Quote: Bentley announced Monday that its redesigned Continental GT and GT Convertible will soon be available with a twin-turbo V-8 rather in addition to the brand's quintessential W-12 engine.
Freshly redesigned, the third generation of Continental GT was launched in 2018 with only a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 as an engine option, though in keeping with past Continental GTs, the V-8 isn't far behind in terms of performance. Like the last GT's V-8, this 4.0-liter unit sports twin turbochargers in a "hot V" configuration for tight packaging and minimal lag. It's an engine similar to the one used in the Lamborghini Urus, another ultra-premium model built under the vast umbrella of Volkswagen-owned companies.
At full boost, these turbochargers allow the Continental GT V-8 to lay down 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque through the car's all-wheel-drive system. Zero to 60 is reached in a mere 3.9 seconds for coupes, or 4.0 seconds for convertibles, which is approximately 0.25 seconds slower than the W-12 model that our very own Will Sabel Courtney recently tested. Bentley says both are capable of storming all the way up to 198 mph—given you have a continental amount of road to safely reach that speed.
Like any other road car, the Continental GT V-8 can calm down and serve as a comfortable cruiser when not asked to travel at full tilt. The V-8 itself is equipped with cylinder deactivation, and programmed to run stop-start aggressively at low speeds, coasting the car to save fuel in traffic.
Passing time in said traffic can be done with the GT's ten-speaker, 650-watt premium audio system while toying with the supple leather 20-way adjustable seats. These pair with a continuously self-adjusting damping system and optional air suspension to make the GT V-8 as comfortable on every part of the body (except tired eyes, as The Drive's Mike Guy found) as its W-12 contemporary.
Not everyone wants to insulate themselves from the outside world in sumptuous luxury, of course, which is where the convertible GT V-8 comes in. Its automatically folding roof can pop up or shrink away in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, and being ever so British—where the GT is designed and built—the convertible roof can be ordered in tweed.
Unfortunately for Britain itself, it won't be the first country in which the Continental GT V-8 rolls, with its ten choices of wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches, as Bentley has selected the United States as the GT V-8's first destination. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of this year, and the rest of the world in the first quarter of 2020. Pricing has yet to be announced but is expected to land somewhere north of $200,000.
Quote: Bentley Mulliner has added to its new Collections portfolio and created the new luxury pinnacle of the Continental GT family with the new Continental GT Mulliner coupé. This sibling of the GT Mulliner Convertible celebrates modern craftsmanship and offers the client even wider possibilities to commission a unique Bentley to their individual specification. The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner coupé made its global debut at 2020 Salon Privé.
A suite of exclusive exterior design features separate the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner from the rest of the family. At the front, the new 'Double Diamond' matrix grille defines the new Mulliner signature style, complemented by matching front fender vents echoing the same silver and black design and with chromed Mulliner branding. Approaching and opening either doors reveals the other Mulliner design features - Satin Silver mirror caps with Mulliner Welcome Lamps beneath, and illuminated outer door sills with Mulliner text.
The car sits on new and unique 22" Mulliner wheels, with a bespoke design of elegant beauty in a painted and polished finish. The centre badge of each wheel is self-levelling, keeping the iconic Bentley 'B' upright at all times.
The cabin of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner is one defined by luxury, and showcases a level of choice and customisation that only Mulliner can provide. A unique colour split is exclusive to the car, with a new combination of primary and secondary hide joined by a third colour through a flowing design line.
Eight different three-colour combinations are proposed by Mulliner, using Bentley's palette of hides and threads to create striking yet elegant contrast throughout the cabin.
The Mulliner Driving Specification is fitted as standard, bringing the "Diamond in Diamond" quilting to the seats, doors trims and rear quarter panels, now with both contrast and accent stitching running through the diamonds design.
It takes almost 400,000 stitches to deliver this quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing exactly 712 individual stitches - each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Developing the embroidery process to deliver this process alone took 18 months.
The seats themselves are finished with embroidered Mulliner logos. The floor mats are edged with micro-piping to match the rest of the colour theme of the interior and chrome Bentley 'B' retention caps are an example of the fine details that separate the Continental GT Mulliner.
The roof of the cabin is trimmed along its full length with indented hide, or smooth hide to match the seat backs if the fixed glass roof is selected.
