It’s knew for a year that Audi and Bentley will soon be sharing a new turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Also we’ve known that it will be coming to the Continental GT first unveiled for the 2011 model year as well. Now, we get confirmation that the V-8 version will make its official debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
The British car maker, until the new engine’s debut , still has to unveil the facelifted version of the GTC convertible. This facelifted version will sport the usual mix of LEDs, retouched cosmetics and better trim. At this time, all the models in the Continental range feature some versions of the same 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, but that’s going to change next year, according to Consumer Search.
It seems that in 2012 the new 4.0-liter V8 will bring lower emissions and better economy to the famous British brand. Inside sources suggest the lighter engine block will come with an air of sportiness that’s been missing from the two-ton monster. Beside this, the engineers have also tuned the exhaust to produce a proper growl, so customers won’t miss the W12 bellow.
There’s no info on output figures at the moment, but you can be sure the 4.0-liter will be less powerful than the W12, which is making 567-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
The brand’s future plans includes a coupe and a convertible versions of the new Mulsanne, while rumors of an SUV offering have been rampant.
Source: Autoevolution
