The new Bentley Continental GT V8 coupe will make its official public debut at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

This new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing performance and power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds for the GT coupe (0 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new Continental GTC V8 model will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre, 12 cylinder engined GTC and the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers 631 bhp (640 PS).

Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive, Bentley Motors, said:

“With the new 4.0 litre V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine has all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”