The centre console is dressed in a new diamond milled technical finish that uses precision machining to form a perfect pattern of facets, flanked either side by Grand Black walnut veneer with chrome overlays. A unique Breitling clock sits in the centre of the console, while the passenger side fascia is finished with a silhouette of the car's exterior profile and the Mulliner logo. The veneer flows into the doors, where it is completed by a discreet Bentley 'B' motif.
For the driver, the brushed-metal finish of the Breitling clock is carried through from the physical world to the digital, with a unique design to the main gauges of the LED main instruments cluster where careful skeuomorphic design and the application of digital textures makes the virtual dials look like real metal.
Further personalisation is available through a range of 88 contemporary, colourised veneer finishes that can be matched to the interior or exterior of the car. Burr walnut veneer is hand sanded and polished to produce a perfectly smooth finish before painting to match the colour of the customer's choice. Once dry, the veneer is polished to achieve a mirror-like finish.
Customers of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner can choose either Bentley's iconic 6.0-litre W12 powertrain delivering 635 PS (626 bhp), or its sublime 4.0-litre V8 offering 550 PS (542 bhp), for a level of performance to juxtapose the car's handcrafted luxury.
Bentley's pioneering 48V electric active anti-roll technology - Bentley Dynamic Ride - is fitted as standard, delivering incredible body control and stability during cornering and a relaxed, cossetting ride when cruising.
Orders for both coupe and convertible versions of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner will be taken from October 2020, with first deliveries beginning in early 2021. Customers of the Continental GT Mulliner will receive the keys to their car in a bespoke, Mulliner-branded and handcrafted presentation box containing individual leather pouches matching the three-colour interior configuration of their car.
Bentley Mulliner
Bentley Mulliner is renowned throughout the automotive world for crafting some of the most individual Bentleys ever created. Bentley Mulliner is the birthplace of coachbuilding - the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world. Bentley Mulliner operates three distinct divisions, each with its own artisanal specialism:
Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt provides customers with the ability to work closely with a team of specialist designers to create or enhance their vehicle with a unique body styles, different materials and specially curated options. The Bentley Mulliner Bacalar will be the first - but other new bespoke Bentleys will follow as part of the portfolio.
The Bentley Mulliner Classic offering was introduced last year with the announcement that Bentley's 1929 Team Blower is to be reborn with a new build of 12 supercharged 4½-litre examples of the iconic car. These models, each individually handcrafted by a team of specialists from Bentley Mulliner, will form the world's first pre-war race car continuation series. This subdivision of Mulliner also completed an immaculate restoration of the 1939 Bentley Corniche last year.
The third division of expertise - Bentley Mulliner Collections - will continue to offer customers luxury-focused derivatives of the core Bentley range, such as the new Continental GT Mulliner, as well as the opportunity to personalise their new Bentley. An expansive number of options is available across the full line-up of current production cars - from unique colour-matched paint, hide and thread combinations, to bespoke feature content.
The experienced team, supported by in-house engineers and designers at Crewe, prides itself on a long history of fulfilling the desires and demands of Bentley's most discerning customers worldwide.
Quote: Bentley Motors released details of the new Continental GT Speed - the most dynamic road car in Bentley's 101 year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world's benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley's carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 - itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, comments: "The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring. This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car. The world's most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys."
Quote: Bentley Mulliner has added to its new and expanding Collections portfolio with an expertly handcrafted limited edition for the Japanese market - the Bentley Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. Based around a monochrome colour theme of black, silver and white, the Equinox theme is one that brings power and grace through simplicity. Strictly limited to just ten examples, the Equinox Edition cars are destined for homes across Japan including the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Yokohama.
The exterior of the car has a powerful presence thanks to the contrasting monotone styling that accentuates the dynamic and powerful look of the Continental GT. The choice of powerful black Onyx or icy cool Glacier White exterior paint highlights the sculpted body and sweeping power line that guides the eye along the stunning profile to the muscular rear haunch and down to the striking wheels below.
The aerodynamic performance of the Continental GT is complemented by the Styling Specification to the exterior. Made from specially commissioned, high gloss, black carbon-fibre, the Styling Specification consists of a front splitter, rear diffuser, boot lip spoiler and side sills branded with metal Bentley wings inlays.
