CAR GARAGE | 2013 Bentley Continental GTC V8 | The
Bentley Mulsanne's 6.75 liter V8, though similar in format to the original
Bentley V8 of 1959, features variable displacement as part of its technologically-advanced specification.The red winged 'B' and gloss black grille That Provide a strong indicator of a different
Bentley power plant nestles in the engine bay of the
Bentley Continental GT convertible
V8 and its stablemate. The new 4.0 liter
Bentley engine comes to life with an unmistakable
V8 burble: deep, sporty and ready for action. To Achieve the 40 per cent efficiency improvement targeted by
Bentley's Board of Directors back in 2008,
Bentley's engineering team left no detail unexamined. Variable displacement - deactivating cylinders when cruising at a gentle speed or light throttle - was already an area of expertise
Bentley.
As soon as the driver presses the throttle harder the engine instantly switches back to full eight-cylinder operation. Between managing the transition seamlessly modes and maintaining optimum efficiency throughout the
V8's operating range is a highly advanced engine management system
(EMS). The
EMS also controls the thermal management system ensures a faster That warm up for the engine and transmission, as well as the switchable oil control system, each of the which has a contribution to make to the new model's overall 40 per cent efficiency gain. New thermal management features Ensure That the
V8 Reaches its most efficient temperature working as swiftly as possible, minimizing losses via the unwanted extra drag of cold lubricants and bearings.
It then diverts the warm coolant to the transmission, heating it rapidly thereby reducing energy losses. In the quest for efficiency,
Bentley engineers Considered the design of every component to minimize energy losses without compromising power or durability
Bentley's engineers have also designed the electrical system to work in a more efficient way, reducing the amount of power sapped by the alternator. Even the specification of the tires had an additional 1 per cent efficiency gain to Contribute, naturally without compromising the
Bentley's limpet-like grip and responsive handling characteristics. As a result of these incremental gains through the use of advanced engineering technology, the new
Bentley Continental GT V8 does indeed offer a 40% improvement, compared to the W12-engined Continental GT of 2008, the date when the commitment was made.
Thunderous Bentley the performance characteristics are maintained.
Bentley's engineers accepted no compromises in their pursuit of efficiency - and as a result, the owners of the new
Bentley Continental V8 models need the make no compromises in their enjoyment of its performance. The new
Bentley Continental V8 models have all the sculpted, muscular elegance of
W12 Their stablemates, with Their distinctive wide rear track, super-formed aluminum wings, powerful haunches and low, poised stance. But a number of key differences distinguish these branches of the Continental family.
The radiator grille of the
V8 models features gloss black mesh, bordered by a fine chrome surround, in place of the
W12 Continental
GT's bright work. Each
Bentley 'B' emblem featured on the wheel center caps is also finished in red. The cockpit of the two
Continental V8 models has a correspondingly sporty ambiance, featuring a new veneer, Dark Fiddle back Eucalyptus, for the fascia and trim. Both the coupe and convertible feature a technical finish Elide cloth headlining, rather than the leather That is standard in their
W12-engined counterparts. Other optional packages include the Driving Specification,
Milliner
Specification Styling, Convenience and Touring Specification Specification.
