Can a luxury grand tourer, synonymous with opulent comfort and effortless cruising, truly shed its grand touring formality to become a track-devouring beast, engineered for unadulterated driver involvement? Bentley, a brand celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and powerful machines, has just answered that question with a resounding "yes." Prepare to Discover Bentley's most focused Continental GT. Uncover the 666PS, 800Nm beast designed for ultimate performance and precision. Dive into the details. The return of the iconic Supersports nameplate, a century after its inception, signals a dramatic shift: a Continental GT transformed into its most driver-focused iteration ever, meticulously engineered for performance enthusiasts. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a redefinition, pushing the boundaries of what a Bentley can be.
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Key Takeaways:
- The new Bentley Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, prioritizing performance and agility over traditional grand touring luxury.
- It features a powerful 666PS/800Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, now exclusively rear-wheel drive, paired with a rapid eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
- Significant weight reduction (under two tonnes), advanced aerodynamics (over 300kg more downforce), and a recalibrated chassis deliver exceptional handling and track capability.
- The interior is a stripped-back, two-seat cabin with lightweight sports seats and extensive carbon fibre, yet retains bespoke personalization options.
- Production is strictly limited to 500 units globally, making it a highly exclusive collector's item with a direct lineage to Bentley's performance heritage.
Table of Contents:
- The Rebirth of a Legend: A Century of Extreme Performance
- Unleashing the Beast: Power, Precision, and the Purist's Dream
- A Stripped-Back Sanctuary: The Driver-Focused Interior
- The "Mildred" Project: A Statement of Intent
- Exclusivity Defined: Owning a Piece of Bentley History
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The Rebirth of a Legend: A Century of Extreme Performance
The Supersports name holds a revered place in Bentley history, first appearing in 1925 on a model that was the company's earliest to exceed 160 km/h. It reappeared in 2009 and again in 2017, each time signifying the most extreme, performance-oriented offering of its era. Now, a full century later, Bentley resurrects this legendary moniker for the fourth time, not merely as a nod to the past, but as a bold statement of intent for the future. This latest interpretation of the Supersports, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, truly embodies a return to daring ideas, pushing the Continental platform further than ever before. It shifts the focus from raw power to an exquisite balance of brute force, razor-sharp handling, and unprecedented weight reduction, creating a highly agile and captivating driving experience.Unleashing the Beast: Power, Precision, and the Purist's Dream
This new Supersports is a symphony of engineering prowess, meticulously crafted to deliver unparalleled driver involvement. Every component, from its redesigned engine to its purposeful aerodynamics, contributes to a singular goal: an exhilarating, precise, and utterly engaging drive.Engine and Drivetrain: The 666PS Heartbeat
At its core lies a reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, now strengthened with larger turbochargers, making it the most power-dense unit in the brand's history. It unleashes a formidable 666PS (that's 657 bhp for our imperial system enthusiasts) and a staggering 800Nm of torque. Mated to a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox with quicker responses and tougher clutches, this powertrain ensures explosive acceleration, targeting a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed around 310 km/h. For the first time in a Continental GT, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, a purist's dream for enhanced steering feel and dynamic playfulness. Downshifts under braking have been retuned for added stability, while a bespoke titanium Akrapovič exhaust system provides a more expressive, authentic V8 soundtrack without artificial enhancements.Aerodynamics & Weight Reduction: Form Meets Function
The visual transformation of the Supersports is not merely aesthetic; every exterior element serves a crucial purpose in its pursuit of performance. The design is meticulously centred on weight reduction and significant aerodynamic gains. The redesigned front bumper houses Bentley's biggest splitter ever fitted to a production road car, expertly channelling airflow to the brakes and engine for optimal cooling and downforce. Elsewhere, carbon fibre proliferates across the body in the form of dive planes, extended sills, fender blades, a deeper diffuser, and a fixed rear wing. These components collectively generate over 300 kg more downforce than the GT Speed, ensuring unwavering stability at high speeds. Furthermore, the carbon fibre roof significantly lowers the overall mass and helps drop the centre of gravity, contributing to the car's remarkable agility. This is also the lightest Bentley in nearly eighty years, achieving almost half a tonne of weight reduction through strategic choices like rear-wheel drive, deletion of hybrid components, and a fully reworked rear interior.Chassis and Handling: Mastering the Road
