Launched back in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT->ke3108 is currently enjoying its second youth mainly thanks to its 2011 mid-cycle facelift and the addition of an Audi-sourced V-8 engine as the base model. With Bentley->ke15 recently adding a more powerful variant of the eight-cylinder and thus creating yet another model in the Conti GT lineup, the nice peeps from XCAR decided to have a go in one and make a video review out of their shenanigans.
Despite the model in the footage sporting a not-exactly-inconspicuous yellow color, the 2014 Continental GT in V8 S trim looks quintessentially British, with classic grand tourer proportions and an old-school interior that makes you go "Aaah!" every time you sit in it. The model is powered by a reworked version of the Audi, 4.0-liter, TFSI engine, delivering 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque in this example. Even though it weighs over 5,000 pounds even without a heavy W-12 engine up front, thanks to the all-wheel-drive system and the efficiency of its eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, the Continental GT V8 S can hit 60 mph from a standing start in just 4.3 seconds. Its top speed is a "decent" 192 mph, making it only 5 mph slower than the Conti GT with a twin-turbocharged W-12.
With all-weather capability, the comfort of a luxury sedan, the performance of a thoroughbred sports car and with a somewhat reasonable fuel consumption, the Continental GT V8 S is a more than welcome addition to the Bentley range. It can almost make you forget that underneath is a heavy, 12 year-old car or a "nice Volkswagen," as the video above will most likely prove.