Bentley is known for its W12 engine but its twin-turbo V8 has been powering most of its models over the years and the time has come to also send it off for a peaceful retirement before it unleashes the next chapter. Before a hybrid V8 comes into the picture, there has been a fitting farewell for this powertrain with the Edition 8 for the North American market.
The Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur ‘Edition 8 ‘will only be available in North America, and these cars also come decked up with many of the Mulliner Personal Commissioning options. Highlights of the Edition 8 models include Blackline specification exterior brightware, 22-inch wheels, in either 5-spoke or 10-spoke design, Comfort Specification seats, Bentley’s Rotating Display, and contrast stitching.
Customers will be able to choose from over 60 colors in Mulliner’s Extended Paint range as part of the package. Another Mulliner Personal Commissioning option, Palm Fluting has also been offered.
Other highlights include self-leveling wheel badges, LED welcome lamps, and the polished, engineered ‘jewel’ filler cap. Edition 8 badging can be seen on the fender of the Continental GT and Continental GTC models, while on the Flying Spur, the badge is located on the D Pillar. Inside, the Edition 8 motif can be found as an embroidered emblem upon the seat backs as well as engraved on the treadplates.
This engine has been hugely successful and will live on in the Bentayga for the time being while the Continental plus the Flying Spur will first get the new electrified hybrid engine.
Since the 4.0-liter V8’s introduction in 2012, more than 53,000 V8-powered Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur examples have been produced, each one crafted entirely by hand at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England.
Similarly, the eight-cylinder engine has been integral to this brand since the first L-Series V8 engine was introduced in the S2 in 1959, developing 180 bhp while today’s current-generation V8 produces three times the power with two-thirds of the capacity.
