REVIEW

The Bentley Continental GT had an all new model a few years ago with similar but all-new styling. What stayed the same however, was the engine. A truly impressive power plant with the 6.0 litres, two turbos, 12 cylinders and up to 630 bhp, it was a weighty lump and wouldn’t exactly win any favours with your bank manager as it managed just 17.1mpg. But Bentley responded with a new V8 model to sit below the W12 which continues in production. A 4.0 litre twin turbo unit derived from that found in the new Audi S8 it produces 500 bhp and weighs 25kg less than the W12, but it also manages 27mpg thanks to incredible technology that enables it to shut down 4 of the cylinders when not under load. So emissions are less, economy is up, and you get a classic V8 soundtrack to boot… ** Cash alternative: 80% of the ex-VAT UK RRP **