2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S: Luxury, Power & Style

Alright, guys, let's dive deep into something truly special, something that whispers and roars in the same breath: the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S. This isn't just any car; it's a statement, a masterclass in grand touring that perfectly blends opulent luxury with thrilling, effortless performance. When you're talking about the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S, you're talking about a vehicle designed for those who demand the absolute best, a machine that can devour continents in supreme comfort while also thrilling you on a winding back road. It's a car that, from the moment you lay eyes on its sculpted lines and hear the distinctive growl of its twin-turbo V8 engine, communicates an undeniable sense of prestige and power. This particular model year, the 2017, holds a special place, representing a refined iteration of an already iconic platform, pushing the boundaries of what a luxury grand tourer can be. It’s the kind of car that makes every journey an occasion, transforming mundane drives into memorable experiences, whether you’re cruising through city streets or embarking on an epic cross-country adventure. The attention to detail, the exquisite materials, and the advanced engineering all come together to create an automotive masterpiece that’s truly in a league of its own, an experience that transcends mere transportation and elevates it to an art form, making every mile a testament to Bentley’s enduring legacy of excellence and a true joy for anyone lucky enough to get behind the wheel. Prepare to be utterly captivated, because this beast is more than just a car; it's a lifestyle, an experience, and a definitive symbol of automotive perfection that leaves an indelible mark on anyone who encounters it, embodying a perfect symphony of high-end design, exhilarating performance, and unparalleled comfort that makes it stand out even among its elite peers.

What Makes the V8 S Special?

So, what exactly sets the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S apart from its siblings, making it such a compelling choice for enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike? Well, my friends, it's all about that perfect balance of enhanced sportiness without compromising the Continental GT's legendary comfort and luxury credentials. This isn't just a badge job; the 'S' designation brings a series of meaningful upgrades that sharpen the driving experience considerably, turning an already fantastic grand tourer into something even more engaging and dynamic. Bentley engineers meticulously tweaked several key aspects, focusing on delivering a more spirited feel behind the wheel, making the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S a car that genuinely loves to be driven hard, while still offering that effortless Bentley cruising ability. These enhancements include a boost in power from the already potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, a revised suspension setup that offers a firmer, more controlled ride without becoming harsh, and a sportier exhaust note that truly lets that magnificent V8 sing. Visually, the V8 S subtly announces its intentions with distinct exterior styling cues, like a darkened matrix grille, unique V8 S badging, and a choice of eye-catching alloy wheels, all contributing to a more aggressive, yet still undeniably elegant, stance. Inside, you'll find bespoke V8 S trim details, ensuring that the driver and passengers are constantly reminded they are in something truly special, a cabin that combines high-performance aesthetics with the unparalleled craftsmanship Bentley is renowned for. It’s this meticulous attention to detail, this careful calibration of every component, that elevates the V8 S, creating a driving machine that manages to be both exquisitely luxurious and exhilaratingly sporty, providing a unique blend of attributes that truly positions it as a standout model in the prestigious Continental GT lineup. This dedication to refining the grand touring experience for those who appreciate both the finer things in life and the thrill of the open road is what truly makes the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S a masterpiece of automotive engineering and design, offering an unparalleled blend of sophistication, power, and prestige that continues to captivate its fortunate owners and admirers alike.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

