Engine CYC CYCB Bentley Flying Spur 4W Continental GT 4.0 V8 507hp

For the Bentley Continental GT (3W) and Flying Spur (4W) produced between 2012 and 2018, the engine codes CYC and CYCB refer to the highly successful 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8.

This engine was developed in collaboration with Audi (where it powers the S8 and RS6/RS7) but was specifically tuned by Bentley to deliver a more effortless, “torque-heavy” driving experience suitable for a grand tourer.

1. Technical Specifications

The CYCB is the most common variant of the standard 507hp V8 found in the “Base” V8 models (as opposed to the V8 S).

• Engine Type: 3,993cc 90° V8, Twin-Turbocharged, Direct Injection.

• Power Output: 507 hp (373 kW) @ 6,000 rpm.

• Torque: 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) @ 1,700–5,000 rpm. /19k miles

• Turbo Layout: “Hot V” configuration (the twin-scroll turbochargers are located inside the V of the engine for faster response and better thermal efficiency).

• Cylinder Deactivation: Features Variable Displacement, which can shut down 4 cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy by up to 15%.

2. CYC vs. CYCB vs. CMM

While they are fundamentally the same 4.0L V8 block, the suffixes indicate regional emissions certifications or software revisions:

• CYC / CYCB: Typically the European and North American versions of the 507hp unit.

• CMMC: Often refers to the higher-output 528hp version found in the V8 S models.

• Interchangeability: The long blocks are largely identical, but if swapping a CYC into a car originally equipped with a CYCB, you must use the original car’s ECU and wiring harness to ensure the sensors and emissions monitors calibrate correctly.

3. Known Issues & Maintenance

The V8 is considered more reliable and easier to service than the W12, but it has specific “must-watch” areas:

• Turbo Oil Strainers: The most critical issue for this engine family (including Audi variants). A small mesh screen in the oil feed line can clog, starving the turbos of oil and causing catastrophic failure. Most specialists recommend removing or replacing this screen as a preventative measure.

• Air Suspension Leaks: While not an engine part, the 4W Flying Spur and 3W GT frequently suffer from front air strut failure, which is often mistaken for engine-related “sagging.”

• Coolant O-Rings: The plastic coolant pipes in the “Hot V” can become brittle due to the extreme heat from the turbos, leading to slow leaks.