Bentley Edition 8 Collection Bids Farewell to Pure V-8 Power

Bentley unveiled new Edition 8 versions of the Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur on Thursday, marking the end of these models powered exclusively by V-8 engines.

Updated versions of these cars are due later this year and will continue to feature the V-8 engine, but this engine will be paired with a plug-in hybrid system. On Wednesday, Bentley unveiled a new electric V-8 engine that it calls the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain.

The Bentayga SUV will offer a stand-alone V-8 powertrain for the time being, but it too will eventually offer only an electrified powertrain. [The Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur already do not offer V-8 engines in most markets.

According to Bentley, the Edition 8 comes standard with the most popular options in the Mulliner personalization department: black accents instead of traditional chrome, self-leveling badges on the 22-inch wheels, comfort-oriented seats with a palm fluting pattern, and more.

In addition, the seat backs and door sill plates feature custom badging and "Edition 8" script, and more than 60 color options are available from Mulliner's expanded paint range.

The first models will be delivered shortly; Bentley has not revealed how many will be built. Nor has the price been disclosed.

The new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain will also replace Bentley's venerable W-12 engine; to mark the end of W-12 production, Bentley has announced limited edition Batur and Batur Convertible models.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain delivers more than 740 hp over the W-12's maximum output, utilizing the V-6 plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the Bentayga Hybrid and Flying Spur Hybrid, The V-6 plug-in hybrid powertrain will produce 536 hp, only a few ps less than the output of the V-8 alone. of the V-8 alone.

Bentley plans to eventually transition to a fully electric powertrain. Bentley's first EV is currently scheduled for late 2026. It will be a new model line, not a version of an existing model line.