Showing the world that Bentley is still capable of producing amazing super-cars, the styling team in Crewe, England, have once again improved on the elegantly tailored lines of the landmark Continental GT design. With a gloss-black radiator grille, 21-inch wheels at the corners and figure-eight tailpipes trumpeting from the rear, the lean and muscular look of the new GT is entirely in keeping with the powertrain under the bonnet.
Moving with the times, the new 2015 models now come with the choice of a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, instead of the 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12. Although many of the well-heeled buyers may insist on the range-topping GT-S version, with a fierce 616bhp, 6.0-litre engine, the twin-turbocharged V8, 500bhp model is hardly any slower than the W12 and feels more agile. The V8 also gets an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the six-speed in the W12. More ratios mean smoother shifting, especially when using the paddles, and more chance of being in the right gear.
In 2008 Bentley’s aim was to deliver a car with 40% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The V8 engine and eight-speed transmission play a big part in this, but another contributor is a clever piece of engine technology called ‘variable displacement’. That means a car known as a 6.0-litre V12, now comes as a V8 that will at times run as a 2.0-litre V4, without you even noticing. The engine idles as a V8 to stay smooth, with the V4 mode operating between 1,500 and 3,000rpm, and to make sure you never notice the change in vibe and exhaust pulse from a V8, extra flaps reconfigure the exhaust, and active engine mounts control the vibrations.
On the road, there’s all the performance you need. The 660Nm torque is enough to catapult you from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and the 500bhp will take you to a top speed of 303 km/h. Listening to the engine noise is wonderful, at low revs you get an old-school V8, then move the needle towards the red line and you get a throaty growl that is distinctively Bentley.
The chassis is truly best of British, with a surprisingly plush ride, even on the back streets. The steering handles nicely for a 2.3-tonne car, both on the open road and diving into bends, and it is only when the road begins to meander that you remember the Bentley’s weight. It also feels lighter through the controls than it reacts on the road, but once you get the hang of it, the V8 is a very satisfying drive. When it comes time to return to the likes of traffic, speed bumps and potholes, the Bentley maintains its bearing as a luxury car. The V8 has slightly different styling to the W12, including a new lower front bumper, black grille, new wheels, figure-eight tailpipes and black lower rear diffuser, but it is the better car for fun on your favourite road, and when you’re stuck at normal-traffic speed, it’ll go far further on a tank.
The numbers
3993cc, V8, 4WD, 500bhp, 660Nm, 27mpg, 246g/km CO2, 0-62 in 4.6secs, 188mph, 2295kg
For
Even this entry-level model offers effortless pace and provides all the prestigious image you could wish for.
Against
It doesn’t come cheap, either to buy or to run, and is no sports car in the bends.
Verdict
Fast, secure and a lovely bit of craftsmanship. Not one for tail-sliding, but involving enough. Marvellous long-range GT.
Price
If you have to ask… Dhs 995,000. - P.C.