Monday, April 9, 2012

Bentley Continental GTC V8 Convertible Debuts at New York Auto Show


The new Bentley Continental GTC V8 convertible made its official US debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The new 4-liter, twin turbocharged Continental GTC V8, and its coupe counterpart the Continental GT V8, achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

According to Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors, “With the new 4 liter V8 engine, we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine has all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”

This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500 HP at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 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. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.7 seconds for the GTC and a top speed of 187 mph.

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The instantly recognizable growl of the new 4-liter V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stable mates. Expressing their potent, muscular character, both new Continental V8 models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ boot lid badge emphasize the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s. The new Continental V8 models can be specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard or an optional 21‑inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Inside the cabin, an 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 GTC V8 model will be offered beneath the flagship 6-liter,12‑cylinder engined GTC, which continues to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631 HP.

Both Continental V8 models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering strength.

THE NEW CONTINENTAL V8 MODELS

Distinctive sporting style

  • Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider
  • Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-colored 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 centers
  • 7 exterior colors offered in standard range

Sporty, contemporary interior

  • 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
  • 4 hide colors offered in standard range
  • Unique two-tone leather color split
  • 3 hood colors (Continental GTC)

Exhilarating, efficient new 4-liter V8 engine

  • Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio reflecting engine efficiency
  • Variable displacement (a technology first proven on the Mulsanne) imperceptibly cuts 4 cylinders on cruise and light throttle
  • Engine optimization technologies boost efficiency
  • Turbochargers mounted within ‘V’ for efficiency and fast response
  • Switchable engine mounts ensure refinement
  • New, close-ratio, 8-speed transmission with ultra-fast shifts
  • Over 500 miles range on one tank of fuel
  • All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split


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