Popular acclaim continues to be heaped upon the 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8, and the latest road reviews all echo positive sentiments about this magnificent supercar.
Rivaling the Porsche 911, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari California and Maserati Gran Turismo, and coming out favourably, this is a car which has an efficient new V8 engine, a superb soundtrack, and a dynamic ride.
The new engine is quite possibly the highlight of the Continental GT. Co-developed with Audi, the revolutionary V8 deploys cylinder deactivation that allows its green credentials to shine through. In slumber at lower revs, an instantaneous leap back to eight cylinders take places the instant your foot touches the accelerator. Not only is fuel efficiency increased by forty percent but the sporty feeling moves right through your body as a result. Performance is truly impressive. With up to 500 bhp available at higher revs, 60 mph is reached in 4.6 seconds.
The legendary soundtrack which accompanies this acceleration should then be of no surprise. There is no misunderstanding about the pedigree of this car, regardless of where the needle is on the rev counter. A low-down burble, medium range growl and high-end roar are yours, and the passing pedestrians’, delight. Engaging all your senses including your audio-loving ears, this car delights with decibels.
Through your fingertips to your toes, the car continues to impress. The ride quality is what one would expect from a car of this magnitude, with some great enhancements. Subtle improvements to the chassis with sportier springs, dampers and stability control lend their weight to this class act. Road holding is improved thanks to standard twenty-inch tyres, or option twenty-one inch wheels. Weight distribution between front and rear axles is optimised for even better handling. As with all Bentley models, four-wheel drive means that handling excellence exists in all road conditions. The choice of mode, including Sport style, means you can even customise the ride according to your taste. Discerning drivers will certainly feel the difference in the new eight-speed gearbox as well with smooth changes up the gearbox and immediate change downs.
Apart from the engine, soundtrack, and ride, the visual aspect of the Continental GT V8 aims to please, and certainly deliver. The sporty breeding shows through in pronounced elements such as the heightened presence of the front bumper, black mesh grill, and dark rear valence, and more subtle ones, like the elongated ‘figure-eight’ shaped exhaust pipes, and oxblood enamel flying ‘B’. Executive yet leisurely, the interior with leather quilting, comprehensive central console, highlights of darker wood veneers, provides all the hints you need that you are in a luxury car, full of heritage yet poised to pounce.