Underneath that long, elegant bonnet of the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S lies the true star of the show: a magnificent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a powerhouse that's been meticulously engineered to deliver both breathtaking performance and surprising efficiency. This isn't just a brute force machine; it's a sophisticated piece of engineering, boasting a formidable 520 horsepower and a colossal 502 lb-ft of torque, figures that ensure the GT V8 S is never short on grunt, whether you're effortlessly cruising at highway speeds or launching from a standstill. The twin-scroll turbochargers are perfectly integrated, minimizing turbo lag and providing an almost instantaneous surge of power from low RPMs, making overtakes a mere flick of the wrist. Paired with a slick, responsive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is remarkably smooth yet incredibly urgent, propelling this grand tourer from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 192 mph. Seriously, guys, for a car of this size and luxury, those numbers are nothing short of astounding, showcasing Bentley's incredible ability to blend immense power with a refined demeanor. The V8 S engine also features cylinder deactivation technology, which, when cruising, seamlessly shuts down four of the eight cylinders, helping to improve fuel economy without the driver even noticing the transition – a clever bit of tech that truly highlights the car's dual personality. But it’s not just about the raw numbers; it’s about the experience. The moment you press the throttle, the engine responds with a guttural roar, a deep, satisfying soundtrack that only a finely tuned V8 can produce, especially with the sport exhaust engaged. This symphony of power is a constant reminder of the beast lurking beneath the polished exterior, ready to unleash its full potential at a moment's notice. The engineers at Bentley truly outdid themselves, crafting an engine that not only delivers exhilarating acceleration and formidable speed but also does so with an unparalleled sense of refinement and acoustic pleasure, cementing the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S as a true driver's car that excites the senses and satisfies the soul, making every journey an adventure in power and precision that is hard to match in the luxury performance segment.

A Cabin of Unrivaled Luxury and Craftsmanship

Step inside the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S, and you’re not just entering a car; you’re stepping into a meticulously crafted sanctuary, an environment where luxury isn't just a feature, it's the very air you breathe. This cabin is a testament to Bentley’s unwavering commitment to handcrafted excellence and the use of the absolute finest materials available, creating an ambiance that is truly unrivaled in the automotive world. Every surface you touch, every detail you observe, screams premium quality, from the exquisitely stitched leather that adorns almost every conceivable surface – think diamond quilting and contrast stitching – to the rich, highly polished wood veneers or the sleek, cool feel of machined aluminum and chrome accents. The aroma of fine leather, guys, is intoxicating the moment you open the door. The seats themselves are masterpieces of ergonomic design, offering incredible comfort and support, perfect for long grand touring journeys, with multiple adjustments, heating, ventilation, and even massage functions to ensure you arrive refreshed and relaxed, no matter the distance. The infotainment system, while perhaps not the absolute cutting-edge of futuristic tech when compared to some rivals, is intuitively designed, user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly with the car's luxurious character, complemented by a truly spectacular audio system, often a premium Naim setup, that transforms the cabin into a concert hall on wheels. Even the smallest details, like the knurled metal switches, the perfectly weighted organ-stop ventilation controls, and the analog clock nestled in the center of the dashboard, contribute to an overall sense of timeless elegance and bespoke craftsmanship that elevates the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S far beyond a mere mode of transport. It's a space designed to cosset and indulge its occupants, a place where every journey, whether a quick run to the store or an epic cross-continental adventure, becomes an experience in unparalleled comfort, sophisticated design, and a profound appreciation for the art of luxury car manufacturing. This interior is not just about aesthetics; it's about a tactile and sensory experience that truly defines high-end automotive luxury, a place where you can escape the world outside and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated refinement that few, if any, other vehicles can truly match, making it an absolute dream for both driver and passenger alike.

Striking Design: From Every Angle

When it comes to the exterior design of the 2017 Bentley Continental GT V8 S, prepare yourselves for a vehicle that exudes a truly commanding and sophisticated presence, a design that manages to be both aggressively sporty and unmistakably elegant all at once. This is a car that turns heads effortlessly, not with flashy theatrics, but with an inherent sense of proportion, muscularity, and timeless beauty that has been honed over decades of Bentley's design philosophy. The iconic matrix grille, finished in a distinctive dark tint for the V8 S, immediately signals its sporting intentions, flanked by those signature twin headlights that give the car an instantly recognizable face. The long, sweeping bonnet flows seamlessly into the gracefully raked windscreen, hinting at the power that lies beneath. As your eyes trace along the car's profile, you'll appreciate the strong