Bentley Continental GT V8 S makes US show debut in Detroit
Bentley brought the Continental GT V8 S to the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, showcasing its uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and sharper chassis tuning for the US market.
Bentley presented the Continental GT V8 S to the US public at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, following its earlier unveiling at Frankfurt the previous September. The move put the higher-performance V8 S variant in front of a key market just as Bentley sought to broaden its appeal in North America.
The Continental GT V8 S sits above the standard GT V8, using the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 but with power increased to 521hp and torque up to 680Nm. That represents a 27hp and 20Nm gain over the regular V8, delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Bentley claims 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 192mph, putting the V8 S closer to the performance of the W12-powered models while maintaining the lighter, more agile character of the V8 platform.
Performance and chassis upgrades
To differentiate the V8 S from the standard GT V8, Bentley has revised the suspension with a lower ride height and retuned dampers and springs. The aim is a sharper driving experience without compromising the comfort expected in a Continental. The V8 S also receives subtle styling tweaks, including a unique front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser, as well as bespoke 20-inch wheels.
- 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8: 521hp, 680Nm
- 8-speed ZF automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds
- Top speed 192mph (309km/h)
- Lowered and stiffened suspension
- Unique exterior styling details
US focus and market context
Bentley’s decision to bring the Continental GT V8 S to Detroit underlined the importance of the US market for the brand’s growth strategy. With North America accounting for a major share of Bentley sales, the V8 S was positioned to appeal to buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury and relative efficiency compared to the flagship W12. The Detroit show appearance also allowed Bentley to reinforce its presence among luxury and performance rivals debuting new models at the same event.
The Detroit show also hosted several other high-profile debuts in the luxury and performance segments, including the Mercedes-Benz S600 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Bentley’s presence with the V8 S reinforced the brand’s commitment to the US market and its strategy of incremental model upgrades to sustain interest in the Continental range.
For more on performance GTs from this era, see our coverage of the2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed.
