Price – £123,850 approx | Engine – 4.0 litre, V8 cylinders, 32 Valves, Twin Turbo 500 bhp | Transmission – eight speed automatic gearbox, all wheel drive | Performance – Top Speed 188 mph, 0-60 in 4.6 sec, 26.7 mpg, CO2 246g/km
Since the launch of the Bentley GT in 2003 it has had sales of over 50,000 and its English factory in Crewe is now the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. So there is no doubt that the GT has been a great success.
Before the GT Bentley Motors was known as a luxury car for the 50+ wealthy man, and they were described as being so soft on the road it was like driving around in an arm chair. However when the GT was released, Bentley was opening itself up to a whole different demographic that was the 30 something successful businessmen. It suddenly became cool to be young and be driving a Bentley and the new GT V8 has cemented that image further.
The new GT V8 has a 4.0 litre V8 engine, compared with the previous 6.0 litre W12 engine, and yes you would be right to think it has lost some power, and on a car of this weight that can’t be a good thing? However you would be wrong. Due to clever engineering on the new engine which was co-developed by Audi, it produces 500bhp, only 67 less than the old 6.0 litre. The top speed has been reduced from 193mph to 188mph, but with weight reductions of 25kg and better aerodynamics it has not we believe affected the drive. As a matter of fact we think it has improved if anything.
The power to emissions ratio for the new V8 is outstanding, especially for this type of car; what’s more it can get 500 miles from a full tank. It produces CO2 275g/km and does 26.7 mpg, and whilst 246g/km may be in the higher tax bracket, it is a huge drop from the eye watering 384g/km that the 6.0 litre produces.
You may be thinking this is all well and good, however if you can afford to buy a Bentley you don’t mind spending money on fuel. But knowing that your car has a 40% mpg improvement and a reduction of CO2 138g/km will make you sleep much better, knowing that you are helping the environment.
The sound of the new V8 engine is simply beautiful with a deep bass and slight crackle when the revs rise, it is enough to make your hairs stand on end. This Bentley his returned to the company’s sporting heritage, it is a car that will rival the likes of Aston Martin and Ferrari. The V8 though is still a gentleman’s car, as it seems not to try so hard as its competitors to impress, it just does so.
The new design of the V8 is a much more sportier one with a slightly wider body and more muscular lines. This muscular theme is continued in the interior with a sporty dash, however at the same time keeping Bentley’s renowned luxury feel.
We think this is the most enjoyable road car Bentley have created and with that in mind and the impressive power to emissions ratio, this car is sure to be a huge success.
By Alexander Nall-Cain
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