Continental GT

Make
Bentley
Segment
Coupe

In order to garner some attention at next week's automobile extravaganza, Bentley has rolled out performance-oriented S variants of the V8-powered GT and GTC models. The British carmaker's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 has been massaged to churn out 521 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque for the S models, an increase of 21 hp and 15 lb-ft over the standard V8. The Conti GT coupe's 0-60 mph drops by 0.3 to 4.3 secs, and the GTC convertible sees a 0.2 improvement to 4.5 seconds.

Top speed is raised by 4 mph in both cars, the coupe topping out at 192 mph and the drop-top at 191 mph. Chassis upgrades to complement the more potent engine include a 10 mm lower suspension, revised dampers and stiffer bushes and rear anti-roll bar. Throttle response has also been improved thanks to an 'S' mode via the close-ratio eight-speed auto that also holds gears for longer and offers faster shifts. A reworked steering system is more precise and provides better feedback, the Continuous Damping Control has been modified to preserve ride quality, and the stability control has been revised to allow greater wheel slip at higher speed before intervening.

Distinguishing the S trim from stock Conti GT V8s include a front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, special 20-inch alloys, V8 S badging, a black gloss front grille, unique body colors of Kingfisher Blue and Monaco Yellow and minor cabin upgrades including a contrast center stripe on the roof lining. After debuting in Frankfurt next week, the Continental GT V8 S and drop-top sibling will hit showrooms early next year.