Bentley Continental GT V8 S (& GTC V8 S) revealed

Bentley has decided to add the option of a bit more power for the V8 Continental GT, with a new Bentley Continental GT V8 S getting 521bhp.

The Bentley Continental GT V8 has only been around for eighteen months, but it has garnered accolades in that time as a more focused Continental GT, despite its loss of power (and cylinders) compared to the original W12 engine.

But now Bentley are capitalising on the V8’s favourable feedback with a more powerful version – the Bentley Continental GT V8 S – to add an even more sporty note to the GT’s offerings.

The V8 S still keeps the twin-turbo V8 it shares with Audi, but it now gets a boost in power to deliver 521bhp and 502lb/ft of torque. The extra power helps the V8 S hit 62mph 0.3 seconds quicker than the non-S version – 4.3 seconds (4.5s for the GTC V8 S).

Under the skin the V8 S still gets four wheel drive, but the ‘S’ mode delivers better throttle response and the eight-speed auto ‘box holds on to its ratios for longer and shifts quicker.

The chassis has also been tweaked, with a 10mm drop in ride height, increased spring rates all round, tweaked dampers for better responsiveness with stiffer bushes and a a stiffer rear anti-roll bar. Bentley is also allowing a bit more slip in the traction control for a bit more fun.

There have also been a few cosmetic tweaks to distinguish the V8 S from the regular V8 GT, with a diffuser at the back, splitter at the front, bigger sills, gloss black grill and new alloys.

The 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S and GTC V8 S will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week with first customer cars arriving in early 2014.