More power, better handling for Bentley's V8 Continentals
Tuesday September 03, 2013
Bentley Continental GT V8 S updates
Bentley Motors have improved the performance of their V8 Continental models. Power from the 3993 cc V8 engine is up to 528 PS (389 kW) at 6000 rpm and torque is improved from 600 N·m to 680 N·m (502 lb·ft) at 1700 rpm. Overall height has been lowered approximately 10 mm for both the Coupé and Convertible models.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S models, as they are known, have increased spring rates fore and aft, as well as stiffer bushings and anti-roll bars. Damping as also been revised and the steering recalibrated, and all told these changes contribute to sharper handling and more precise body control. In addition to the suspension, chassis and software updates, tweaked aerodynamics provide reduced front-end lift as well as improving high-speed stability.
Bentley's baby behemoths are shod with 275/35 rubber on 20 inch wheels. The eight speed automatic gearbox provides power to all four wheels, with the front:rear bias 40:60, as it is on the standard Continental V8s. Both models are fitted with ventilated discs all round, 405 mm up front and 335 mm at the rear.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S Coupé tips the scales at 2295 kg, and the drophead Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible adds a further 175 kg to that. The uprated engine is more than equal to the task though, whipping the coupé and convertible versions from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 and 4.7 seconds respectively, and on to top speeds of 309 km/h and 308 km/h. CO2 emissions are 246 g/km and 254 g/km for the pair.
No prices have been announced yet, and deliveries are to start in early 2014.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S models, as they are known, have increased spring rates fore and aft, as well as stiffer bushings and anti-roll bars. Damping as also been revised and the steering recalibrated, and all told these changes contribute to sharper handling and more precise body control. In addition to the suspension, chassis and software updates, tweaked aerodynamics provide reduced front-end lift as well as improving high-speed stability.
Bentley's baby behemoths are shod with 275/35 rubber on 20 inch wheels. The eight speed automatic gearbox provides power to all four wheels, with the front:rear bias 40:60, as it is on the standard Continental V8s. Both models are fitted with ventilated discs all round, 405 mm up front and 335 mm at the rear.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S Coupé tips the scales at 2295 kg, and the drophead Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible adds a further 175 kg to that. The uprated engine is more than equal to the task though, whipping the coupé and convertible versions from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 and 4.7 seconds respectively, and on to top speeds of 309 km/h and 308 km/h. CO2 emissions are 246 g/km and 254 g/km for the pair.
No prices have been announced yet, and deliveries are to start in early 2014.
