SMMT News

Ground-breaking Bentley powertrain technology on show at SMMT

23 May 2012 #SMMT News

The latest exhibit in SMMT’s Westminster showroom celebrates the new V8 Continental models from Bentley Motors. The arrival of the new models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Alongside a Bentley Continental GT V8 model in Dragon Red, a partial cutaway of the new four-litre V8 engine is also on show. The drivetrain delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 660Nm (487lbft). Combined with a new close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission, the car is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in under five seconds and has a top speed of more than 180mph.

Despite this level of performance, the new V8 Continental models have significantly improved levels of fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions for their luxury sector, thanks to Bentley’s ground-breaking powertrain technology.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load. Other innovative features include low friction bearings, energy recuperation via the charging system, and unique packaging of the twin turbo-chargers – placed within the V – contributing to efficiency and weight reduction.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe the largest producer of 12-cylinder engines in the world.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. More information can be found on the Bentley Motors website.

Click through the slideshow below to see all the photos from SMMT’s exhibition space.

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