Another month another Bentley. This GTC V8 is the fifth modified of the efficient Bentley Continental GT. The drop-top kind of the GT V8 looks just as decent as any of its V12 members. There’s the destructive front plentiful, the blacked-out grating, the “endlessness” finish tips, and the red insignias all suggesting that this is a V8 prototypical model.
Confidential, it gets precisely the same lodge as the steepest V12 models, custom-ordered in our test car with a beige-red color system to accompaniment the cherry external paint and the color-matched material roof. Constructed for only two grownups to relish, there’s maybe interplanetary for two unimportant children in the overcrowded rear bench, and sufficient boot size for a week-long escape.
With leather upholstery covering almost every inch of the uniquely-Bentley interior, the GTC V8 gives up nothing to the twice-as-expensive Mulsanne, at least in terms of trim and gadgetry. The VW-sourced touchscreen, the metal a/c vents, the real wood, the alloy shift-knob — it’s all there, with no surprises. The “base” engine really is a proper bruiser. The 500 hp turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 feeds 660 Nm of torque to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic, which is powerful in any language. And it feels ridiculously quick as well, able to outrun any muscle-car with grace. Smoky burnouts are impossible, but that would be uncouth.
Adding to the surprise package is the retuned suspension to compensate for the slightly-lighter motor up front. The difference can actually be felt, giving us more confidence on sharp turn-ins and fast exits with its chuckable nature, where the heavier GTC Speed would already be showing the first signs of understeer. With its weighted steering and pedals, the Bentley is easy to control precisely while bombing around curves. Thanks to all-wheel-drive and extra-wide tyres, there’s very little drama.
The Continental GT range has been around for the better part of a decade now. The V8 adds yet another flavour to this immensely good line of grand tourers, and is one of the few instances where downsizing is actually a good thing.
