Bentley Continental GTC V8

Exterior and Interior

The biggest change for the GTC will obviously be found under the hood, but Bentley has also made some changes to the aesthetic portions of the model. The new GTC V8 has received a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley “B” badge, a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes, unique chromed “figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance, and red enamel “B” bootlid badge. It will also be offered with a choice of three different hood colors and a choice of standard 20-inch alloy wheels or an optional 21-inch six-spoke design available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Distinctive sporting style

Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider
Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-colored dividers
Dark rear lower valance
Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres
7 exterior colors offered in standard range

Sporty, contemporary interior

New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models
Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim
Short center console in place of W12 through-console
4 hide colors offered in standard range
Unique two-tone leather colour split

Engine

The Bentley Continental GTC V8 will be powered by the brand’s new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine delivering a total of 500 HP at 6000 rpm and 487 lb ft of torque which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rpm. This engine will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 188 mph.

The engine is mated to a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of traveling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel.

Prices

Prices for the new North American market will be announced at a later date, but in Europe the GTC V8 is priced at €149,600 – or about $191,000 at the current exchange rates.

Competition

The main competitor for the new Bentley Continental GTC V8 will be the new BMW M6, in its convertible version. The M6 will use a new turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 that will deliver up to 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The M6 is about 100 HP more powerful than the GTC V8, but its performance – 0 to 60 mph sprint time is 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph – takes a back seat to the GTC V8 – 0 to 60 mph sprint time in 4.8 seconds, while top speed halts at 188 mph.