Bentley is to drop an 'entry level' twin-turbo V8 into its Continental GT and GTC models for January's Detroit motor show.
In most model ranges of course, a 507hp, 487lb ft 4.0-litre V8 would hardly be considered a starting point. But then most model ranges don't also include a 640hp W12 version (which, in the case of the Conti GT, will carry on).
The new models will be distinguished from their 12-cylinder brethren by black grilles, red badges and 'figure eight' exhaust pipes
The new engine, which produces its chunky 487lb ft of torque all the way from 1700 to 5000rpm, uses a new eight-speed ZF auto to help propel the car to 180mph, hitting 60mph from rest in less than 5.0 seconds.
It is also part of Bentley's drive toward more efficient cars and, although Crewe isn't releasing official fuel consumption figures until next year, Bentley reckons its new engine will take the Conti GT 500miles on a single tank and be 40 per cent more efficient than its W12 big brother.
The new V8 manages this courtesy of cylinder deactivation that (they say) ensures "a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load". The hi-tech V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management and energy recuperation, they say.
We say: if twin-turbo V8s are the future of green motoring, give us more, please...
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