Celebrating Bentley's best year to date, the manufacturer has introduced a new engine specification to its ever popular Continental range that is set to be on display at the Detroit Auto Show. Dubbed the GT V8 S, the new version slots in between the regular GT V8 and the GT W12 - and is available in both coupé and convertible forms.
To create the V8 S, Bentley has lightly tuned the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre powerplant from 500- to 521hp, and upped the torque figure from 660- to 680Nm. With power fed through a close-ratio, eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the GT V8 S will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds - 0.3 seconds quicker than in standard guise - and keep going until it hits its top speed of 310km/h.
The GT V8 S isn't just quick in a straight line either, as the new model has been fitted with lower, uprated suspension said to make the Continental more agile in the bends. In addition, Bentley also claims that the engine's newfound power hasn't affected its fuel economy, which means it retains its combined figure of 26.8mpg.
Anything else?
Sitting beside the Continental GT V8 S on Bentley's stand at Detroit are the Flying Spur and the company's flagship model, the Mulsanne.
The latest version of the Flying Spur sees the same level of detail and luxury as the previous version; albeit with some small differences. A touchscreen remote is now available to control many features within the car and an optional Rear Seat Entertainment package can also be specified; adding two 10-inch LCD screens, DVD players, wireless headphones, Wi-Fi connectivity and a 1,100W 'Naim for Bentley' sound system.
The Mulsanne is also being displayed with two new Specifications that, once again, have been designed with passengers in mind. The Comfort Specification, for example, features cossetting headrests, footrests and duck-down loose cushions. The Entertainment Specification comes with the same sound system, DVD players, WiFi connectivity and headphones as the package found in the Flying Spur; however, the Mulsanne's also has picnic tables that are designed for iPads and wireless keyboards.
All this and more will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show that runs from 13th-26th January.