The New Exclusive Bentley Edition 8 Series

Bentley is bidding farewell to its iconic twin-turbocharged V8 engine in a fittingly grand fashion. Before the British luxury carmaker transitions to an electrified future, it has crafted the exclusive Edition 8 versions of its Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur models, specifically for the North American market.

This decision aligns with Bentley’s recent announcement to phase out internal combustion engines by 2030. While the brand is embracing electrification, it acknowledges the enduring appeal of traditional engines with the Edition 8 variants. These special editions are a final hurrah for the V8 engine, encapsulating the spirit of Bentley’s engineering excellence.

Each Edition 8 vehicle comes with a suite of bespoke enhancements from Bentley’s Mulliner division. On the exterior, owners can select from an extended paint catalog, enjoy the sleek aesthetics of the Blackline trim package, and ride on 22-inch rims available in either a five- or ten-spoke design. The interior is no less luxurious, featuring Bentley’s Comfort Specification seats adorned with Mulliner’s Palm Fluting pattern, contrast stitching, and the distinctive Edition 8 logo. Special badging on the doorsills further sets these models apart.

Despite these upgrades, the heart of the Edition 8 remains unchanged. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivers 542 horsepower and 568 ft lbs of torque, propelling the cars from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds and reaching a top speed of 198 mph. This powerful performance underscores why the V8 has been a beloved choice for Bentley enthusiasts.

As Bentley pivots to its new hybrid-assisted V8, dubbed the Ultra Performance Hybrid, which boasts over 740 hp, the Edition 8 serves as a bridge between the brand’s storied past and its innovative future. The new hybrid powertrain surpasses even the outgoing V12 in terms of power, showcasing Bentley’s commitment to combining performance with sustainability.

The exact production numbers and pricing for the Edition 8 models remain under wraps, though they are expected to be priced higher than the standard versions, which start at $270,150 for the Continental GTC, $245,425 for the Continental GT, and $218,050 for the Flying Spur. The gas-only V8 will continue to be available in the Bentayga for a while longer, but its days are numbered as Bentley moves towards a fully electrified lineup.

For those who cherish the pure, unadulterated V8 experience, the Edition 8 represents a rare and precious opportunity to own a piece of Bentley history before it transitions into a new era.