“More power, more performance and a range of 500 miles on a single tank.” Bentley’s very promising summary of the Continental GT V-8 S has us more than excited. Last year, we ranked the Continental GT V-8 as our “duPont REGISTRY’s Best 2013 Best Luxury Performance” in our annual issue of the Exotic Car Buyer’s Guide. So, of course, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their next Continental GT.
What will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show Sept. 10 is exactly that, but better. The GT V-8 S still meets the standards of handcrafted luxury for a high-performance vehicle, only now it’s more responsive, more efficient and more powerful than before.
[quote align=”left” color=”#000000″]Bentley continues to take malicious power and robe it with the evolutionary comfort, technology and design that we all dream of owning.[/quote]
Offered as either a coupè or a convertible, the GT V-8 S uses sport suspension to bring it lower to the ground, and sharper steering to improve your grip on the street. No surprise coming from Bentley, you’re offered more power than is necessary from a 4-Liter twin-turbocharged V-8 boasting 521 hp and 502 ft-lbs of torque. To reach the promised 500 miles on a single tank, this V-8 is coupled with cylinder deactivation technology.
“The Bentley Continental is the definitive grand tourer. Its effortless performance, generous space, handcrafted luxury and all-wheel drive capability take you on a journey in refined style and comfort. Now, for those customers who want even more drama and excitement, the sharper, sporting edge of the new GT V8 S adds a new dimension to the Continental range,” describes Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors.
The GT V-8 S is equipped with a close ratio ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver invigorating performance that gracefully toes the line between acceleration and power distribution. For added play, the GT V-8 S offers an ‘S’ mode on the gear selector that, when activated, increases throttle response and feeds the driver with higher revs and faster gear changes.
The prestigious leather and wood veneers give an extravagant feel you can’t buy anywhere else. Bentley continues to take malicious power and robe it with the evolutionary comfort, technology, and design that we all dream of owning. Once again Bentley meets that very fine line between performance and pleasure. And while it may not have taken our Exotic Car Buyers Guide award this year, the driver of this luxurious sports sedan will enjoy the best of technology while turning heads on the street and out-perform nearly anyone daring enough to cross their path. Now that is truly living the dream.
(Image Source: Bentley)