Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012.

The new Continentals will come in GT coupe and GTC convertible versions with power from a turbocharged 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine that puts out 500 hp.

With a new 8-speed automatic transmission directing the power to the road, the V8 Continental will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds and have a top speed of more than 180 mph.

No official details have been released on fuel economy and emission figures, but Bentley informs us there is a 40 percent reduction compared to the W12 model.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdl9uLzeu44