Bentley is hardly a company that subscribes to a "less is more" philosophy, but its new Continental GT V8 models sure are appealing despite packing fewer bragging rights than their W-12–powered stablemates.
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Both the Continental GT coupe and convertible models are getting a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine which promises similar performance as the W-12 despite having four fewer cylinders, 84 fewer horsepower, and 96 fewer lb-ft of torque.
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The zero-to-60-mph acceleration claim for the V-8–powered coupe, for instance, is only 0.3 second slower than the W-12 car, for instance, while the eight-cylinder coupe has a top speed of 198 mph, 9 mph less than the 12-cylinder.
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A Continental GT we tested with the W-12 outran Bentley's own estimate with a scorching 3.3-second run to 60 mph, so we'd expect the V-8 model to be just a bit less brisk than that.
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An eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels on all V-8 cars, and Bentley says that the V-8's cylinder-deactivation technology will help it provide better fuel efficiency and-perhaps more important for a grand tourer-greater driving range on a tank.
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A wide range of color and customization options are available, as they are on the W-12 model.
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You'll be able to tell the V-8 cars apart due to their badges and quad exhaust tips, while different 20-inch 10-spoke wheels come standard.
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The V-8 Version of the Bentley Continental GT Is Here with 542 HP
It gives up four cylinders and some power to the W-12 but still promises to be plenty quick.
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Pricing starts quite a few thousand dollars less than the W-12, with the V-8 coupe starting at $203,825 and the convertible starting at $223,675.
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The Editors
It gives up four cylinders and some power to the W-12 but still promises to be plenty quick.