Bentley is showing the Continental GT V8 S in North America for the first time in Detroit.
Bentley is riding a wave of powerful new models and good news into the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The premier luxury maker is showing its Continental GT V8 S in North America for the first time at the show.
It is teamed with the Flying Spur, the maker’s fastest sedan, and the Mulsanne, Bentley’s top-of-the-line marque, at this year’s event.
Aside from displaying a new entry, the company is talking up its 2013 sales, which hit a new record: 10,120. The 19% increase superseded the previous high of 8,510 in 2012.
North America led the charge with a 28% jump to 3,140 cars; however, the Bentley saw sales jump in nearly every market and even saw the number of dealers grow by 11% to 193.
By adding the GT V8 S to the North American marketplace, the company seems poised to enjoy another year of double-digit sales improvements, which would be the fifth straight year.
Available as coupe or a convertible, the new V8 S uses its well-known 4.0-litrer twin-turbo V8 powertrain to produce 521 bhp and 502 lb.-ft of torque. The GT V8 S coupe handles the zero-to-60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 192 mph.
This increased performance is achieved without hurting the V8 engine’s class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions, or its ability to go more than 500 miles between fill-ups.
“The GT V8 S is a car for our V8 customers who want more. It is more agile, with a lower and uprated suspension, faster, with more power and more distinctive with its signature S styling and a unique V8 S soundtrack,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, chairman and CEO.
“I am delighted to bring this car to our biggest market for the first time, in this sustained period of growth for the Americas. This region’s strong performance played an important role in making 2013 a record year. With its latest results, Bentley is the world’s most sought after luxury car brand.”
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While North America was the biggest selling region, China remained the second biggest market, with 2,191 cars delivered, although it was down slightly when compared with the previous year’s 2,253 cars.
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In Europe, deliveries were up by 11%, with 1,480 cars delivered to customers. Bentley’s home market, the UK, also saw impressive gains, delivering 1,381 cars, a 25% increase compared with previous year’s 1,104.
Overall, this means that 86% of Bentley’s cars were shipped abroad, including record highs in the Middle East and Asia Pacific.