When WO Bentley was building 'the world's fastest lorries*' in the 1920s, the winged B badge on the grille of the short-chassis three-litre model was surrounded by red enamel, whereas that of the 4½-litre and six-litre models was black - thereby conferring a slightly cheeky distinction on the smaller-engined cars.
Now Bentley parent company VW has revived that 'Bentley Boys' tradition with the advent of the new, twin-turbo, four-litre V8 Continental, making its world debut this week at the Detroit auto show.
The new engine delivers 373kW at 6000 revs and 660Nm from 1700-5000rpm. Combined with a new, close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission, that translates to a 0-100 sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 303km/h.
And yet, Bentley says, it has reached its target of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 40 percent compared to the six-litre W12 models, thanks to high-pressure direct injection, low-friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency - and a sophisticated engine management system, derived from that in the 6.75-litre V8 Mulsanne, that runs the engine on four cylinders under light loads or when cruising, and even recalibrates the hydraulic engine mounts to allow for the different vibration characteristics when running in V4 mode!
Unusually (because it's expensive and technically difficult) both the turbos are mounted in the 'V' of the V8, shortening the intake path, increasing efficiency and reducing weight.
A rapid warm-up valve (forget about a simple thermostat, Cyril) keeps the coolant inside the engine until a preset temperature has been reached, then sends the warm coolant to the transmission, heating it rapidly to reduce energy losses and cold-start wear. Only when engine and transmission are both at their most efficient operating temperatures does the coolant enter the radiator.
The Continental V8 will be available as the GT coupé and the GTC convertible, distinguished from the W12 models by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley 'B' badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by body-coloured strakes.
At the rear, special chromed 'figure eight' exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel 'B' bootlid badge emphasise the sporty identity of the new V8s.
Each has all-wheel drive via a Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear-biased power split. 20” alloys are standard, with an optional 21” six-spoke design available in dramatic black (exclusive to the V8) or silver.
Inside the cabin, a special cloth headlining instead of leather, dark fiddleback eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather trim and a shorter centre console continue the theme.
Bentley SA was unable to confirm either delivery dates or South African prices, but the factory quotes €136 000 (R1.42 million) for the coupé and €149 600 (R1.56 million) ex factory; as a rule of thumb you can double those figures for South Africa.
*According to Ettore Bugatti.