To further enhance the exquisite lines and authoritative appearance of the Continental GT, Bentley Mulliner has applied a Moonbeam (a rich silver) contrast accent pinstripe to the edge of the carbon fibre pieces. The accent line is painted by hand and takes five days per car to apply. In addition the 22" Mulliner Driving Specification wheel is uniquely finished in dark metallic Tungsten paint.
Exacting Standards and Extraordinary Craftsmanship
The monochrome colour theme continues into the cabin of the Bentley Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. The exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary features create a luxurious and sporting feel to the interior that is crafted with the highest attention to detail.
Bentley Mulliner signature craftsmanship is apparent throughout, showcasing painstaking attention to detail. Secondary silver accent hide to the headrest and seat edge panels elegantly complements the Beluga main hide. Contrast stitching in silver thread to the seats and steering wheel is mirrored in dual finish veneers featuring Piano Moonbeam over Grand Black. The painted veneer is sprayed by hand, with care taken to ensure that the amount of light reflected at different angles from the metallic paint surfaces are consistent panel to panel across the car set. The painted veneer of the passenger fascia is finished with an elegant Mulliner logo inlay.
The interior features have the power to delight and surprise - from mood lighting and illuminated sill plates, to refined silver accent stitches on the diamond quilted seats and deep pile Mulliner floor mats. Unique thread has been designed to be extremely durable and uses special dyes to maintain its colour to last for the lifespan of the vehicle. The thread is used for the contrast stitching elements and the embroidered Bentley wings logo on each headrest, each one being comprised of 4,500 stitches.
Uncompromised Performance and Luxury
Under the bonnet of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Editions is Bentley's renowned twin-turbo V8 engine. The new-generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It also features dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the 'V' of the engine, together resulting in a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds).
Spirited performance is complemented by refined efficiency, stemming partly from the ability of the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive. The seamless change happens in just 20 milliseconds and is imperceptible to customers. Stop-Start technology, which operates at 'near-to-stop' speeds, is also available.
The uncompromising attention to detail throughout the Bentley Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition creates a compelling statement of performance, luxury and automotive beauty that makes for exhilarating and extraordinary journeys.
Quote: Bentley Motors released details of the new Continental GT Speed - the most dynamic road car in Bentley's 101 year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world's benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley's carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 - itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, comments: "The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring. This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car. The world's most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys."
Quote: Bentley's refreshed model portfolio is being crowned with a new ultimate version of the Continental GT Mulliner to sit at the pinnacle of the Continental family and two-door grand tourers. With enhancements to both its W12 engine and its advanced chassis shared with the GT Speed, the GT Mulliner W12 becomes the most powerful, fastest, most dynamic and most luxurious Continental GT yet created.
The new GT Mulliner W12 takes the best of all worlds to create the ultimate Continental GT combining the performance and dynamism of the Speed, the comfort of the recently-announced Azure and the magic touch and artistic flair of Mulliner handcraftsmanship. Its W12 TFSI engine, handcrafted at Bentley's carbon neutral factory in Crewe, delivers 659 PS (650 bhp) resulting in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Continental GT Mulliner W12 in each of the driving modes. The Mulliner-unique 22" wheel design features self-levelling badges which ensure the Bentley 'B' remains vertical at all times.
The cabin of the Continental GT Mulliner W12 is one defined by luxury, and showcases a level of choice and customisation that only Mulliner can provide. A unique colour split is exclusive to the car, with a new combination of primary and secondary hide joined by a third colour through a flowing design line. Eight different three-colour combinations are proposed by Mulliner, using Bentley's palette of hides and threads to create striking yet elegant contrast throughout the cabin. A choice of 88 Piano wood veneers encourage further personalisation. "Diamond in Diamond" quilting to the seats, door trims and rear quarter panels is made up of almost 400,000 stitches with each diamond containing exactly 712 individual stitches. Naturally these are available in a spectrum of coloured threads, too.
