After at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 Bentley->ke15 unveiled the Continental GT V8 version. Now, the company plans to expand the Continental ->ke401 lineup at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with the addition of a new Continental GT V8 S version.

Offered in both coupe and convertible version, the new model is characterized by an extra 21 horsepower, a revised suspension and increased performance figures. In short, Bentley described its latest creation as "sleeker, faster and more responsive." Also, despite the extra power, the new Continental GT V8 S deliver impressive fuel economy figures, including an incredible driving range of 500 miles.

Along with the extra power, the model also received updates to the exterior look, the addition of two specially developed exterior paints, a revised interior look and the usual list of standard Bentley features.

Click past the jump to read more about the Bentley Continental GT V8 S.

2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 521 @ 6000
  • Torque: 502 @ 1700
  • Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Continental GT V8 S is a sportier version of the base Continental GT V8 and it is distinguished by a more dramatic look. Bentley opted for a lowered ride height that offers a sleeker and more purposeful stance, while the exterior look is complemented by a sharp front splitter, discrete side sills and subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss.

Other distinctive features include the black gloss radiator grille with single chrome divider bar, the special "V8 S" badges applied to each front fender and the special exhaust system with the "figure of eight" tailpipes.

Buyers can order the new Continental GT V8 S in 17 exterior colors, two of which were specially designed for the model: Kingfisher Blue and the new Monaco Yellow.

Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase

2,746 mm / 108.1 in

Overall length

4,806 mm / 189.2 in

Width (across body)

1,944 mm / 76.5 in

Width (inc. mirrors)

2,227 mm / 87.7 in

Overall height

1,394 mm / 54.9 in

Kerb weight (EU)

2,295 kg / 5,060 lb


Interior

As with any other Continental GT model, the new S version offers an interior filled with soft-touch leathers, wood veneers, polished metals and deep-pile carpeting. However, for the new S model, Bentley offers a range of two-tone trims and a unique contrast center stripe for the hide-trimmed roof lining painted in the same color as the main hide. Special "V8 S" badges are also prominent on each door sill tread plate.

Standard Interior features:

-8-inch touchscreen which displays the car’s navigation

-Audio and telephone system

-Ride and comfort settings for the air suspension

-30GB on-board hard drive.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the new Continental GT V8 S, Bentley placed an updated version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine tricked to deliver a total of 521 horsepower and a 502 pound-feet of torque that starts at 1,700 rpm. The engine is mated to a close-ratio ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and the coupe version sprints 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, while the convertible does the same sprint in 4.5 seconds. Top speed of the coupe and convertible models are 192 mph and 191 mph, respectively.

Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel economy also checks in unexpectedly high, with the coupe version delivering up to 26.8 mpg and the convertible variant checking in at 25.9 mpg combined on the EU cycle. This allows the driver to travel up to 500 miles between fill-ups.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Type

4-liter twin-turbocharged direct injection V-8 with cylinder deactivation

Max Power

521 bhp / 528 PS / 389 KW @ 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

680 Nm / 502 lb.ft @ 1,700 rpm

Transmission

Type

ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and column mounted paddleshift

Type

Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)

Driveline

2.85

Final Drive

192 mph / 309 km/h

Top speed

4.3 secs

0-60 mph

10.3 secs


Suspension and Brakes

Just like with any other Continental model, the new S version is offered with an aluminum double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-leveling air suspension, but with a more sporting setup. Bentley lowered the car's ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inches), while spring rates were increased by 45 percent up front and 33 percent on the rear. Bentley also installed a recalibrated steering system that ensures improved precision.

The car sits on 20-inch signature wheels in an open-spoke design and are contrasted by distinctive, red-painted brake calipers.

Brakes

Front

405 mm (15.9-inch) ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

Rear

335 mm (13.2-inch) ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

Wheels and Tires

Wheels

New unique 20-by-9.5-inch Open-spoke wheel in two finishes

Tires

275/40 ZR20, optional 275/35 ZR21

Steering

Type

Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic

Type

2.6 turns

Turns lock-to-lock

11.3 m (37.1 feet)

Turning circle

Front

Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

Rear

Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

Suspension

Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance


Prices

The new Bentley Continental GT V8 S will be put on sale in early 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Mercedes CL63 AMG

Bentley is not the only maker to offer high-performance luxury sports coupes. Mercedes also offers the CL63 AMG, which is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers a total of 536 horsepower. The model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and is priced from $153,000, which is considerable lower than the base price for a Continental GT V8's $174,000 price.

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

For customers looking for a sports coupe that its more sport than luxury, though it is no slouch in the latter department, we suggest the Maserati GranTurismo Sport.

Sure, this trident-bearing sports coupe is a little bit less powerful, as its 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers just 454 horsepower, but its performance figures are pretty close to the Bentley. The GranTurismo Sport sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and to a top speed of 185 mph. The GT Sport is even cheaper, as it comes with a base price of $126,000.

Conclusion

Maybe you think that a more powerful Continental model was overkill, but the GT V8 S is the proof that Bentley is hard at work improving its technology. With the extra 21 horsepower, higher fuel economy and revised suspension, the Continental is better than ever.