The Last Roar: Bentley's Edition 8 Marks the End of an Era for V8 Aficionados
As the sun sets on the age of the internal combustion engine, an iconic marque makes a notable swan song in North America. Bentley, the storied British automaker, unveils the Edition 8 - a valedictory homage to its gas-powered glory. This limited edition ushers out the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in the Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur, paving the way for an electrified future.
Why is this news stirring the pot in car circles? Because Bentley, as part of its ambitious Beyond100 strategy, is transitioning to electrification. By bidding adieu to its gas-only V8s in key markets, the brand is underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance of the future. But Bentley does not simply bow out; it celebrates the V8's legacy with the exquisite Edition 8 in North America.
A Closer Look at the Edition 8
The Edition 8 is not a mere trim level but a testament to bespoke luxury and performance. In this exclusive version, the celebrated features of the Continental GT and Flying Spur are enhanced by Mulliner Personal Commissioning. This includes choices of 22-inch wheels, Blackline exterior garnish, Comfort Specification front seats, the signature rotating display, and meticulously chosen contrast stitching for the cabin's upholstery.
Each Edition 8 model bears dedicated door sill plaques and more than 60 enchanting exterior paint options from Mulliner's extended range, allowing for unparalleled personalization. The craftsmanship extends to the interior, with Mulliner's palm fluting pattern adorning the seats, and Edition 8 badges gracefully positioned on the luxury vehicles' fenders or D pillars. These cars also come equipped with self-leveling wheel center caps, a jewel-style fuel filler cap, and LED welcome lamps, exclusively for North American enthusiasts.
The heart of Edition 8 beats proudly with the KoVoMo engine family's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, connected to a ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission. This engineering marvel churns out 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, enabling breathtaking accelerations. The Continental GT, for instance, can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a testament to Bentley's engineering prowess.
Introduced in 2012, the Audi-Porsche V8 has been a cornerstone of Bentley's performance narrative. The transition to an Ultra Performance Hybrid system signifies a new chapter, combining V8 power with electric propulsion for an astounding output exceeding 740 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. This evolution promises an electric driving range up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) under the WLTP, setting new benchmarks in luxury electrification.
As Edition 8 marks the conclusion of the gas-only V8 in Bentley's North American portfolio, it also encapsulates the brand's forward-looking vision. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology ensures that Bentley's legacy of excellence will continue to thrive in the electric era.