To the outside, a suite of exclusive exterior design features separate the Continental GT Mulliner from the rest of the family. At the front, the new 'Double Diamond' matrix grille defines the new Mulliner signature style, complemented by matching front fender vents echoing the same silver and black design and with Mulliner branding. All of these features are available either with a bright chrome or with the more contemporary gloss black appeal of Mulliner Blackline Specification. Approaching and opening either door reveals the other Mulliner design features - mirror caps in either satin silver or black with Mulliner Welcome Lamps beneath, and illuminated outer door sills with Mulliner text.
The GT family now spans a range of models each with a different emphasis, to make customer choice easier. The Azure range is for those prioritising wellbeing and on-board comfort, while those customers wishing to concentrate on driving pleasure can specify the new V8-powered GT S. Going one step further, the W12-powered Speed is the pure drivers car, delivering exceptional dynamic performance and no expense to grand touring ability. Above all these sits the Mulliner.
The new GT Mulliner W12 will be on display at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will take to the hill along with three members of the new S range. Joining these modern road-going products on the hillclimb will be the first car in Bentley's Blower Continuation Series, Blower Car Zero.
Physics-Bending Performance
The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner W12 is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) - a 4 per cent increase of 24 PS over the standard W12 model - whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.
With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds), a reduction of 0.1 seconds. A combination of four chassis technologies give the new Mulliner model a level of agility, performance and ride quality that has been stretched to new levels.
Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon. The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further.
Combining the new systems delivers Bentley's philosophy that a vehicle should feel progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, while in SPORT this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque-split in all driving scenarios.
The Best of Both Worlds
Whether travelling across continents or over mountain passes, Bentley's three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride provide control and comfort in abundance. The 48V active anti-roll control system was originally pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT and now tuned even further with the knowledge and learning since the systems introduction.
This innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In their firmest setting, the motors can deliver 1300 Nm in 0.3 seconds to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level.
Dynamic Ability
The Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Continental GT Mulliner W12 in each of the driving modes. This is even more apparent in SPORT mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and the electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car, utilising up to 4° of steering lock on the rear wheels.
At low and medium speeds, the GT Mulliner's rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability.
The eLSD allows true active torque vectoring across the rear axle, which is then fine-tuned with torque-vectoring by brake systems. Together, these technologies improve turn-in and provide exception traction on corner exit - and, of course, allow the keen driver to induce slip angles and to balance the car on the throttle.
Unrivalled Luxury And Attention To Detail
The cabin of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner is one defined by luxury, and showcases a level of choice and customisation that only Mulliner can provide. A unique colour split is exclusive to the car, with a new combination of primary and secondary hide joined by a third colour through a flowing design line.
Eight different three-colour combinations are proposed by Mulliner, using Bentley's palette of hides and threads to create striking yet elegant contrast throughout the cabin. A customer can, of course, choose their own set of colours or specify the cabin colours and materials from the full suite of Bentley hide colours, veneers and stitching.
The Mulliner Driving Specification is fitted as standard, bringing the "Diamond in Diamond" quilting to the seats, doors trims and rear quarter panels, now with both contrast and accent stitching running through the diamonds design.
It takes almost 400,000 stitches to deliver this quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing exactly 712 individual stitches - each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Developing the embroidery process to deliver this process alone took 18 months.
The seats themselves are finished with embroidered Mulliner logos. The floor mats are edged with micro-piping to match the rest of the colour theme of the interior and chrome Bentley 'B' retention caps are an example of the fine details that separate the Continental GT Mulliner.
The roof of the cabin is trimmed along its full length with indented hide, or smooth hide to match the seat backs if the fixed glass roof is selected.
The centre console is dressed in a unique diamond milled technical finish that uses precision machining to form a perfect pattern of facets, flanked either side by Grand Black walnut veneer with chrome overlays. A unique Breitling clock sits in the centre of the console, while the passenger side fascia is finished with a silhouette of the car's exterior profile and the Mulliner logo. The veneer flows into the doors, where it is completed by a discreet Bentley 'B' motif.
For the driver, the brushed-metal finish of the Breitling clock is carried through from the physical world to the digital, with a unique design to the main gauges of the LED main instruments cluster where careful skeuomorphic design and the application of digital textures makes the virtual dials look like real metal.
The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner W12 truly is the ultimate combination of craftsmanship and performance. Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the car is the pinnacle definition of everything Bentley knows about making the best grand tourers in the world. For those wanting the luxury and comfort of a Mulliner model but with the character of a V8, the Continental GT Mulliner V8 remains available.
