The 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S has charisma in spades. Whether it was our tester's beautiful blue exterior offset by black trim and red details, or the modern interpretation of classic Bentley design, the Continental GT V8 S turns heads. But, as with people, charisma doesn't always equate to substance. Is the British grand touring coupe's charm more than skin deep, or is the attention it draws undeserved? After an extended weekend in the new Continental GT V8 S we have some answers.
Bentley Continental GT V8 S Front View
Finished in Kingfisher blue paint ($4395) contrasted with Beluga black accents, our tester's exterior sparkled in the California sun. All Continental GT V8 models feature a black grille mesh with chrome vertical center divider and exterior (front, rear, and wheels) B badges with red backgrounds, while the Beluga black front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, active rear spoiler, and dual chrome "figure-eight" exhaust tips are exclusive to the V8 S model.
Bentley Continental GT V8 S Back View
In addition to unique interior bits (more on those later), the Mulliner Driving Specification ($14,845) adds a solid aluminum "jewel" fuel cap and the included Mulliner Dark option features dark tint HID/LED headlights and LED taillights, and Beluga black side mirrors. While the standard brake package consists of eight-piston calipers and 15.9-inch discs up front and two-piston calipers and 13.2-inch discs in back, our tester was fitted with the optional Carbon Ceramic Discs with Red Brake Calipers ($13,875). The brakes feature massive 16.5-inch front and 14.0-inch rear rotors. The high-performance brake package peeks out from behind 21-inch, seven-spoke black finish alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber ($4380). The most striking feature of the Continental GT V8 S may be the lack of a B-pillar when all four side windows are rolled down.
Bentley Continental GT V8 S Interior
After a weekend chauffeuring friends, the Continental GT V8 S and I headed to our standard testing facilities. Under the Continental GT V8 S' metallic blue exterior sits a version of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 found in the standard Continental GT V8. With 1.5 more pounds of boost, the GT V8 S churns out 521 hp at 6000 rpm and 502 lb-ft of torque at 1700 rpm -- increases of 21 hp and 15 lb-ft, respectively. Power is routed to all four wheels via the same eight-speed automatic. Despite a 5132-pound curb weight, the Continental GT V8 S lays down impressive numbers.
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