North America is a crucial market for Bentley so it was no surprise the Anglo-German brand chose the Detroit Auto Show to debut the latest GT and GTC models with the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. The current 6.0-litre W12 engine continues.
Despite prodigious output of 373kW at 6000rpm and 660Nm from 1700rpm, and an all-wheel-drive chassis, the twin-turbo V8 delivers fuel consumption and exhaust CO2 ratings some 40 per cent better than previously. Part of that story is cylinder shut-off which sees the V8 switch imperceptibly to a V4 - Bentley says the new Continental models have a range between refills of up to 800kms.
The latest Bentley Continental models are easily distinguished thanks to their gloss black front grilles, unique bumpers and red Bentley ‘B’ badges. Wheels are 20-inch or 21-inch alloys and the newcomers also feature ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes.
Inside are optional two-tone combination leathers and a new Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus timber veneer.
