Bentley's production V8 turns 50

Fifty years ago Bentley first installed a V8 engine in its iconic S2 Continental, and the legacy of that original 6.2L aluminum powerplant can still be found today in cars like the 530hp (395kW) Brooklands coupe, Arnage saloon and Azure convertible. To celebrate the achievement, Bentley’s board member for engineering, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, will give a keynote speech mentioning the engine at the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation lecture in London on January 22. Today's Bentley V8 engine is true to the original design, however, it has achieved power and torque increases of over 150% through the introduction of fuel injection, turbocharging and intercooling technologies whilst also remaining compliant with the latest emissions standards.