Bentley Continental GT V8: The Right Car Lives Again

This is a dream car in many words; Bentley Continental GT. The magnificent touring machine embodies the very essence of performance, sophistication and luxury. For all the options on the market today - sedans, coupes, sports cars, trucks, SUVs, exotics (you name it) - there really isn't anything quite like the Continental GT. I may be nostalgic, but the Bentley Continental GT is reminiscent of those old Packards, Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs. At one time they were real cars. Today, the Bentley Continental GT is such a car.

Bentley Continental GT Flyer W12

The Bentley Continental GT is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 TSI engine that produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. torque. The W12 TSI engine uses both high and low pressure direct injection and cylinder deactivation. While in full chat mode, the Continental GT W12 revs to 60 in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 207. Fastest of all, it's nothing compared to the 300 million calculations per second that the engine's internal software management system performs.

The W12-inspired Bentley Continental GT is a great game, but the latest iteration demands equal attention. Those of us in Detroit enjoy the V and the number 8, and therefore the crew from Crewe is delightful. Now available is the Continental GT V8, which was recently launched on the Bentley configurator. Did you know that the Continental GT has over seven billion different possible configurations? Suffice it to say, between the rotating display and the neck warmer; Made from durable handcrafted veneer and leather, the Bentley Continental GT V8 is custom built.

Bentley Continental GT V8. Photo: Bentley Motors.

Greater strength and better balance

The Bentley Continental GT V8 gets cooking with 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft. torque. The 32-valve 4.0-liter V8 is powered by two turbines at home inside the "V" engine. Under heavy throttle, the Continental GT V8 hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, topping out at 198. The convertible isn't far behind, hitting 60 in four seconds. During a cruise, the Bentley V8 shuts down four cylinders; switching occurs within 20 milliseconds.

On the topic: "Build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class." History of V.O. Bentley.

The Bentley engineering team paid close attention to the distribution of weight across the car in the interest of overall performance. Both the Continental GT V8 and the convertible use hollow sway bars front and rear to complement the optional Dynamic Ride system. The air suspension uses three-chamber air springs for a sporty and hard ride; soft and comfortable. From there, Continuous Damping Control constantly adjusts the damping forces to the bumps in the road. The system regularly measures the speed and distance between the wheels and the body at each corner and adjusts accordingly. Isn't it mathematics?

Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible and Coupe. Photo: Bentley Motors.

Powerful Ride & Smooth Inside

If the Bentley Continental GT is to be the ultimate custom touring car, then it must be the ultimate custom touring car. That certainly explains the luxurious nature of the Continental GT V8, but its muscular aura is never far away, and perhaps best seen is how Bentley channels its all-wheel-drive system. While it can split torque from the front to the rear, the default is mostly rear-wheel drive. 100 years ago, Walter Owen (Washington) Bentley wanted a fast car. Sending torque back is a good way to do this today.

Related: Love Potion #9: An in-depth look at the Continental GT Number 9 Edition.

Inside, the Bentley Continental GT V8 completes its one-of-a-kind state in flying colors. Among the most notable features is the Bentley Rotating Display with a rotating 12.3-inch touchscreen and analog dials. The new Crown Cut walnut adorns the inside, with a variety of other wood veneers to choose from. V8 variants get a 650-watt audio system along with eight different roof liner colors to choose from. Safety features include Active Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Park Assist.

The interior layout of the Bentley Continental GT V8. Photo: Bentley Motors.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Ordering and Availability

The Bentley Continental GT V8 is available for order in all markets except EU28, Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine and Turkey. It will be available to order at those locations in the fourth quarter of this year. Plan at least $220,000 for V8; about 232,000 for W12. We recommend the V8 because it adds muscle-car flare to the luxurious and elegant Grand Tourer. But the W12 is pretty cute too. Either way, the Bentley Continental GT is arguably one of the last proper cars; if not the only correct car.