Just like the coupe version, the second generation of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible (or third, if you ask Bentley) was launched with a twin-turbocharged W12 only, somewhat alienating some potential customers who don’t require that many cylinders in their luxurious open-top grand tourer.
They should fret not, though, because the “entry-level” Continental GT V8 Convertible is back, this time with a new-generation 4.0-liter V8 that is shared with other VAG models and its hard-top brother.
The twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder develops 550 HP (542 bhp) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque, so despite the fewer cylinders and less displacement is almost as fast as the W12, top of the range Convertible model. The two twin-scroll turbochargers sit inside the “V” of the engine to improve response and with standard all-wheel-drive the Conti GT V8 Convertible can go from naught to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds, onwards to a respectable top speed of 318 kph (198 mph), identical to its Coupe brethren.