Bentley’s petrol-only V8 engine is almost dead

It’s being phased out of the Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur, but the pure V8 remains in the Bentayga.

Bentley not only ends the venerable W-12, but also signals the beginning of the end for the pure gasoline V8. The new Edition 8 range includes the Continental GT, the Continental GT Convertible and the Flying Spur, the last of its kind with a pure petrol V8. Since the glass is half full, the pure V8 engine will live on in the Bentayga. However, it is unclear for how long.

Bentley says the Edition 8 was developed specifically for the North American market, but the three cars lose their gasoline-only V8 configurations in other markets as well. Great Britain, Europe, the Middle East and Africa are also saying goodbye to the 4.0-liter biturbo engine without hybrid support. Other markets will follow. Basically, it’s now or never to order a Continental GT/GTC or a Flying Spur that foregoes the electrification of the V-8.

Bentley Edition 8 Series

The Edition 8 trio is available in more than 60 colors through Mulliner’s custom department. These cars are equipped with 22-inch five- or ten-spoke wheels and self-leveling center caps. According to Bentley, these are the “most lavishly equipped” versions, complete with a jewel-like polished fuel filler cap. The ultra-luxurious British brand adds special emblems to the fenders of Continental models and the rear pillar of the Flying Spur.

The same motif also adorns the side skirts and the seat backs, where the logo is embroidered. This fancy palm fluting pattern on the seats isn’t new, but it hasn’t been offered on a “mainstream” Bentley before, assuming such a thing exists. Delivery of Edition 8 to customers will begin shortly.

Bentley has manufactured more than 53,000 Continental GT/GTC and Flying Spur vehicles since the introduction of the current generation 4.0-liter V8 in 2012. However, the Crewe-based company has been producing V8 cars since 1959, when the S2 was launched. What’s next? The “Ultra Performance Hybrid” announced earlier this week. It’s a new hybrid-assist V-8 engine with a total output of more than 740 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

The Flying Spur and Bentayga already offer a hybrid powertrain based on smaller V6 engines. The sedan gets a 2.9-liter engine while the SUV uses a slightly larger 3.0-liter engine. Bentley mentions that the Continental GT and GT Convertible will also be electrified later this year, likely with the new Ultra Performance Hybrid.

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