Now that China is the biggest market for Bentley cars, the British car maker has started paying special attention to whatever concerns customers in that corner of the world. They even went to China to unveil the special edition Mulsanne they’ve made for Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee. Today they turned up at the Beijing Auto Show with the latest Bentley, the Continental V8.
The most environmentally-friendly Bentley ever, is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine developing 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) and peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft). They say it’s 40 percent more fuel efficient than the full-fat W12 model, and can cover a distance of 500 miles on one tank.
Performance-wise, the Bentley GT V8 with its close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive can go from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). Another advantage of this car over the W12 model is the magnificent noise that V8 makes, even though it has two big noise-killing turbochargers. It is one of the best engine noises we’ve ever heard.
The V8-powered Continental GT is distinguished from normal models by 20-inch alloy wheels as standard or an optional 21?inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes. Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.
