Powertrain

The major characteristic of the 2027 Bentley Continental GT S is the drive. Even though it might retain the same 4.0-liter V8 engine with an all-wheel drive mechanism, the model has an extra 128 HP and 118 lb-ft of torque, which is provided by the new hybrid system installed. The power has been increased to 670 HP and 686 lb-ft torque.

The loss of the W12 will matter to some buyers, but Bentley claims this hybrid V8 setup actually outperforms the retired twelve-cylinder engine that bowed out with the Batur. Another advantage is the ability to completely switch off the engine and drive in electric mode for up to 30 miles (50 kilometers), which changes how the car can be used day to day.

Performance figures back that up. It means just 3.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, which is half a second faster than before. That was possible at a top speed of 306 km/h, still more than what most owners will ever need.

Exterior

Admiring the car from the outside, one cannot see many changes, and that was clearly intentional. The shape stays familiar, but the details shift the tone slightly; or perhaps the details are in the eye of the beholder.

It changed the chrome exterior accents to black and installed colored headlights and taillights and tinted exhaust finishers. The two-tone wheels might be changed to the full-black set as well, which fits the darker theme quite well. In my opinion, Bentley changed just enough to make the S recognizable without forcing the

Interior

Interior updates are equally subtle. Images are limited, but what Bentley confirms is telling. The 2027 GT S received bi-color upholstery, otherwise not found on other Continental models, with the same darker theme present at the exterior. The package is completed by piano-black trim. However, customers can also get the optional dark-tinted chrome finish. From what is known, the layout itself doesn’t change, which feels deliberate rather than lazy.

Other Specifications

As a premiere, the Bentley GT S V8 received an electronic limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering, along with the latest electronic stability control and a 48-volt active anti-roll system.

2027 Bentley Continental GT S – Photo Gallery

It won’t break the bank either. The base RAV4 starts at $28,090 and comes with front-wheel drive, heated front seats, Toyota’s entire suite of safety features, and blind-spot monitoring. Hike up to the fully-loaded Limited AWD model ( $41,250) as ours was, and you’ll get nifty tech like brake-based torque vectoring, the ability to disconnect the rear axle to save fuel, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera. These are all features that used to be reserved for top-of-the-line premium cars. Now they’re found in your run-of-the-mill RAV4. The fact that you can spend $40 grand and get all that is just staggering. Some say that the golden era of automobiles is ending. I’d say with the RAV4, it’s never shone brighter. But the best deal of the lineup and our preferred trim, is the XLE AWD ($33,790), hammering down the volume with a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, dual-zone auto air conditioning, Apple CarPlay, and keyless start and entry.

Under the hood of every RAV4 except the Hybrid, is a stout 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, but the biggest advantage the RAV4 has over its competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester is that it uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, not that pesky, droning CVT that buzzes up the revs until kingdom come. As such, the build-up of power comes naturally, predictably, and is less intrusive to the ears. No, the four-pot is not as spritely as the V6 that came years before it, and it can get noisy when you ask it for full beans, but it’s competent enough to give you sufficient forward propulsion when you need it, and stay behind the curtains when you don’t.

The RAV4 is far from being a graceful dancing partner but I’m sure the majority of its owners will appreciate the soft ride and agreeable handling. I’d say it will feel more planted and solid than a Subaru Forester, especially when being in tighter turns. There’s substance to the drive and inspires confidence in both low and high speeds. The RAV4 is very fuel-efficient as well. With an equal mix of city and highway driving, you can average an impressive 7.8 L/100km, and while it’s not enough to trump the 5.8 L/100 km average you’ll have with the RAV4 Hybrid, it beats many other small economy cars that on the market.

In that light, the Hybrid is actually our preferred variant of the RAV4. If you can get over the slight bump in price and that annoying CVT transmission, you won’t ever look back. Yes, the Hybrid is even slower than the gasoline model, but the gains in fuel economy fit the SUVs mojo enough that I couldn’t find any other valid reason to choose otherwise. It outsells the Prius for a reason.

Wrapped in conventional styling that belies its hybrid and fuel-saving intentions, I wouldn’t call the new Insight pretty or visually arresting, and there isn’t enough visual flair or distinction for it to stand out from the concrete jungle. That’s not exactly a bad thing. Anonymous looks are sometimes a prominent purchasing factor for vehicles, especially ones with small footprints like this compact Honda. Still, there are LED lights front and back, and snazzy 17-inch wheels to seal the deal.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering a total of 151 hp. When running by itself, the engine will only make 107 hp, while the electric motor pushes out 129 hp. This powertrain is mated exclusively to a noisy, buzzing, and bland Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that routes power strictly to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not an option.

If you are looking to minimize your carbon footprint and an SUV does not tickle your fancy, then there really is no better way to go than a hybrid sedan. The Insight highlights the peak of hybrid technological advancement in efficiency, and it combines stellar fuel economy with an inoffensive, subtle, and undeniably ergonomic family sedan package.