New Bentley Continental GT V8 unveiled ahead of UK launch next year

Bentley has introduced a V8-powered Continental GT. Available as a coupe or convertible, the new model will go on sale first in the American market later this year, followed by a UK launch in early 2020.

The latest addition to the Bentley Continental GT range is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, producing 542bhp and 770Nm of torque. The sprint from 0–62mph takes a claimed four seconds for the coupe and 4.1 seconds for the convertible, and both models have a top speed of 198mph.

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Thanks to its cylinder deactivation technology (which can shut down four of the engine’s eight cylinders for fuel economy advantages) and the addition of a start-stop function, Bentley claims the new Continental GT V8 can cover 500 miles on a single tank.

Bentley’s latest Continental GT V8 also comes with an active all-wheel-drive system which varies the amount of torque between the front and rear axle, depending on the road conditions. According to Bentley, the Continental GT V8 is primarily rear-wheel-drive and only sends power to the front axle when absolutely necessary.

All V8-powered Continentals feature hollow anti-roll bars front and rear, air suspension, electric power steering and Bentley’s adaptive chassis control, which claims to improve ride comfort and reduce body roll. Buyers also have the choice of nine wheel designs in sizes measuring from 20-inch to 22-inch.

Inside, the V8 models get a walnut dash, a 10-speaker sound system and a pair of twenty-way electrically-adjustable leather seats, available in a range of colours. As an optional extra, buyers can spec Bentley’s ‘Rotating Display;’ a revolving unit behind the wheel which houses a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a trio of analogue clocks.

What are your thoughts on the new Bentley Continental GT V8? Let us know in the comments section below…