2018 Bentley Continental GT (3rd Generation)

Bentley has stopped taking orders for its V8-powered Continental GT and Flying Spur models

The UK, Europe and the Middle Eastern markets will be stopped initially, with the rest of the world following suit

Today marks the end of an era, as Bentley has officially closed the order books for its V8-powered Continental GT and Flying Spur models, with production stopping entirely this June.

The UK isn’t the only market where the V8 duo will be retired either, with the decision taken to do the same in Europe and the Middle East, with the rest of the global market following soon after. We’d imagine that includes Antarctica. Maybe.

Introduced back in 2012, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo block has since powered over 53,000 Continental GT and Flying Spur examples with 542bhp and even more torques. So to say it’ll be missed would be an understatement; though it will continue to be used in the Bentayga until further notice.

The decision comes as Bentley looks to transition to a more hybridised powertrain lineup later this year, with its first pure EV expected in 2026, before the brand looks to go entirely electric by 2030.

 
Bentley will sign off its Continental GT and Flying Spur V8s with ‘Edition 8’ variants

Well, it will do in the North American market. New special edition marks the end of the non-hybrid V8

As you may remember, last week Bentley announced that it was retiring the V8 engine option for its Continental GT and Flying Spur models to make way for a hybrid successor, and - never one to miss the opportunity for a special edition - it has now announced a last-of-the-line ‘Edition 8’ set of cars for the North American market.

The Edition 8 includes a selection of bespoke commission options from Mulliner. Externally, the highlights include five or 10-spoke 22in alloys, a ‘jewel’ fuel filler cap and many Edition 8 badges to signify your superiority over standard Bentley owners. Well, unless they bought a W12.

Luckily, the cabin of the Edition 8 has seen much more attention. There's something called ‘Palm Fluting’ upholstery - which has never been offered on a mainstream Bentley model before - plus contrast stitching, and there's no denying it looks mighty special in there. Given the way house prices are going, an Edition 8 seems incredibly tempting as a makeshift home/transport/office, no?

The engine remains untouched, so the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 - which has apparently powered over 53,000 vehicles since its introduction in 2012 - will continue to float around the 542bhp mark.


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This is your first look at the new 771bhp Bentley Continental GT

Yup, it'll be the most powerful Bentley ever... courtesy of a hybrid V8

As Bentley winds down production of the Mk3 Continental GT - and with W12 power also making a dignified exit stage left - it has now given us a first glance at the new fourth-generation Conti. Ooh.

As we know it'll be a hybrid from the off, with a refreshed V8 and electric motor together producing... 771bhp and 737lb ft of torque. Yowzers. And no, you're not wrong: the new Continental GT will be the most powerful Bentley ever.

And also the most sustainable, argues Bentley, with a battery of as yet unknown size providing around 50 miles of pure electric wafting.

But Bentley hasn’t just reworked the powertrain for greener travel (less than 50g/km of CO2, apparently), but it’s also going to underpin it with an all-new chassis, active all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and dual-valve dampers. All this means the new car should be about as comfortable as His Majesty’s own memory foam mattress.

 
Bentley Continental GT V8 PHEV prototype review

A new-generation Bentley Continental GT gets a new-generation engine with mighty plug-in assistance

To replace the departing W12 engine in the Bentley Continental GT, the company is introducing a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Badged Speed, it is the most powerful Bentley yet and is at the heart of this new-generation Continental, the fourth version of the company’s staple four-seat grand tourer since 2003. It rivals the Aston Martin DB12 and Ferrari Roma.

Combined, the 4.0-litre V8 and electric motor make a total of 771bhp and 738lb ft, or the car can drive on full electric alone (at 188bhp) for more than 50 miles. The powertrain drives all four wheels, heavily rear-biased, through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

This late prototype is still wearing a disguise but there is some carry-over glass and metal from the existing Continental, and I had wondered whether that meant it was a mild tweak rather than a new-generation car, and therefore subject less testing and homologation.

www.autocar.co.uk

Bentley Continental GT V8 PHEV prototype review | Autocar

A new-generation Bentley Continental GT gets a new-generation engine with mighty plug-in assistance
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk
 
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