Flying Spur
and the hype surrounding the
GT3
, it had appeared the 'base'
Continental GT V8
was being neglected by Bentley. However, the engineers have had a few spare moments, and will present at Frankfurt the V8 S.
Optional sports exhaust surely a GTC must-have
For 'S' see 'Speed', as the upgrades are similar to the go-faster W12. So power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo is up to 528hp (from 507) and torque to 502lb ft (from 487). Not huge gains then, and that's reflected in the performance; 0-62mph takes half a second less at 4.3 seconds and the top speed is 4mph up at 192mph. For the GTC V8 S, those figures drop to 4.5 seconds and 191mph.
Given the Audi RS6produces 560hp and 516lb ft with ostensibly the same engine (Bentley does its own calibration apparently), you have to assume Bentley is protecting the W12 (575hp and 516lb ft) with the outputs of the S.
The chassis modifications are more detailed, although still have to battle against an unchanged 2,295kg kerbweight. The V8 S sits 10mm lower than standard, with spring rates upped by 45 per cent at the front and 33 per cent at the rear.
S fills that tiny gap between V8 and W12
The dampers have been revised 'for a more engaging and responsive drive', the bushes are 70 per cent stiffer and the rear anti-roll is also 54 per cent firmer. Despite these tweaks, Bentley is promising a 'more involving driving experience without compromising the Continental's legendary ride comfort'.
The steering has been changed too, with new software plus changes to the static toe and camber to create 'improved precision and feedback'. On top of this, there's an 'optimised' ESC which allows more slip before intervention and a swifter reapplication of engine torque after an ESC intervention. Whilst this work sounds promising for the dynamics, we can't help but be slightly disappointed the V8 S is still so far over two tonnes. Bring on the roadgoing GT3...
To identify the S from the standard Continental GT V8, a discreet bodykit comprising front splitter, side sills and a rear diffuser is standard. The 20-inch wheels are a unique design for the S, with two signature colours (Monaco Yellow and Kingfisher Blue) on the colour chart.
Standard Conti interior no bad thing
The V8 S wouldn't be a Bentley without an extensive extras list. So alongside the various colour personalisation options, there's a sports exhaust available plus the Mulliner Driving Specification with larger wheels, diamond-quilted leather and drilled alloy pedals.
Bentley hasn't yet announced any prices for the V8 S. The standard GT V8 coupe starts at £123,850 and the W12 £135,760. It therefore seems likely the S will remain under £130,000 to reflect its status in the hierarchy firmly below the 12-cylinder car. For the GTC S, a price of just over £140,000 seems likely.