The new Bentley Bentayga V8 ? which employs a twin-turbo 4,0-litre eight-cylinder petrol engine ? is expected to launch in South Africa in the third quarter of 2018.
How much will this new derivative set you back? Well, pricing will start at R2 950 000, exactly the same as the Bentayga Diesel. The flagship W12, of course, currently comes in at R3 987 000.
The petrol V8 is a Volkswagen Group engine already used in vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.
In the Bentayga, this 32-valve eight-cylinder unit is linked to all four corners via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Peak outputs come in at 404 kW and 770 N.m (exactly the same as the Cayenne Turbo), resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4,5 seconds (three-tenths quicker than the 320 kW Diesel and four-tenths slower than the 447 kW W12) and a top speed of 290 km/h.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 11,4 L/100 km on the combined cycle, thanks in part to a cylinder deactivation function. The Crewe-based automaker says the new model features a ?characteristic V8 burble?, and brings the option of carbon-ceramic brakes to the range for the first time (the discs measure 440 mm in diameter up front and 370 mm at the rear).
The V8 model is visually set apart from its siblings thanks to its unique twin-quad exhaust pipes, red brake callipers up front (if you don?t go for the optional carbon-ceramics, that is), a black and chrome grille and fresh alloy wheel designs (measuring up to 22 inches in diameter).
Inside, a new wood-and-hide-trimmed steering wheel can be specified in the Bentayga V8, along with something Bentley calls ?Cricket Ball leather?. Multi-mode air suspension and 48V electric active roll control technology come standard.
