Today two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and thus will making their world premiere. What is new around those "beauties" os the new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector. In case you've forgotten, the new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. It has 8-speed automatic transmission and can go into a 0-100 km/h in only 4.8 seconds for the GT coupe. The top speed is 303 km/h!

What needs to be highlighted here is that the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Moreover they are capable of traveling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel. The new V8 engine will be available in two models: the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre, 12‑cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC.

2012 Bentley CONTINENTAL V8 Range

Furthermore both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21‑inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes. The interior features Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme. The new Continental V8 Models deliver distinctive sporting style through several features they include: gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider, three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-coloured dividers, dark rear lower valance, distinctive twin ‘figure eight' exhaust tailpipes,Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B' badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres, seven exterior colours offered in standard range. Moreover now the interior is even sportier than ever. This Is due to the  New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models, Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim, short centre console in place of W12 through-console, four hide colours offered in standard range, unique two-tone leather color split and the three hood colours (Continental GTC).

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Pricing information

CONTINENTAL GT V8 CONTINENTAL GTC V8 INFORMATION
UK Pounds Sterling £123,850 £136,250 Inclusive of VAT
EUROPE Euro €136,000 €149,600 Pre-Tax
CHINA Renminbi CNY 2,980,000 CNY 3,280,000 Includes taxes and duty
USA US Dollars Price to be advised Price to be advised
JAPAN Yen ¥21,666,000 ¥23,800,000 Inc 5% sales tax
MIDDLE EAST US Dollars $172,527 $189,780 Pre-duty and tax

Specifications

New GT V8 New GTC V8
Engine 4-litre twin turbocharged V8 4-litre twin turbocharged V8
Power 500bhp / 373kW / 507PS @ 6000rpm 500bhp / 373kW / 507PS  @ 6000 rpm
Torque 660Nm / 487lb.ft @ 1700 rpm 660Nm / 487lb.ft @ 1700 rpm
Driveline All-wheel drive All-wheel drive
Transmission 8-speed automatic with paddleshift 8-speed automatic with paddleshift
Acceleration 0-60mph 4.6 secs 4.7 secs
0–100km/h 4.8 secs 5 secs
Max. Speed 303 kmh 188mph 301 kmh 187mph
Range 857km 533 miles 826 km 513miles
FUEL CONSUMPTION EU DRIVE CYCLE
Urban 15.4 l/100km 18.4mpg 15.8 l/100km 17.9 mpg
Extra-Urban 7.7 l/100km 36.7 mpg 8 l/100km 35.3mpg
Combined 10.5 1/100KM 26.7mpg 10.9 l/100km 25.9mpg
CO2 emissions (combined) 246g/km 254g/km
EPA DRIVE CYCLE*
City Driving 15mpg 14mpg
Highway Driving 24mpg 24mpg
Combined 18mpg 17mpg
WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES
Kerb Weight 2295kg 2470kg
Unladen Weight 2295kg 5060lb 5445lb 2470kg
Gross Weight 2750kg 6063lb 2900kg 6393lb
Fuel Tank 90 litres 20 gallons / 24 USg 90 litres 20 gallons / 24 USg
Boot Volume 358 litres 12.6 cu.ft 260 litres 9.1 cu.ft
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 4806mm 15 ft 9in 4806mm 15 ft 9in
Width across mirrors 2227mm 7ft 3in 2227mm 7ft 3in
Wheelbase 2746mm 9ft 2746mm 9ft
Overall Height 1404mm 4ft7in 1403mm 4ft7in
Wheel size 20" or optional 21" 20" or optional 21"

Source: Bentley