Bentley is bidding goodbye to its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the Continental and Flying Spur models, with final production expected to be completed soon. However, the Bentayga will continue to use this powertrain for an unspecified amount of time. North America does not have a hard cutoff date for the V8, but Bentley has announced an upcoming all-new V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that will serve as the flagship offering, replacing the W12 engine. This new powertrain is expected to produce 740 horsepower and offer an estimated 50 miles of all-electric range on the WLTP drive cycle.
**The Future of Bentley’s Powertrains**
Bentley has hinted that hybrid powertrains will replace the gas-only V8 option in all of its model lines by 2024. While the Continental is currently the only model without a hybrid variant, Bentley is expected to make an announcement regarding this model soon. The company is focusing on transitioning towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly powertrain options, indicating a shift towards hybrid technology in the near future.
**Introducing the Edition 8**
In celebration of the end of the current V8 era, Bentley has introduced the “Edition 8” versions of the Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC models. Exclusive to North America, these limited edition models feature Mulliner options as standard equipment. The Continental models come adorned with Edition 8 badges on their fenders, while the Flying Spur features the badge on its D pillar. The Edition 8 design includes intricate details such as embroidered motifs on the seat backs and engraved logos on the treadplates. These models also feature a unique Palm Fluting pattern on the seats, a luxury touch never before offered on Bentley’s core models. Deliveries of the Edition 8 models are set to begin soon.
**Future of Bentley’s V8**
While Bentley is bidding farewell to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the Continental and Flying Spur models, the Bentayga will continue to use this powertrain for now. The company has announced an upcoming all-new V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that will replace the W12 engine and serve as the flagship offering. With a projected output of 740 horsepower and an estimated 50 miles of all-electric range, Bentley is signaling a shift towards more environmentally sustainable powertrains. Expect to see hybrid variants across all model lines by 2024, with the Continental likely to receive an announcement soon.
**Limited Edition Edition 8 Models**
To mark the end of the V8 era, Bentley has unveiled the Edition 8 versions of the Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC models. These exclusive North America-special models come equipped with Mulliner options as standard and feature unique Edition 8 badges and design elements. The luxurious Edition 8 trim includes intricate details such as embroidered motifs and engraved logos, as well as a never-before-offered Palm Fluting pattern on the seats. Deliveries for the Edition 8 models are set to begin shortly, offering fans of Bentley’s V8 engine a last opportunity to own a piece of this era.
Overall, Bentley’s decision to phase out the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in its Continental and Flying Spur models marks a significant shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly powertrain options. The upcoming all-new V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain will offer impressive performance and all-electric range, signaling Bentley’s commitment to embracing hybrid technology in its future models. The Edition 8 models serve as a fitting tribute to the V8 engine, showcasing the luxury and craftsmanship that Bentley is renowned for. As Bentley looks towards a greener future, expect to see more hybrid variants across its entire lineup in the coming years.