2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 first drive review: A more athletic grand tourer

Here’s somewhat life hack for all you hifalutin Bentley patrons: Get the V8 engine. It was true of the last-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur, and it is true now of the Bentayga SUV. Bentley’s less-expensive V8 fashions are merely extra satisfying to drive, and do not sacrifice one hand-crafted inch of favor or substance.Perhaps the very best instance of Bentley’s V8 goodness is discovered right here, within the 2020 Continental GT. The 626-horsepower, W12-powered Continental is already a goddamn delight. But the lighter, extra keen V8 loosens the GT’s collar, turning this grand tourer into an athlete that is much more desperate to please.
The V8 engine is a well-recognized one: Bentley’s twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter unit, which makes a stout 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Working with a buttery-smooth, eight-speed automated transmission, the GT V8 Coupe can speed up to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.9 seconds. The GT V8 Convertible does this similar dash in 4.0. Regardless of physique model, the GT V8 is three-tenths of a second slower to succeed in 60 mph than the W12-powered variants.But what’s three tenths of a second, anyway? Stomp on the GT V8’s throttle and you will be exhausting pressed to quantify that lack of on-paper efficiency. Peak torque is delivered at 1,960 rpm, and the V8’s aural high quality is a lot extra thrilling than the W12’s. This automotive pops and crackles because it shifts by way of the gears, the burble on overrun so sturdy it borders on being uncouth — and I imply that as a praise.Like the W12, the Continental GT V8 places its energy to the bottom by way of variable all-wheel drive. The Conti will default to rear-wheel drive whereas cruising so as to run as effectively as doable, however splits the ability between the entrance an rear axles whereas cornering or while you’re actually giving it your all. You cannot truly really feel the AWD system working, there’s simply tons and tons of grip precisely when and the place you want it. Drive the GT in Sport mode and it will default to a 20:80 front-rear break up, however that does not flip it right into a tail-happy hooligan. Give the gasoline pedal a stomp on the apex of a super-tight hairpin and the large boy’s rump just about refuses to step out, these huge, 21-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero summer time tires providing unimaginable traction on dry pavement.The customary, three-chamber air suspension offers the Continental GT its hallmark cosseting trip, however this consolation does not come on the expense of dealing with. That’s very true with the 48-volt Dynamic Ride antiroll system — customary on the W12 and optionally available on the V8 — which retains the Continental remarkably flat always. It does not wallow by way of a nook, and there is no exaggerated nostril elevate beneath exhausting acceleration. Combine all this with fantastically weighted steering and a few critically highly effective brakes, and the Continental GT V8 is as nice a grand tourer as its W12 counterpart, however on the similar time, a good higher sports activities automotive.
What else has modified? Thankfully, not an entire lot. The V8 fashions get new 20- and 21-inch wheel designs, and the W12’s oval formed exhausts at the moment are break up right into a pair of better-looking, dual-outlet pipes. The solely different solution to spot an eight-cylinder GT is to note the “V8” badge on the entrance quarter panel, the place the 12-cylinder automobiles say “W12.” And for those who’re fearful concerning the neighbors snickering as you drive by with solely eight cylinders beneath your hood, simply step on it. The V8’s rortier exhaust notice will shut ’em up.Otherwise, the V8 fashions put on the identical shapely traces because the 12-cylinder Continental GT Coupe and Convertible variants. I nonetheless love poring over the small print of the crystal-like headlamp housings, and adore the best way this automotive appears to be like in profile. The form is unmistakably Bentley Continental, but it surely’s sleeker, wider and rather more swish than its predecessor. Step inside and the GT V8 fashions are as lavishly appointed as their W12-powered kin, each swath of leather-based lovingly hand-stitched, each steel air vent plunger a tactile pleasure. The diamond knurling on the dials feels completely very good, complemented by the textured Cotes de Geneve brightwork that traces the middle console. Not a single little bit of luxurious has been compromised between the W12 and V8 fashions; this is likely one of the best automotive interiors you should buy right this moment.The $6,365 Bentley Rotating Display is a must have piece de resistance, if just for its capability to alter the look of the cabin with the push of a button. When the automotive is off, the show exhibits a flush-mounted panel, permitting you to concentrate on the true great thing about the inside design. Turn it on, and it might probably present both a easy trio of dials, or flip it as soon as extra, and you will have entry to the huge quantity of tech that is housed in Bentley’s 12.3-inch multimedia show.The Continental GT’s inside is just beautiful, proper all the way down to the final element.
Richard Pardon/Bentley
Infotainment duties are dealt with by a Bentley-skinned model of the Porsche Communication Management software program, that means Apple CarPlay is customary, however Android Auto is not out there. The touchscreen is as easy and great to make use of within the Continental as it’s in, say, a Panamera, and affords a wealth of performance inside a crisp, vivid show.Speaking of shared tech, the Continental’s digital gauge cluster is one other acquainted little bit of greatness. It could have Bentley colours and fonts, however Audi’s unbelievable Virtual Cockpit is what’s doing the heavy lifting. A full suite of driver help tech retains the Continental on the high of its security sport, with adaptive cruise management, a full-color head-up show, evening imaginative and prescient, lane-keeping help and blind-spot monitoring all a part of the $8,385 Touring Specification pack.Even although the W12 debuted in 2018, the GT V8 would be the first Continental to reach on our shores later this 12 months. When it lands, it’s going to carry a $198,500 beginning worth (or $218,350 for the Convertible), some $16,000 lower than the W12. That means the Continental GT V8 is not only a extra partaking steer than its 12-cylinder counterpart — it is a greater worth, too.And therein lies the greatness of the Continental GT V8. With no sacrifice in luxurious or model and a good higher behind-the-wheel expertise, much less is certainly extra.Eight cylinders or 12, the brand new Continental GT is an actual stunner.
Richard Pardon/Bentley
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