT Sport" rather than the "Continental GT V8."

Bentley Continental GT V8 | Bentley Continental GT V8
Body Size | Length 4,806 x Width 2,227 x Height 1,404 mm (including door mirrors)
Wheelbase | 2,746 mm
Wheel Size | 20 inches
Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
Maximum Output | 373 kW (507 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 660 Nm / 1,700 rpm
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (Power distribution: Front 40: Rear 60)
Transmission | 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.8 seconds
Maximum Speed | 303 km/h
Cruising Range | 857 km
Fuel Economy (EU drive cycle, combined) | 10.5 L / 100 km (approx. 9.5 km / L)
CO2 Emissions | 246 g/km
Weight | 2,295 kg
Trunk Capacity | 358 liters
Price | 21.66 million yen