| First Drive | Logrono, Spain | Bentley Continental GTC V8 |
Key Facts
Pricing: £136,250
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: two-door cabriolet
Rivals: Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante S, Maserati GranCabrio
CO2 emissions: 254g/km
Combined economy: 25.9mpg
Top speed: 187mph
0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
Power: 507hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 660Nm at 1,750- to 6,000rpm
In the Metal: 
The open-topped Bentley Continental GTC might be a gentle evolution of its predecessor but it's a successful one. The sharper, more defined edges to its shape dramatically improve its looks, while the neater lights give the front and rear a more technical look. This V8 model is visually identified by the black grille and re-profiled bumper up front, and a black lower insert in the rear bumper between the exhaust pipes - themselves profiled in a subtle '8' shape.
Inside there's a unique wood finish for the eight-cylinder car, though otherwise the interior loses nothing over its W12 relative in its fit, finish and equipment.
Driving it:
Burble, growl then howl. That was the aim of Bentley's engineers for the engine. They've succeeded, the V8 sounding significantly more purposeful when it's started up than the W12, its idle particularly menacing. For an engine that offers a more economical choice (and fulfil Bentley's 2008 Geneva Motor Show promise of a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions) it sounds gloriously dirty. Yet those economy goals have been achieved, thanks in part to cylinder deactivation to run on four cylinders when possible and the addition of an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Economy hasn't robbed the GTC of its ample power though, the V8 delivering 507hp and 660Nm of torque. It's the latter figure that defines it; the V8's twin-scroll turbochargers allowing its peak twist to be delivered from 1,750rpm right up to 6,000rpm. So it feels like a Bentley, with effortless delivery from low revs. The transmission helps, being seamless in its shifts, though take control yourself and you might be frustrated by the shortness of the steering column mounted paddle shifters. It's also sometimes reluctant to shift down on command.
It's not the way the engine delivers its performance that makes the biggest difference to the GTC though; it's the more accurate steering and better balance. Thank less weight over the front axle for that and re-tuned steering, the GTC V8 delivering agility that's new to the GT model range. Grip is high, as is traction thanks to four-wheel drive, while the computer controlled damping delivers a fine compromise between comfort and control. A more rounded, involving and enjoyable car then, with a rousing soundtrack. That it's more economical is a nice bonus.
What you get for your Money:
Four less cylinders don't make for a cheaper Bentley. Indeed a few choice options - like the ceramic composite brakes - will push the V8 GTC close to the entry-level price of the W12-engined car. The savings can be achieved elsewhere, with the GTC V8 delivering a combined economy figure of 25.9mpg, giving it a theoretical range of more than 500 miles to a tank. It's a big tank admittedly, but even the wealthy will appreciate the greater gaps between having to fill it up.
Worth Noting
Bentley shares this V8 engine with Audi, it also featuring in the new S8. Like it the GT and GTC feature automatic engine mounts that adjust to hide the fact it's running in 'V4' mode. All very clever, and absolutely imperceptible in operation, the engine switches between its modes instantaneously when more power is asked for.
Summary
The GTC V8's improved steering response, greater economy and fantastic soundtrack add a great deal to the GTC. It's not quite as sharp to drive as is coupé relative, but it's an accomplished GT with agility that belies its bulk. It's good enough to wonder why Bentley continues to offer the W12, as the Continental is unquestionably a better car when it's got eight cylinders under its bonnet.
