The Bentley GTC's power comes from a twin-turbocharged W-12 engine. The W engine format. a piston arrangement slightly different from the usual V format, is a product of Bentley's parent company, Volkswagen.
The engine's turbochargers are of two different sizes. The smaller one comes on quickly for an immediate rush of power when taking off from a start. The larger turbocharger takes a little longer to get going, but it provides added power at higher speeds.
That power is delivered to all four wheels, as needed, through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Occasionally, the GTC didn't downshift as readily as I wanted when heading up a slight hill. So I downshifted using paddles mounted at the sides of the steering wheel. Or I could have reached down and just flicked the shift lever. As soon as the need passed, the Bentley took over shifting again, something it did with great smoothness and grace in just about all situations.
