-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
New Models
DRIVEN: Bentley’s Sporty New GT V8
With an eye toward fuel efficiency, the 500-horsepower twin-turbo version of the grand coupe and convertible adds a spirited edge to the Continental GT.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 coupe poses on a scenic wood-plank suspension bridge over the Delaware River in northeastern Pennsylvania. (Photo: Ian D. Merritt/Bentley)
Automakers everywhere are downsizing their engines, using forced induction, direct injection and other techno tricks to maintain performance while boosting fuel mileage and cutting emissions.
Even top-dog manufacturers are responding to the call from governments and consumers to offer more-efficient luxury vehicles. Just recently came word that Jaguar would be adding four- and six-cylinder engines to its current all-V8 fleet.
Now here’s Bentley, a hallmark of wealth and tradition, with a new twin-turbocharged V8 version of its Continental GT coupe that will be sold alongside the existing W12 model in the storied British automaker’s grand showrooms for 2013. But not only does the relatively small-displacement (4-liter) engine improve fuel mileage and emissions, it also provides sparkling performance and because of its smaller size and lighter weight, more-responsive handling.
Which is why Bentley expects half its buyers to opt for the 2013 GT V8 over the W12, not only because it’s marginally cheaper in the stratosphere of Bentley prices, but because it has all the right environmental credentials. And it’s more fun to drive.
As for pricing, the GT V8 would be the entry-level Bentley. Base price is a mere $174,000, though a wide assortment of options quickly pushes that up. The W12 model starts at $193,250. Competitors include various Ferrari and Aston Martin creations.
According to Bentley, the V8 model is designed to appeal to a new generation of wealthy drivers who want a more edgy version of the Continental V8 compared with the more-traditional elegance of the W12 model. Engineered in partnership with Bentley owner Volkswagen, the twin-turbo V8 engine appears in similar form in the Audi S8 and S7.
Though slightly slower than the W12, the turbo V8 feels just as strong, with more snap and a more satisfying guttural V8 rumble that rises to a fevered wail at full-throttle high rpm; a complex electronically controlled exhaust system provides three levels of exhaust sound depending on rpm and throttle pressure.
The 4-liter V8 with its twin-scroll turbochargers pumps out a full measure of 500 horsepower with a muscular 487 pound-feet of torque that comes on at a low 1,700 rpm. Zero to 60 comes in 4.6 seconds, on its way to 100 in 11.1 seconds and a top speed of 188 mpg.
Fuel mileage (in more-conservative driving, one would assume) is 15 mpg city and 24 highway with a combined 18, the EPA estimates. That compares with the W12’s mileage of 12 city and 19 highway with a combined 14, EPA says. The V8 boasts a cruising range of 500 miles from its 20-gallon tank.
The trick for getting a 5,000-pound car with 500 horsepower up to that mileage level is through a range of advanced technologies, including cylinder deactivation that cuts the engine from a V8 to a V4 under light loads. The engineers have managed to keep the four-cylinder operation refined enough that it is essentially unnoticeable.
Other fuel-saving features include an advanced form of direct fuel injection, an alternator programmed to recharge the battery only under light loads, low-rolling-resistance tires and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly and precisely, you hardly notice it’s there. Paddle shifters for manual operation are also provided.
The rich folk who buy Bentleys are probably not too worried about the price of gas, but there are bragging rights associated with being environmentally conscious. Besides, no one’s all that impressed anymore by someone driving a blatant gas hog.
Even top-dog manufacturers are responding to the call from governments and consumers to offer more-efficient luxury vehicles. Just recently came word that Jaguar would be adding four- and six-cylinder engines to its current all-V8 fleet.
Now here’s Bentley, a hallmark of wealth and tradition, with a new twin-turbocharged V8 version of its Continental GT coupe that will be sold alongside the existing W12 model in the storied British automaker’s grand showrooms for 2013. But not only does the relatively small-displacement (4-liter) engine improve fuel mileage and emissions, it also provides sparkling performance and because of its smaller size and lighter weight, more-responsive handling.
Which is why Bentley expects half its buyers to opt for the 2013 GT V8 over the W12, not only because it’s marginally cheaper in the stratosphere of Bentley prices, but because it has all the right environmental credentials. And it’s more fun to drive.
As for pricing, the GT V8 would be the entry-level Bentley. Base price is a mere $174,000, though a wide assortment of options quickly pushes that up. The W12 model starts at $193,250. Competitors include various Ferrari and Aston Martin creations.
According to Bentley, the V8 model is designed to appeal to a new generation of wealthy drivers who want a more edgy version of the Continental V8 compared with the more-traditional elegance of the W12 model. Engineered in partnership with Bentley owner Volkswagen, the twin-turbo V8 engine appears in similar form in the Audi S8 and S7.
Though slightly slower than the W12, the turbo V8 feels just as strong, with more snap and a more satisfying guttural V8 rumble that rises to a fevered wail at full-throttle high rpm; a complex electronically controlled exhaust system provides three levels of exhaust sound depending on rpm and throttle pressure.
The 4-liter V8 with its twin-scroll turbochargers pumps out a full measure of 500 horsepower with a muscular 487 pound-feet of torque that comes on at a low 1,700 rpm. Zero to 60 comes in 4.6 seconds, on its way to 100 in 11.1 seconds and a top speed of 188 mpg.
Fuel mileage (in more-conservative driving, one would assume) is 15 mpg city and 24 highway with a combined 18, the EPA estimates. That compares with the W12’s mileage of 12 city and 19 highway with a combined 14, EPA says. The V8 boasts a cruising range of 500 miles from its 20-gallon tank.
The trick for getting a 5,000-pound car with 500 horsepower up to that mileage level is through a range of advanced technologies, including cylinder deactivation that cuts the engine from a V8 to a V4 under light loads. The engineers have managed to keep the four-cylinder operation refined enough that it is essentially unnoticeable.
Other fuel-saving features include an advanced form of direct fuel injection, an alternator programmed to recharge the battery only under light loads, low-rolling-resistance tires and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly and precisely, you hardly notice it’s there. Paddle shifters for manual operation are also provided.
The rich folk who buy Bentleys are probably not too worried about the price of gas, but there are bragging rights associated with being environmentally conscious. Besides, no one’s all that impressed anymore by someone driving a blatant gas hog.
2014 Cadillac CTS
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
