EMMW Blog

2013 Bentley Continental GTC V-8

20 Feb 2012 |  duPont REGISTRY

Alongside the Bentley Continental GT V-8 coupe, the topless Continental GTC will also gain a new lower-cost, more-economical trim level to broaden its appeal for 2013. Called the Continental GTC V-8, it will feature a new 4.0-liter V-8 engine producing 500 hp and combining with an eight-speed automatic transmission to hit 60 mph from a stop in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. The 40:60 rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is retained.

The engine comes about because of a commitment Bentley made in 2008 to lowering C02 emissions and improving fuel economy. Its commitment was based around an initiative to implement E85 compatibility across its engine range and adding a new powertrain requiring 40 percent less fuel without sacrificing performance. The new engine is shared with the new Audi S8, which makes 512 hp and averages 23 mpg.

Bentley says when the new V-8 is under the hood of the 5,500-pound GTC, it returns 14 miles to the gallon in the city and 24 miles to the gallon on the highway. That?s a large reduction in fuel consumption compared to the 11 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for the 567-hp W-12 GTC. The decrease in fuel consumption is due to, in part, a cylinder deactivation system, which utilizes a V-4 mode under light-load conditions; the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 50-pound reduction in overall weight also play a part.

Setting the Continental GTC V-8 apart from the front is a gloss black grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red Bentley ?B? badge, and a new lower front bumper with gloss black mesh. At the rear, the V-8 features unique exhaust tips, a dark lower valance, and a red ?B? on the trunk lid. Twenty-inch alloy wheels come standard; twenty-one-inch six-spoke wheels in Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V-8) or Diamond Silver finishes is optionally available.

Inside the cabin, a Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer and short center console will be unique to the V-8 model.

Bentley has yet to mention if a Flying Spur will receive the V-8.

by Benjamin Greene


duPont REGISTRY

duPontREGISTRY.com™ established in 2001, is the dominant force to market luxury goods on the Internet as we bridge buyers and sellers together with speed, ease and accessibility. The commitment to exceed the industry standards with innovative Internet products, tailored marketing programs and exceptional customer service provided to our visitors and clients will further position duPontREGISTRY.com™ as the Internet’s industry leader for the luxury/lifestyle marketplace.