Bentley retires its iconic 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine

Bentley have confirmed the retirement of its current generation 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine for the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur model lines. While the iconic V8 will first be departing from the U.K., Europe and Southeast Asia, we can expect their departure from other regions soon.

The V8 internal combustion engine has played a key role for the brand over the last 75 years. The first L-Series V8 engine was introduced in the Bentley S2 in 1959, producing a total output of 180bhp. Today's V8 produces three times as much power with just two thirds of the capacity. 

Bentley's iconic 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which has powered Bentley vehicles for the past 75 years will now be replaced with a hybrid engine

The modern V8-powered Bentleys offer compelling power and torque figures alongside a characterful engine note, greater range between fuel stops, and a reduction in CO₂ emissions when compared to the firm's iconic W12 unit. It produces a peak power of 542bhp, alongside a maximum torque of 770Nm at 2,000rpm, maintaining this as a flat plateau through to 4,500rpm.

Since the modern V8's introduction in 2012, more than 53,000 V8-powered examples of the Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur have been produced. The final production of the V8-engined Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur models will be completed soon with final deliveries set to take place in June 2024.