Quote: To mark 20 years since Bentley's sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC's. Each will be powered by the Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the design of the Le Mans winning Speed 8 #7.
All Le Mans Collection models are specified with the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, offering a choice of touchscreen, dual veneer or analogue dials - but with a twist; In place of the standard central dial is a Vitrine displaying an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8. The engine was removed after the contest and preserved, and now 24 of the 32 valves from the engine have been bisected to create 48 artefacts for this exclusive collection of ultimate Grand Tourers.
In another thoughtful touch, the standard 12-hour analogue clock is replaced by a digital clock with a bespoke dial design - a 24 hour one, naturally.
Mulliner, Bentley's personal commissioning division, has taken inspiration from the dark green Speed 8 racing cars that swept all before them at Le Mans in 2003. From the Verdant green exterior to the sliver of Speed 8 engine displayed in the fascia, the Le Mans Collection is a heartfelt tribute to a long and glorious shared history between Bentley and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Tribute to Speed 8 #7
Mulliner's designers closely studied the winning Speed 8 of 2003, surely one of the most beautiful racing cars ever to triumph at Le Mans. The limited number of Continental GT's and Continental GTC's in the Le Mans Collection are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam racing stripe across the bonnet (and Coupé roof). The Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the Speed 8, while the carbon-fibre Styling specification body components are finished in black with a subtle pinstripe in Moonbeam. Beluga black is also chosen for the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and rear 'horseshoe' area beneath the bootlid spoiler, while black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels shroud powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.
Meanwhile, the distinctive Bentley matrix grille (originally developed to protect the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack of the 1920s) features a painted #7 in Arctica white, combining the race-winning number of 2003 with the painted radiators of the Bentleys that won Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930.
Bespoke details
The interiors of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT and Continental GTC are far more luxurious than those of the Bentley Speed 8s - but there's the same sense of sporting purpose. A bespoke 2003 wreath welcome lamp ushers you into a cockpit trimmed in Beluga hide. Performance-bred napped Dynamica fabric covers the seat faces, while the interior's monochrome colour scheme is relieved by contrast seat stitching and seatbelts in Hotspur. The steering wheel, trimmed in hide and Dynamica, also features Hotspur contrast stitching and six o'clock accent tab.
The dual-finish veneer on fascia and door waist rails is executed in Piano Black and high gloss carbon fibre, with a fine chrome pinstripe separating the two. Matching doors to fascia so the pinstripe flows seamlessly from one side to the other is a mark of the exceptional craftsmanship in every Bentley.
The Le Mans Collection Bentleys feature many bespoke details, beginning with the Speed 8 sill plates and six-wreath treadplates that greet occupants on entering the interior. The fascia displays the six-wreath emblem inlaid into high-gloss carbon fibre, marking each of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003.
Race inspired performance
The Le Mans Collection Continental GT and GTC are equipped with Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) and an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.
With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). A combination of four chassis technologies give the new limited edition a level of agility, performance and ride quality as expected of a car with this heritage.
Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon. The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further.
Bentley and Le Mans
Bentley's long association with Le Mans didn't get off to the smoothest of starts. "I think the whole thing's crazy. Nobody'll finish. Cars aren't designed to take that sort of strain for 24 hours." Such was W.O. Bentley's reaction in 1923, on hearing that private entrant John Duff planned to contest the first-ever Le Mans 24 Hour race in a Bentley 3 Litre. But the competitive fire in W.O's soul saw him make a last-minute dash to the La Sarthe circuit nonetheless. Inspired by Duff's 4th place (despite a lengthy stop to repair a holed petrol tank) and fastest lap, W.O and Bentley Motors returned in 1924 with a works entry - and won. It was the start of a glorious decade that saw five wins in seven years.
Bentley was back in 2001 with the EXP Speed 8, the start of a three-year programme targeting a sixth outright victory. And on Sunday, June 15th, 2003, Bentley's two works Speed 8s finished first and second in this most gruelling of endurance races. Car #7 of Guy Smith, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello covered 377 laps at an average speed of 214.33km/h, followed by the #8 Speed 8 of Johnny Herbert, Mark Blundell and David Brabham.
