The V8’s Final Roar
Bentley Motors announced the retirement of its current-generation 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur model lines. The first regions to see the current V8 version depart will be the UK, Europe, as well as Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Australasia.
While the current engine will live on as part of the Bentayga family, the end of production for Continental and Flying Spur ranges is the next step of Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, with all model lines offering a hybrid variant in 2025. This journey has already begun, with the introduction of the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid models.
The V8 internal combustion engine has played a key role at the heart of many Bentleys over the last 75 years. The first L-Series V8 engine was introduced in the S2 in 1959, developing 180 bhp. Today’s current-generation V8 produces three times the power with two thirds of the capacity. The modern V8-powered Bentleys offer compelling power and torque figures alongside a characterful engine note, greater range between fuel stops and a reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to the W12. The design concept of the V8 engine has ensured the engine delivers very high torque, whilst still achieving lower emissions and the best possible efficiency.
While the current engine will live on as part of the Bentayga family, the end of production for Continental and Flying Spur ranges is the next step of Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, with all model lines offering a hybrid variant in 2025. This journey has already begun, with the introduction of the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid models.
The V8 internal combustion engine has played a key role at the heart of many Bentleys over the last 75 years. The first L-Series V8 engine was introduced in the S2 in 1959, developing 180 bhp. Today’s current-generation V8 produces three times the power with two thirds of the capacity. The modern V8-powered Bentleys offer compelling power and torque figures alongside a characterful engine note, greater range between fuel stops and a reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to the W12. The design concept of the V8 engine has ensured the engine delivers very high torque, whilst still achieving lower emissions and the best possible efficiency.