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2019 Bentley Bentayga V8 First Drive Review | Losing cylinders but not much else

There's no such thing as a cheap Bentley. Even though the new-for-2019 Bentayga V8 is $30,000 less expensive than its W12-powered sibling, the twin-turbo V8's $165,000 window sticker still puts it well into the upper echelon of pricey luxury vehicles. Bentley is loathe to compare the two versions of the Bentayga — what parent wants to pit siblings against one another? — but does frame the V8 edition as a somewhat sportier alternative to the full-bore, glitz and glamor W12. Let's examine that line of reasoning. Under the hood of the Bentayga V8 is a 4.0-liter turbocharged engine that shares most of its bits with the latest Porsche Panamera and Cayenne Turbo. The engine is specifically tuned for use in this new application, with a unique sound signature and a cooling package that Bentley says will keep it running comfortably even in the face of the largest desert sand dunes in the world. The V8's peak of 568 pound-feet of torque hits below 2,000 rpm and stays exactly there until 4,500, with a horsepower peak of 542 at 6,000. From behind the wheel, the Bentayga's V8 engine feels a bit higher strung than the effortless W12. Instead of instant torque, there's a strong rush of power that builds nicely until it nears its 7,000-rpm redline, the highest rev limit of any engine the brand has ever installed in a passenger vehicle. If such a peaky-sounding engine seems incongruous with the intent of a luxury SUV, just know that there's plenty of stonk available any time the driver decides to push a red-bottomed Louboutin into the plush carpet. It's just a little less than what'd be on call from the W12, but there's not enough of a discrepancy to really matter. The V8 is a bit less sprightly to 60 than the W12 — 4.4 seconds versus 4.1 — and, with its 180-mile-per-hour top speed, it's a meaningless 7 mph slower at the top end, too. So, that doesn't really support the idea of sportiness. Neither too does the V8 handle any differently than the W12. There's only about a hundred pounds separating the two vehicles, with the new V8 edition weighing in at 5,264 pounds. And since only half of that weight savings is centered over the front axle, there isn't any real change to the Bentayga's driving dynamics or steering feel. That's not to say the Bentley Bentayga V8 doesn't drive well, it just doesn't drive differently than its more powerful, more expensive sibling.

Bentley Continental GT S Bathurst editions celebrate 12-hour race

Bentley's Mulliner custom and coachbuilt department has been busy with 500 customer cars in the past year. Its two latest creations, though, are for Bentley Sydney in Australia, and they're themed around Bentley's GT3 race cars and the Bathurst 12 Hours endurance race. The pair aren't any faster, as the only powertrain upgrade is the addition of the Bentley sport exhaust, but they sure are greener. Literally. Each car started as a regular Bentley Continental GT S with the twin-turbo V8. The choice of the V8 model is fitting as the GT3 car uses a V8, as per class regulations. The first of the two is the most striking in Apple Green to match the GT3 racer that won the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hours. It also picks up black stripes and a black roof and tail section to further connect the two cars. At the front, the number seven is painted in the grille, another tribute to the race car. The second car has basically the same color scheme, but it's painted in Silver Tempest to match the first GT3 cars for this generation of Continental GT. Inside, the Bathurst cars have black leather and faux suede, and the Apple Green accents around the gauges, in the stitching and on the shifter look like they glow. There are also depictions of the Bathurst track layout, the GT3 race car, and commemorative plates numbering the cars. Plus, Bentley will include 1:18 scale models of the 2020 winning race car. No pricing was given. But obviously they'll likely cost more than a standard Continental GT. And the two cars are being sold in Australia where the Bathurst track, Mount Panorama, is located. Related video:

2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed adopts new look, still fastest SUV in the world

The updated 2021 Bentley Bentayga didn’t have to wait long to gain its Speed variant back. WeÂ’re less than a month removed from the standard 2021 BentaygaÂ’s big reveal, and the Speed has returned sporting all the same styling elements as its less powerful sibling. If you paid much attention to the Speed model when it was revealed in February last year, you already know most of the pertinent information on the new one. It has a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 under hood that produces 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. ThatÂ’s good enough for a 3.9-second 0-62 mph sprint. Top speed hasnÂ’t changed from before at 190 mph, so it still slots in right next to the Lamborghini Urus as the fastest SUV in the world. Not as though efficiency will matter all that much, but the W12 does feature cylinder deactivation technology that can deactivate up to six cylinders. YouÂ’ll be able to tell the Speed apart from the standard Bentayga on the road if you look closely enough. It has unique bumpers in front and back, a dark grille, oval-shaped quad exhaust, elongated roof spoiler, body-color side skirts, unique 22-inch wheels, and of course, Speed badging. The seat backrests are also embroidered with “Speed” unless the customer prefers the Bentley logo. Contrast stitching and diamond quilting unique to the Speed is used to further differentiate the interior. Plus, Bentley adds “Speed” badging to the illuminated sill plates. Lastly, Bentayga Speed buyers will have the choice of optioning the “Black Specification.” This replaces any brightwork on the exterior with blacked-out or carbon fiber trim. For example, the front splitter, side sills and roof spoiler are finished in carbon fiber. Bentley then uses gloss black paint on the rear bumper diffuser, roof rails, exhaust tips and wheels. Pricing isnÂ’t out for the new Bentayga Speed yet, but itÂ’ll be available soon after the standard V8 Bentayga begins arriving at Bentley retailers. Related video: