Happenings

Bentley Will Be Retiring Its Current-generation V8

BY Sean Loo

We are not saying goodbye to the Bentley V8 just yet, but they’ll return as hybrid powertrains.

Today marks the end of an era for Bentley Motors in the Asia Pacific region, as they bid farewell to the venerable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been the beating heart of the Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur model lines.

The shift is part of Bentley's ambitious Beyond100 strategy, steering towards a future where every model line will feature a hybrid variant by 2025.

The journey towards electrification reflects a rising demand for more sustainable luxury vehicles, as seen with the popularity of the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid models.

Introduced back in 2012, the 4.0-litre V8 engine quickly became synonymous with Bentley’s blend of luxury and performance, powering more than 53,000 vehicles across the Continental and Flying Spur ranges.

Crafted meticulously by hand in Bentley’s Crewe headquarters, each V8 engine improved efficiency and reduced emissions compared to its predecessors.

Today’s V8s boast a robust 542 bhp and a hefty 770 Nm of torque, available from as low as 2,000 rpm, sustaining this output to 4,500 rpm.

While the V8 will continue to roar within the Bentayga lineup, the final V8-powered Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur models are making their last bow in markets including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

With production wrapping up and final deliveries scheduled for June, this transition honours a legacy of performance that has defined the brand for nearly a decade.