Quote: Bentley Motors revealed the fourth generation Continental GT Speed, following in the 21-year tradition of the Continental GT family by redefining the ultimate blend of supercar performance, handcrafted luxury and everyday usability.
A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean modern detailing follow the new design DNA established by the coachbuilt Bentley Bacalar and Batur. Outstanding performance is brought by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, from a 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor. 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds is the result, with the benefit of 50 miles (81 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle) and a total range of 534 miles (859 km) - creating an everyday supercar.
The performance of the powertrain is matched by a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), eLSD and torque vectoring. Incredible body control and the best Continental GT ride comfort to date are the results, supported by a 49:51, rear-biased weight distribution for the first time in the car's history.
Under the skin, a suite of modern innovative technology delivers class-leading capability so that every journey is a seamless experience in terms of driver assistance, infotainment systems and connected car services.
The new exterior continues the design revolution for Bentley's future journey, with the biggest revision to the face of the Continental GT in two decades, and the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s.
World-leading Bentley interior cabin design, materials, quality, and craftsmanship continue with the introduction of further wellness seat technology, new air ionisation, three-dimensional leather textures, new modern quilting, and technical finishes such as new dark chrome.
A completely new 400-volt electrical architecture enables the most advanced suite of powertrain technology to be offered by a luxury automotive brand today, delivering emissions of 29 g/km of CO2 and an electric range of 50 miles / 81 km on the WLTP drive cycle.
For the first time in the history of the Continental GT, the convertible Bentley Continental GTC is being launched concurrently with the coupe - providing ultimate flexibility for customers who appreciate both open topped and closed roof motoring.
Both coupe and convertible models will be crafted entirely by hand at Bentley's Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Production and deliveries are due to begin in Q3.
The Ultra Performance Hybrid
For the new Bentley Continental GT Speed, a brand-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain has been developed. The new powertrain combines a new 4.0 litre V8 engine capable of producing 600 PS (584 bhp) with a 190 PS (187 bhp) electric motor. Peak system output is 782 PS (771 bhp) - enough for a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).
System torque is increased by over 11 per cent compared to the outgoing W12-powered Continental GT Speed, from 900 Nm = to 1000 Nm (738 lb ft). System power has also increased by 19 per cent, from 659 PS to 782 PS. This makes the new Continental GT Speed the most powerful Bentley ever, beyond the levels of the second-generation Supersports and the Batur.
The power is delivered via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) to all four wheels, for exceptional power delivery and reliable traction in all conditions. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes.
There are three key powertrain system elements:
The new 600 PS, 800 Nm (590 lb ft) V8 engine - with no traditional vacuum system, and 350 bar fuel injection pressure (raised from 200 bar) provides cleaner combustion and improved emissions. With the e-motor negating turbo lag, twin single-scroll turbochargers have been used - which reduces complexity and allows them to run hotter, minimising emissions. Therefore, no cylinder deactivation hardware is required, as the engine can be switched off entirely when using the electric motor.
The 190 PS, 450 Nm (332 lb ft) electric motor within the transmission housing delivers torque-fill at low engine speed and does the same during gear shifts for extra smoothness.
The 25.9 kWh battery, which is mounted behind the rear axle. This helps achieve a perfect weight distribution and up to 85 per cent of the battery capacity is useable.
The system manages the energy flows dependent upon the mode chosen - with pure EV, electric boost, regenerative braking - and, most importantly for this new GT Speed - a charge mode, where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery at the same time.
The new class-leading powertrain delivers extreme performance and sets the latest Continental GT apart from other competitors - with more horsepower, more torque and a significant drop in CO2 and fuel consumption figures to around one tenth of equivalent conventional petrol powertrains. In turn, this provides an extraordinary range of driving capability, from extreme performance to silent and effortless electric luxury.
Due to the combination of the V8 engine and electric power, Bentley's engineers have been able to deliver improved power and torque across the full rev range. This includes a vital boost from the electric motor for strong acceleration from low speeds and throughout the mid-range, combined with increased performance from the V8 engine at higher speeds too. A significant amount of development has also been invested in the exhaust note too, emphasising the cross-plane quality - and without the use of artificial, electronic enhancement.
