Ahead of the official launch at next months North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Bentley have today released details of the V8-engined version of the Continental GT. This version was already announced when the second generation W12 engined Continental debuted in Paris back in 2010. The engine, available in both the GT coupe and GTC convertible body-styles, is similar to that of the latest Audi S8. Displacing just under four litres, it is equipped with two turbos and direct fuel injection. Capable of producing 500 bhp, it can also run on four cylinders to reduce emissions and consumption at times when not all that power is required. Just like its larger engined siblings, the Continental GT V8 features all-wheel drive, complete with a new 8-speed gearbox. Among the visual cues that set the V8 apart from the W12 are the 'figure eight' shaped exhaust tips.
During a two-day test at Daytona International Speedway last week, Audi's latest racing car, the R8 Grand-Am, made its public debut. With official test driver Frank Stippler at the wheel, the main purpose of this outing was to create a base setup for the Audi's customers. Compared to the R8 LMS Ultra on which it is based, the Grand-Am specification R8 sports considerably smaller wings to comply with the stricter regulations. Audi have supplied an engine to Grand-Am's governing body, who will use the results achieved in various tests to establish the minimum weight and maximum power the car will be allowed to run in the races. The R8 Grand-Am is scheduled to make its competition debut during the 50th edition of the Daytona 24 Hours at the end of January.
Enjoy the links:
2012 Audi R8 Grand-Am - Images, Specifications and Information
2012 Bentley Continental GT V8 - Images, Specifications and Information