Bentley Continental GT
More Powerful W-12 and High efficiency, High Output V-8.
This Bentley is set to have a choice of two very distinctive high-performance engines. In addition to the new 575-PS version of Crewe’s renowned 6.0 litre W-12 powertrain, a new high-output 4.0-litre V-8 engine option will be introduced in late 2011. The 4.0 litre V-8 engine honours Bentley’s environmental commitment to deliver a powertrain that achieves a 40 percent improvement in CO2 emissions. The new V-8 is being designed specifically by Bentley’s engineers to deliver all the exhilarating power and torque synonymous with the marque.
“The W-12’s extra power and torque and Quick shift transmission endow the new GT with instantly accessible super car performance across the complete rev range. At the same time, Bentley’s pioneering use of Flex-Fuel technology underlines our ongoing environmental commitment.” Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, Engineering.
At launch, the new Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley’s acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency.
Bentley’s Flex-Fuel models are capable of delivering potential CO2 reductions of up to 70 percent on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis – the measurement of CO-2 released by a fuel from its production through to its combustion or deployment. To ensure that the power and torque generated remain constant an advanced Fuel Quality Sensor continuously monitors the ratio of the fuels used. .
Overall, the GT coupe is 65 kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to reductions in all areas of the car from engine components through to new seats. With its power output raised by 15 PS and torque by 50 Nm – to 575PS (567 bhp/423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb ft) – the result is a 6 percent improvement in the new GT’s power-to weight-ratio, making it capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds) with a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h).
The increased power and torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via an uprated six-speed Quick shift transmission, which halves shift times (to just 200 milliseconds). The revised gearbox also has the ability to deliver double downshifts (sixth to fourth gear, for example) and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the 6 speed ZF transmission is also strengthened.
Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun, replicating manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching . During transmission upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability.
