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2020 Bentley Continental GT Review: V8 vs. W12

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The latest third-generation Bentley Continental GT is a V8, the most agile Grand Tourer to date with unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology.
Bentley Continental GT V8 Side View Review
Taking the Bentley Continental GT V8 out for the day to compare to the W12. Credit: Billionaire Toys

In 2018 Bentley launched its third-generation Continental GT, however, the only option was a Grand Tourer with a big W12 engine. More recently, Bentley has provided customers with the option of owning a twin-turbocharged V8 powered variant.

So how does it compare to the W12 powered model you may wonder? Having previously spent two days with the W12, we were given the opportunity by Bentley Brisbane to take the V8 model out for the day to compare notes…

The Visual Difference

Aside from the quad tipped exhaust pipes and a small “V8” badge on the side fender, the Bentley Continental GT V8 looks no different to its more powerful and older W12 sibling. This is because both cars share almost everything from the same chassis down to Bentley’s uniquely forged body.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Badging
Discrete “V8” badging along the front fenders. Credit: Billionaire Toys
Bentley Continental GT V8 Quad Exhaust Pipes
Elliptical quad-exhaust tailpipes are one of the only features to distinguish the V8 version. Credit: Billionaire Toys

Continental GT Price

There are however important differences, with the foremost one being price. In Australia, the 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 is priced from $400,900 (plus on-road costs), making it around $21,000 less than the W12 ($422,000 plus on-road costs).

Commanding a price premium of at least $40,000, the convertible Bentley Continental GT V8 comes in at $441,300 plus ORCs, and the W12 convertible costs $473,900 plus ORCs, so all in all the top-shelf Continental GT will set you back well over half a million AUD once on the road.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Interior Driving
Option to upgrade to the rotating display infotainment screen. Credit: Billionaire Toys

Power and Performance

The second difference between the V8 and W12 cars is the most obvious one, the two choices of powerplants – creating a variance in the respective power output, torque, max speed, acceleration, exhaust note, curb weight, and driving range between the two cars.

Powered by the new generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, the Continental GT V8’s engine produces 542bhp and 770nm of torque compared to 626hp and 900nm of torque of the 6.0-litre W12 engine.

The GT V8 reaches 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 198mph (318km/h), just 0.3 of a second slower than the W12, which has a top speed of 207mph (333km/h) and a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds.

Bentley has tucked the V8’s twin-scroll turbochargers inside the “V” of the engine saving space, and the V8 engine provides a 50kg weight reduction from the W12 car’s 2215kg. This weight reduction is felt most at the front end of the GT V8, translating to a slightly more agile driving experience when pointing it in and out of corners.

Bentley Continental GT Driving Day
Grand Tourer built for long drives in comfort and style. Credit: Billionaire Toys

The V8 example we were driving came with the “Bentley Dynamic Ride” option, an innovative 48V Electronic Active Roll Control system that continuously monitors the road conditions and adjusts the anti-roll bars to reduce body movement, optimizing both handling and ride comfort in any situation. While a standard feature on the W12 version, owners will have to add this as an extra option to the V8 model.

Further engine efficiencies are also gained thanks to the variable displacement technology that allows the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions without compromising the drive. Not only more environmentally friendly, it’s sure to save a little on the pocket in fuel costs.

The weight reduction and cylinder deactivation technology ultimately translates to the GT V8 having a longer driving range of 763 km, versus the 662 km of the W12.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Driving Roads
The Continental GT V8 is slightly more nimble when cornering. Credit: Billionaire Toys

Exhaust Sound

Switching the driving mode to “Sport” will give the third-gen GT its loudest exhaust sound with the V8 certainly having a more present and dynamic note than the W12. I would have to say both cars are still quite modest in bringing much of it into the cabin especially with the windows up, but I do feel Bentley has it sitting just where it needs to be for a customer who is buying a car for its exceptional luxury, smooth ride and comfort levels. Besides, there is always an array of exhaust modifications available in the market for those who want something louder.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Sport Model
“Sport” mode is one of the four driving modes of the Continental GT’s. Credit: Billionaire Toys
Bentley Continental GT V8 Quad Exhaust
Elliptical quad-exhaust tailpipes are one of the only features to distinguish the V8 version. Credit: Billionaire Toys

More About The Continental GT V8

Another identifying feature of the GT V8 is an exclusive 20″ ten-spoke alloy wheel design, available only with this model. However, owners also can choose from nine other designs, measuring up to 22″ (the model we drove had the upgraded 21″ tri-spoke rims).

