Bentley to fit V8 Continental GT with Audi S tronic dual-clutch transmission

October 12, 2010 Omar Rana Bentley Continental GT, Coupes, Sports Cars, Supercars

We learned last week that Bentley and Audi are both collaborating on the development of a new direct-injected 4.0L V8 that will assist in lowering the average fuel-consumption and emissions figures for both brands. According to a report by AutoCar, both sister brands are also working on giving the upcoming V8-powered Continental GT a dual-clutch transmission from Audi, known as the S Tronic.

Engineers at Bentley are studying the feasibility of throwing in a S Tronic transmission into the Continental GT. Insiders say that the major challenge will be reengineering the GT”s underbody and running gear to accept the S Tronic. The 2011 Continental GT powered by the brand’s W12 engine is mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters.

“The V8 will find a new audience for us. There are sports car enthusiasts out there, particularly in the US, who won”t buy a sports car unless it”s powered by a V8,” Bentley”s new sales and marketing boss Alasdair Stewart said.

Click here to read our original post on the 2011 Bentley Continental GT.

Refresher: The 2011 Bentley Continental GT 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine making 567-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters, 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. A V8 will be available to order in late 2011 ““ technical details have yet to be released.