For Bentleys, a W12 engine under the hood might seem like a natural fit. This was the case for the Bentley Continental GT until 2013 when Bentley added Audi's 4.0-liter V8 engine to their armory, which only had their aging but powerful 6.75-liter V8 and Volkswagen's W12. The 6.75-liter was known for its immense torque, so the new 4.0-liter V8, shared with Audi's finest at the time, had big shoes to fill. Despite some initial skepticism, it proves that less displacement and four fewer cylinders could deliver a Bentley-worthy experience. The 2016 Continental GT V8 S takes things further, packing more power from the same engine for an even more thrilling driving experience.
Despite its imposing size and weight, tipping the scales at roughly 5,000 pounds, the 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S feels surprisingly responsive and engaging to drive. This is thanks to Bentley squeezing 21 more horsepower and 15 lb.ft from the 4.0-liter V8, resulting in a modest 521 horsepower and 501 lb.ft sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, with less weight pushing down on the front axle, the car becomes more balanced and agile, especially in corners and quick maneuvers. Braking is also relatively better compared to the W12-powered 2016 Continental GT. 0-60 mph in the 2016 Continental GT V8 S takes 3.9 seconds, and top speed maxes out at 188 mph, though the car can go well over that.
The introduction of the V8 in the Continental lineup didn't necessitate an interior overhaul or an exterior refresh. So, the 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S has the same luxurious and comfort-oriented cabin layout as its W12-powered siblings, except those sold with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard. True to Bentley, all seats are enveloped in sumptuous leather. The front seats showcase Bentley's dedication to occupant comfort, but the rear seats, on the other hand, prioritize aesthetics over functionality, acting more as decorative elements than practical seating. Another cabin disadvantage is the lack of modern amenities on the dash. Depending on your preference for clutter and gadgetry, this could deter or please you. On the bright side, the front seats come with a variety of adjustments and temperature controls for maximum comfort.
Visually, there are no telltale signs that you lack a W12 under the hood, as the 2016 Bentley Continental V8 S bears an identical appearance to its W12 counterparts. You still get the unmistakably Bentley front fascia with dual headlights flanking a matrix grille with a similar pattern to the lower front bumper grille. The chrome on the Bentley emblem and the grille and headlights surrounds beautifully complements the sparkle on the headlights, resulting in a flashy look that's quite hard to miss. The rear end is pleasingly subtle, comprising a pair of taillights flanking the winged Bentley emblem and a set of dual-tip exhausts finished in chrome.
It's usual for a first-gen or second-gen Bentley to feel outdated, and the 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S is no exception. The only update for 2016 included onboard Wi-Fi, leaving other convenience and comfort features inside the cabin similar to previous model year offerings. But if you're focused just on the driving experience, it's a car you'll undoubtedly enjoy driving not only because of its dynamics but luxury and comfort offerings as well. Despite the power increment, cylinder deactivation was also implemented on the Continental GT V8 S engine for optimized efficiency. Does this mean you can drive it daily without running up fuel bills? That's a decision you'll need to make when you buy. Speaking of buying, how much is a 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S?
For sub $100,000, you get a car that combines a sporty character with Bentley refinement and possibly having lower running costs if you drive one conservatively. The 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 is basically a grand tourer that allows you to stretch out and enjoy the ride in elegance while casually stealing glances as its appearance remains attractive despite its age. At Exotic Car Trader, we understand the importance of finding the exact car you desire. Even if your ideal 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S isn't on our current Bentley listings, don't give up. We update our inventory regularly.
The 2016 Continental GT is a car that many can find without major flaws, from its design that combines understated elegance with refined styling to its interior that still rivals today's grand tourers despite the car's age. Its V8 provides a more exciting driving experience than the standard 2016 Continental GT V8, thus even appealing to purists who are used to Bentleys having a W12. 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! Striking a perfect balance between thrilling performance and refined elegance, the 2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S solidifies itself as a desirable choice in the used luxury car market.
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