Bentley Continental GT V8 Cut Crystal Headlights
The 21″ tri-spoke rims are an upgrade and unique to the Continental GT V8 version. Credit: Billionaire Toys

The Continental GT V8 is available in seven standard paint colors, although Bentley has recently announced new colors bringing the range up to 62 different colors to choose from including options like “Candy Red and Royal Ebony By Mulliner” and Candy Red. The model we were reviewing was finished in the non-standard metallic “ice” color, a cool white that glistened in the sunlight slightly without being blindingly bright. Of course, with Bentley’s Mulliner customization program, any color imaginable is a possibility.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Side View
Bentley Continental GT V8 in “Ice” non-standard metallic paint. Credit: Billionaire Toys

This particular model also had the Blackline Specification. This option replaces all of the exterior body chrome details with black painted trim, including the door handles, radiator matrix grille, and exhaust pipes (excluding the Bentley Wing badges and lettering though), which contrasted nicely against the metallic white paint.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Rear Tail-lights
Blackline Specification replaces most of the exterior chrome details with gloss black trim. Credit: Billionaire Toys

Continental GT Options To Consider

Bentley also provides a range of specifications to complement any Continental GT purchase, and when you cast your eye over them, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to add them all. Here are just a few:

Touring Specification: This adds a head-up display, night vision, and adaptive cruise control.

City Specification: This includes autonomous emergency braking, a top-view camera, reverse traffic warning, auto-dimming mirrors, and hands-free boot opening.

Front Seat Comfort Specification: Moving head restraints finished in fine chrome bezel, extending cushions, adjustable side bolsters, ventilation and massage functions.

Mood Lighting Specification: Adds ambient lighting and light intensity adjustment, seven different colors, and matching illuminated treadplates.

Blackline Specification: Replaces all of the exterior body chrome details with a gloss black painted trim including the door handles, radiator matrix grille and exhaust pipes, headlight surrounds, wing vents, but excludes the front and back Bentley badges and lettering which remain in chrome.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Side View
If you can afford it – get every specification. Credit: Billionaire Toys

So Which Continental GT: V8 or W12 ?

To help those finding the decision between a V8 or W12 a slightly difficult one to answer, here is a simplistic final summary of my thoughts, although with one caveat, I’m excluding the convertibles in the consideration:

In my opinion, someone may possibly buy the Bentley Continental GT V8 if they appreciate the specific tones of a V8 engine, or simply like the look of quad exhaust tips vs. the twin singles of the W12. They may also be price-conscious; however, they would have to take into consideration that the price reduction also comes from the elimination of standard W12 features like the 48V Electronic Active Roll Control system and adding these to bring the handling in par with the W12 will start to defeat the savings. The V8 variant also obtains slightly better fuel efficiency and a longer driving range, creating the possibility of slightly more nimble cornering on hills provided the customer has upgraded the V8 model with the Active Roll Control.

On the other hand, someone may consider the W12 if cost were not so much of a concern. This person may only use the GT mostly in an urban environment or long straight flat country roads where nimble cornering is less important. The slightly higher fuel usage and shorter driving range would be offset though, by the extra power, acceleration and torque offered, with some of the non-standard features of the V8 model included as standard on the W12.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Interior Dashboard
Whether it’s a V8 or W12, the Continental GT doesn’t disappoint. Credit: Billionaire Toys

Luxury Cars

Lamborghini Reveals Countach LPI 800-4 Revival

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Lamborghini is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Countach with a special edition LPI 800-4 model debuting at this year’s Monterey Car Week.
Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Aerial
The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. Credit: Lamborghini

In celebration of the Countach’s 50th anniversary, Lamborghini has unveiled a special limited edition Countach LPI 800-4 as a futuristic tribute to the poster car of the 1980s.

While sharing the same name and drawing on the visual legacy of its predecessor, the new Countach LPI 800-4 is powered by Lamborghini’s aspirated V12 engine combined with new hybrid supercapacitor technology initially developed for the Sian.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Side 1
Powered by Lamborghini’s V12 engine with hybrid supercapacitor. Credit: Lamborghini

Delivering 802hp maximum combined power (rounded to 800 for the sake of its model name), the LPI 800-4 can reach 0-62mph acceleration in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 220mph.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Front Side
The Lamborghini Countach has a top speed of 220mph. Credit: Lamborghini

“The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams.

“The Countach LPI 800-4 pays homage to this Lamborghini legacy, but it is not retrospective: it imagines how the iconic Countach of the 70s and 80s might have evolved into an elite super sports model of this decade. It upholds the Lamborghini tradition of looking forward, of exploring new design and technology avenues while celebrating the DNA of our brand. It is a Lamborghini that innately expresses the marque’s enduring and emotive power: always inspirational and thrilling to see, hear and most of all drive.”

