Bentley's decision to equip the Continental GT with a V8 engine raised eyebrows among enthusiasts and Bentley purists. Traditionally associated with monstrous W12s, Bentley seemed unlikely to embrace smaller engines. But again, being under VW ownership, it wasn't much of a shock since the W12 was also from the German automaker whose influence at Bentley was more welcome than previous owners. However, as you'll soon find out in this 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 review, a new engine wasn't all the Bentley Continental GT V8 had to offer.
When Bentley unveiled the Continental, it was expected to have the 6.75 liter V8 that Bentley had been using in other models, such as the Arnage and the Azure. However, Volkswagen's W12 solely powered the Continental until 2012, when Bentley first unveiled the Continental GT V8 at the 2012 North American Auto Show. Sure, it wasn't as powerful as the W12, but the new V8 engine, birthed from Bentley's collaboration with Audi, didn't compromise on anything as it promised impressive performance without enormous fuel costs. It was also to provide a cheaper entry point into Bentley Continental ownership. A Bentley Continental GT at the time would have set you back around $195,000, roughly $20,000 more than the V8. How much will it cost you to buy one today? Read on to find out.
A V8 in a Bentley Continental GT was more than just about a question of character. Downsizing the engines sparked concerns about sacrificing performance for a smaller engine. But that's not the case. The V8 in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8, thanks to 4 liters of displacement and a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers as seen in the W12 engine, made 500 horsepower and 487 lb.ft. Instead of using the older 6-speed automatic, Bentley had introduced a new 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. Almost keeping pace with its siblings, the Continental GT V8 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds during production and has a top speed of 192 mph. It would have probably been quicker if four fewer cylinders meant much less weight since it weighs 5,060 pounds.
With the major change occurring under the hood, the 2013 Bentley Continental V8 retained all the good and not-so-good characteristics of the Continental range. Fine leather swaddles every seat, but as obvious as it might sound, the rear seats are only good to use as extra storage as even middle-aged kids might struggle with the legroom. This is despite the 2011 update that Bentley claimed to have enhanced legroom in the rear seats due to the redesigned front seats. Nonetheless, the distribution of premium materials, at least by 2012 standard, is pleasing to the eye and makes the cabin quite exciting.
Externally, the visual differences between the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 and its W12 siblings are more subtle. You wouldn't tell the two apart except for the red background winged-B emblem on the hood, which, on W12-powered models, has a black background. Additionally, if the grille is still original, it should have a black finish, which Bentley replicated on the lower bumper openings. On the rear, the exhaust pipes adopted a unique eight-shaped dual-exit design on each side, resembling the Bentley Flying B.
Bentley seized a new chance of innovation with the V8 in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8. It's almost as fuel-guzzling as the 6.0-liter W12, despite Bentley's claims, but not if four cylinders are off. Under light conditions, the engine deactivates half of its cylinders, cylinders 2,3, 5, and 8, which might hurt performance, but it's crucial for fuel efficiency as it can result in a substantial improvement in fuel economy depending on your driving style. Besides the cylinder deactivation, the Continental V8 typically offers what you'd find in any other Continental model from its time, heated and electrically adjustable seats, and quite a decent suite of essential driver assist and safety features.
As it was during production, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8 is cheaper than W12-powered variants today. Market prices average $50,000, the perfect price for a car that balances luxury and a sporting character. But affordability isn't the only perk, as it sips fuel more modestly, saving you money at the pump. Looking to stretch your dollar even further? Exotic Car Trader has a variety of Bentley listings, among which you'll find Bentley Continental GT V8s at exceptional prices.
Despite its age, the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 can still make for a great daily driver. Sure, practicality might be a concern with the tight rear seats, but they can work in a pinch. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our transactions team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! While enthusiasts initially questioned the Bentley Continental GT V8's inclusion in the Continental lineup, it delivers impressive performance without sacrificing the Continental's character.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
