Bentley Continental GT V8 S 2015 obbor
Introduced to the automotive world in 2003, the Continental GT has come full circle with the V8 S aimed at attracting a fresh new audience to the British brand.
The brand's appeal continues to grow internationally year on year, especially in emerging markets such as India, China and the Middle East, which saw a 45 percent increase in sales last year compared to 2012.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S arrived in Australia last month with brand new swagger, ready to take on a new type of customer.
The latest GT has breathed fire and life back into the lineup with an updated engine and a new ZF eight-speed transmission that has transformed the latest GT into a refined luxury sports car at a reasonable price. Well, more reasonable than the price of the W12 V12 model.
With extra power, a sportier suspension, sharper steering and incredible braking power, the convertible and coupe options offer a real sense of flair and charisma at a more attractive price.
Design
The shape of the Continental GT has continued to evolve over time, with no major changes to the coupe or convertible versions.
The characteristic curve from behind the front door follows the contour of her hind thighs, ending up in the taillights. It is a consistent design throughout the range, defining the aggressive yet elegant style of the Continental GT.
Painted in Monaco Yellow, this V8 S doesn't turn purple.
Painted in Monaco Yellow, this V8 S doesn't turn purple. Our images show just how vibrant this color is in real life as it stands out from the perfectly manicured gardens and white exterior of Yering Castle in Victoria's Yarra Valley.
The bright yellow paint is only accentuated by the beluga (gloss black) front grille and lower body styling that help set this custom Continental GT apart from the rest.
The "Lower Body Style Specification" consists of side sills, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser that combine to aerodynamically reduce front end lift and provide greater stability at high speed.
From the side, the body shape and polished 21-inch black diamond seven-spoke wheels really catch the eye.
Suspension and spring rate have also been revised, with the V8 S lowered by 10mm and springs 45% stiffer at the front and 33% stiffer at the rear. This greatly reduced body roll and greatly reduced hood or front end roll under hard braking conditions.
The Pirelli P-Zero tires performed well in both wet and dry conditions in the highlands of Victoria. The 21-inch tires perfectly complement the upgraded sport suspension and handling package, providing plenty of feedback and traction, especially on hilly and sometimes bumpy country roads.
As an option, Bentley can install huge carbon-ceramic rotors with red brake calipers. Brake upgrades are expensive, though money well spent considering they can dot a 2265kg Bentley over and over again with few complaints and zero brake wear.
The key is a piece of art and is commonly overlooked by many manufacturers.
An optional chrome-plated sports exhaust system adds a classy look to the rear of the car, while also adding a deep, throaty growl, the noisy sound that wafts through the cabin when the twin-turbocharged V8 engine starts to sing.
Features
To open a door, you must start by unlocking it with your Bentley key. The key is a work of art and is commonly overlooked by many manufacturers. It is beautifully designed with a heavy, expensive feel. I went to great lengths not to drop it.
Press the button to unlock the driver's door and you'll be immediately greeted by a rich and well-appointed cabin. Although quite modern, it is still shrouded in history and heritage that only such a bespoke car can offer.
The high level of craftsmanship is evident throughout the cabin and no detail is left untouched.
Chrome buttons and shifters have a distinct sense of quality, while carbon fiber is used to highlight the brand's racing heritage. There are slight hints of Volkswagen influence in the dashboard, though not enough to cast doubt on the overall feel of the car.
The hand-quilted, diamond-stitched leather seats provide support and look elegant with the Bentley logo proudly emblazoned on each of the four headrests. The driver's and front passenger's seats are equipped with heating and massage functions, underscoring the importance of comfort being the number one priority.
At highway speeds, the cabin is incredibly quiet, even quiet.
The seats, dashboard, steering wheel and leather-wrapped paddle shifters are hand-stitched in monaco yellow, which lends a touch of body color to dark and luxurious interiors.
For taller guests sitting in the back, the seats offer plenty of comfort, though there isn't much legroom even with the front seats moved forward.
At highway speeds, the cabin is incredibly quiet, quiet even. Deep pile carpets, laminated glass windows and sound absorbing materials keep outside noise to an absolute minimum.
The optional NAIM 14K audiophile system boasts 11 speakers and 15 audio channels that reproduce dramatic theatrical sound with the acoustics of the Sydney Opera House.
Engine / Transmission
Engine power from the 4.0-liter, 32-valve, twin-turbocharged V8 engine has been increased by 16 kW to 389 hp. Peak torque of 680 Nm is achieved at a relatively low 1700 rpm thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 setup.
Power is sent to all four wheels distributed over an all-wheel drive (AWD) platform. With a 40:60 rear-wheel power distribution, the V8 S gives you a more lively rear-wheel drive feel in hard starts and tight twisty corners.
When you own a Bentley, you don't have to worry about the cost of fuel, but rather how many times you visit your local service station. To allay your fears, Bentley has applied valve-shifting technology that shuts off four of the eight cylinders, helping to save fuel and improving fuel economy by eight percent.
Whether in Auto or Sport mode, the ZF 8-speed transmission delivers crisp, precise shifting. The new ZF unit looks more like a dual clutch system than a traditional automatic transmission.
The leather-wrapped, hand-sewn paddles are perfect for large hands like mine and are located behind the steering wheel and attached to the column.
Owning a Bentley is a lifestyle choice, a decision that will immerse you in luxury and opulence. Owning such a car is a reward for years of hard work and dedication, a point not lost for me or for my team.
The Continental GT V8 S is a celebration of the best that Bentley has to offer in a unique, modern, hand-built grand tourer that can be driven every day or every other day.
Eleven years after the first Continental GT was introduced, this version brings a sleeker, sportier look to the ever-growing GT lineup with improved handling and improved performance. Any flaws are quickly overlooked by the quality and sophistication that only Bentley can offer in its bespoke cars.
While Bentley shares a few parts and features within the Volkswagen Group, it's somewhat puzzling to understand why they haven't included some of the more advanced features such as lane keeping assist, radar cruise control and autopilot parking that are readily available and tested. on cheaper cars. vehicles.
It may not have the driveability of a Porsche 911 or the supersonic abilities of a Bugatti Veyron, but Bentley has given this car a personality that will inspire you to drive hard and constantly explore the possibilities of the V8 S.