To complement its immense power and refined aerodynamics, the Supersports chassis has been completely recalibrated. A widened rear track, rear-wheel steering, and an active rear differential work in concert to deliver power with far greater immediacy and precision. The traction, steering, suspension, and stability systems all receive bespoke programming, allowing the ESC system a wider range of flexibility, from full support to complete deactivation – catering to every driver's skill level and preference. Three new driving modes—Touring, Bentley, and Sport—alter the car's character, seamlessly transforming it from a relaxed cruiser to a focused performer. The suspension features aluminium double wishbones at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear, paired with air springs and new twin-chamber dampers. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the company's 48V active anti-roll system, remains standard, ensuring exceptional body control. Braking duties are handled by record-breaking carbon ceramic hardware: massive 440 mm carbon silicon carbide discs with 10-piston calipers at the front and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. These are fitted within 22-inch forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing. For those seeking the ultimate grip, Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available, enabling the car to corner around 30% faster than the GT Speed, generating up to 1.3 g of lateral force. This precision engineering transforms the Supersports into a genuinely dynamic machine.A Stripped-Back Sanctuary: The Driver-Focused Interior
Inside, the Supersports takes on a decidedly new character, shedding its grand tourer opulence for a stripped-back, two-seat cabin that prioritizes the driver. Lightweight sports seats, mounted lower and offering far stronger support, retain electric adjustment and heating despite their more aggressive design. The entire rear compartment has been removed and replaced with a functional carbon fibre tub wrapped in exquisite leather, further contributing to weight reduction and visual drama. Owners can personalize the cabin with monotone, duo-tone, or tri-tone finishes, with luxurious leather, Dinamica (a high-performance microfibre), and exposed high-gloss carbon fibre forming the core materials. Each Supersports is fitted with special badging and an individually numbered plaque on the centre console, underscoring its exclusivity.The "Mildred" Project: A Statement of Intent
The genesis of this extraordinary vehicle began modestly in September 2024. A small engineering proposal explored the potential of a rear-wheel-drive Continental weighing less than two tonnes. The concept quickly gained traction, and within a mere six weeks, a prototype was up and running, its performance immediately justifying the development of a full production model. This ambitious undertaking, codenamed "Mildred," drew its inspiration from Mildred Mary Petre, a pioneering racing driver who set endurance records in a Bentley 4½ Litre in 1929. This homage to a trailblazer perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the new Supersports: daring, record-breaking, and a return to Bentley's sporting roots. As the first full project completed under Dr. Walliser's leadership, it emphatically shows how far the Continental platform can be pushed, marrying audacious engineering with Bentley's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.Exclusivity Defined: Owning a Piece of Bentley History
With production strictly limited to just 500 units worldwide, the new Supersports is an exclusive automotive masterpiece. Buyers have the unique opportunity to request specific numbers, adding another layer of personalization to their purchase. The exterior palette includes 24 standard colours, with additional bespoke finishes available through Bentley's esteemed Mulliner division. Customers can commission unique striping and Supersports graphics, or choose from five pre-designed themes. Carbon fibre parts can be left exposed in gloss, painted, or pinstriped, allowing for unparalleled customization. The interior options are equally extensive, including 22 main leather colours, 11 secondary tones, and nine accent choices, along with optional aluminium finishes or Piano Black trim. The debut car, presented in a striking "Nightfall" specification, showcases Anthracite gloss paint with sophisticated Camel accents, matching stripes, and a contrasting number on the grille, while the interior pairs Beluga and Camel leather with subtle Bronze touches. This level of bespoke artistry ensures that each Supersports is as unique as its discerning owner.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this Supersports different from previous iterations?A: While previous Supersports models were known for immense power, this new version places a significant emphasis on agility, weight reduction (under two tonnes for the first time in decades), and true driver involvement through its rear-wheel-drive configuration and thoroughly recalibrated chassis. It's focused on precision handling as much as raw power.
Q: Is the new Supersports suitable for daily driving?
A: While engineered for performance, Bentley's underlying commitment to luxury means it retains a level of comfort not typically found in track-focused cars. The adjustable driving modes (Touring, Bentley, Sport) allow it to switch from a relaxed cruiser to a track weapon. However, its stripped-back two-seat interior and firm suspension setup in Sport mode indicate a clear bias towards spirited driving.
Q: How limited is the production of the new Supersports?
A: Production is strictly limited to 500 units globally, making it a highly exclusive vehicle. Each car features an individually numbered plaque.
Q: What are the key performance figures?
A: It boasts 666PS (657 bhp) and 800Nm of torque from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It targets 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 310 km/h. With Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres, it can generate up to 1.3 g of lateral force, cornering 30% faster than the GT Speed.
Q: Can I personalize my Supersports?
A: Absolutely. Bentley offers extensive personalization options through its Mulliner division, including a wide array of exterior colours, bespoke striping, interior finishes (leather, Dinamica, carbon fibre), and the ability to request specific production numbers.
Comments
Post a Comment