Bentley has created performance-focused S versions of its V8-powered Continental GT and GTC models. Both the Bentley Continental GT V8 S and GTC V8 S will debut at next week’s Frankfurt motor show.

The all-wheel-drive Continental GT and GTC V8 S models harness a 521bhp version of Bentley’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. That’s 21bhp up on the standard V8, while torque gets a 2kgm boost to 69.4kgm.

The result is a drop in the GT V8’s 0-100kph time by 0.3sec to 4.3sec, and that of the Continental GTC by 0.2sec to 4.5sec. Top speed in both cars is up by 6kph - to 309kph for the coupé and 307kph for the convertible.

A sharpened ‘S’ mode is delivered through the close-ratio eight-speed automatic gearbox’s drive selector; throttle response is improved, gears are held for longer and the shifts are faster.

Accompanying the engine upgrades is a series of chassis modifications. The sports suspension sits 10mm lower, and the front spring rates have been increased by 45 percent and the rears by 33 percent over the standard car. The dampers are also revised for “a more engaging and responsive drive”. The bushes are 70 per cent stiffer and the rear anti-roll bar 54 percent stiffer.Other tweaks include a reworked steering system for sharper responses and better feedback, changes to the Continuous Damping Control system to try to preserve ride quality, and revisions to the ESC system to allow greater wheel slip before it intervenes.

Exterior styling changes add a front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser to improve the aerodynamics, a black gloss finish to the front grille and special 20in alloy wheels. There are subtle cabin revisions, too.