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Front
Inspired by the Quattrovalvole edition with low rectangular headlights. Credit: Lamborghini

Inspired by the Countach’s distinctive silhouette, sharp angles, and wedge shape, the Countach LPI 800-4’s exterior inspiration was taken specifically from the Quattrovalvole edition in the bold lines of the front bonnet with long, low rectangular grille and headlights, as well as in the wheel arches with their hexagonal theme.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Rear Side
Futuristic hexagonal rear lights like those of the Sián. Credit: Lamborghini

Unfortunately for fans of the Wolf of Wall Street Countach, there’s no fixed rear wing on the latest model. However, there are still air scoops integrated fluidly into the car’s shoulders and the distinctive Countach slatted “gills” and famous scissor doors.

The rear of the Countach LPI 800-4 still features a distinctive inverted wedge shape, with the rear bumper featuring a lower, sleeker line and the hexagonal rear light design similar to that of the Sián.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Side
The famous scissor doors still remain. Credit: Lamborghini

Lamborghini has revealed only 112 models of the new Countach LPI 800-4 will be produced (a number chosen in honor of the internal project name “LP 112” used for the original Countach development) with allocations already fulfilled prior to the public launch.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Front Side
Only 112 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4’s will be produced. Credit: Lamborghini

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Porsche & Manthey Racing Collab on Limited Edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25

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Porsche Motorsport celebrates 25 years partnership with Manthey-Racing and reveals the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25.
The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25. Credit: Porsche
The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25. Credit: Porsche

Porsche Motorsport is celebrating 25 years of collaboration with Manthey-Racing GmbH and has unveiled the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 to commemorate.

Founded by racing driver Olaf Manthey in 1996, Manthey-Racing GmbH is responsible for running the Porsche 911 RSR of the factory squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and has made a name for itself in both the motor racing world and as a GT road car specialist.

Celebrating 25 years partnership with Manthey Racing. Credit: Porsche
Celebrating 25 years partnership with Manthey Racing. Credit: Porsche

The basic concept and technical ideas for the new special edition was provided by Manthey and based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport with Porsche providing the final design. 

Developed specifically for track days and circuit racing, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine and produces 515 HP directed to the rear wheels through Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (PDK). 

Green and yellow design accents inspired by "Grello". Credit: Porsche
Green and yellow design accents inspired by “Grello”. Credit: Porsche

Taking inspiration from Manthey’s 911 GT3 R, known as the “Grello” because of its distinctive green and yellow livery, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 sports a similar green and yellow color scheme to highlight functional areas of the vehicle and adopts many vehicle components and elements from future Porsche racing cars. 

Limited to 30 vehicles worldwide. Credit: Porsche
Limited to 30 vehicles worldwide. Credit: Porsche

“The design of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 expresses the long-standing collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and Manthey,” emphasizes Grant Larson from Style Porsche. “It amalgamates the respective strengths of each partner into one racing car, and at the same time bridges the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911.”

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is limited to 30 vehicles in total (only six are allocated for North America) with deliveries expected to begin in early 2022.

To order, customers will need to email 911GT2RSClubsport25@porsche.de directly and have a spare $620,00 on hand. 

2021 Porsche 991 GT2 RS Aerial

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Pagani to Reveal Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta at Monterey Car Week 2021

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The new Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is set to make its debut at this year’s Monterey Car Week and celebrates ten years of the Huayra supercar.
Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta Front Side View
The new Pagani BC Huayra Pacchetto Tempesta. Credit: Pagani Automobili

This year at Monterey Car Week, Pagani celebrates ten years of the Huayra with the world premiere of the new Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta.

Based on the Huayra BC, the new Pacchetto Tempesta package means the Huayra BC’s high-performance platform can be equipped with a range of “state-of-the-art technical and artisan solutions” to maximize the car’s racing abilities and achieve an 8% power increase to deliver 827 hp and 1,100 Nm torque.

Pagani has only teased several introductory images of the green carbon fiber bodied beauty ahead of the premiere, and although full details are yet to be shared, Pagani has noted that the Pacchetto Tempesta features a new front splitter, dedicated air intake, rear wing with an integrated central fin, and six-pipe exhaust system to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta Rear Aerial
New rear wing design with an integrated central fin. Credit: Pagani Automobili

A tweaked suspension system and the addition of an all-new “Soft Driving mode” also ensure drivers are afforded maximum comfort in the aggressive Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta.

The Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will make its debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering event on Friday 13th August at Monterey Car Week 2021 and will be seen alongside the Huayra R project and an up-close-and-personal look at the all-new Pagani V12-R engine, six-speed sequential gearbox.

While no prices have been revealed yet, the Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will no double start above the $2.25 million price tag of the Huayra BC.

Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta Rear
New six-exhaust design (four central and two below). Credit: Pagani Automobili

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