Equally impressive are the electric modes, allowing customers to enjoy silent and seamless motoring. In full electric mode, the electric motor alone can deliver 190 PS and 450 Nm, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations. Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent. The battery can be fully replenished in as little as 2¾ hours thanks to significant improvements in charger and battery capacity, with 11 kW peak charging power.
The Performance Active Chassis
The new Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models both benefit from the new Bentley Performance Active Chassis. This includes Active All Wheel Drive, an electronic limited slip differential, all wheel steering, torque vectoring (front to rear and across the axles), Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti roll system, and a new generation of ESC control software. In addition, the car is fitted with a new dual valve damper system and dual chamber air springs, which enables more sophisticated tuning options. The result is that the new cars can achieve an even more impressive combination of performance, handling, and comfort.
The new twin-valve damping brings a number of benefits. The system allows increased force spread between soft and firm settings - the result is reduced compromise between road surface isolation and body control. The damper control ECU now has complete control over independent compression and rebound damping delivering better body control during compression/rebound directional changes.
Overall dynamic ability, and steering feel, have both been improved by the car's now perfect weight distribution of 49:51, achieved thanks to the intelligent positioning of the hybrid battery. The weight split brings a car that is inherently balanced during dynamic driving, and permits a range of driving styles to be accessed. With the car's advanced ESC system fully engaged, the new Continental GT Speed is completely planted and controls traction to inhibit oversteer. In Dynamic Mode, the car allows some rear axle slip, allowing the driver to control the cornering attitude of the car whilst maintaining a safety net to bring the car back in-line if required. The ESC system can also be completely turned off, at which point the Continental GT Speed's cornering stance can be balanced on-throttle by the driver for the most dynamic Bentley driving experience yet.
The braking system continues to utilise Bentley's established pair of options, both using 10-piston front calipers and four-piston rears:
Ventilated iron brakes, with 420 mm front / 380 mm rear disc
Carbon-Silicon-Carbide brakes, with 440 mm front / 410 mm rear discs
The overall customer benefit of the new chassis system is simple - comfort mode is even more comfortable, and sport mode has even better body control than before.
A Muscular and Contemporary Design Statement
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed continues the three key design aspects seen through Bentley's heritage since the iconic R-Type Continental of 1952.
The fourth generation follows the form of the modern two-door Bentley in that it has the stance of a resting beast - muscular but relaxed, and confident with strong, well-defined haunches indicating the power beneath the skin. The favoured image of Bentley's designers is a tiger at rest - calm and collected, but ready to unleash incredible force.
The front of the car is inspired by the upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse - reinforcing the status of this exceptional luxury grand tourer. Finally, the 'endless bonnet' creates a strong horizontal line through the car indicating the high-performance engine and pure speed.
The whole car has been visually cleaned, with fewer breaks in the surfaces giving more muscularity and a more refined shape. The complete front aspect of the car is new, from the body coloured integrated body kit to the biggest change in the last two decades for the Continental GT - single front headlamps. Not since the S2 of 1959 has a mainstream, non-coachbuilt Bentley had single front lamps, but the change brings a more determined expression to the face of the GT, again inspired by the focused expression of a hunting tiger.
The headlamp features a new horizontal 'eyebrow,' a deep crystal cut diamond effect to the top of the lamps and an illuminated lower pattern. The matrix LED lamps contain 120 separate LEDs that are digitally controlled with differing responsibilities for low beam foreground to high beam power boost. This increases the capability of the lamp with main beam widened field of illumination and improved fade out, which gives a more gradual transition from lit to unlit areas. This makes reading the road more natural and gives a more relaxing driving experience by avoiding the perception of "black holes" in the field of vision.
The rear of the car has also been redesigned including the bumper, taillights, boot lid and exhaust tail pipes. The boot lid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic form to provide rear downforce without the need for a deployable rear spoiler, and the bumper is much more dramatically styled emphasising the width of the car, whilst being cleaner with less embellishment.
The taillights have a dramatic new appearance with a much wider graphic stretching into the boot lid. The lamps protrude out from the boot and internally they feature a deep three-dimensional diamond pattern across their form. When illuminated the tips of the diamonds accentuated creating a molten lava-like visual effect.
New 22" wheels has a strongly directional design again takes inspiration comes from the tiger - with the 'claws' of the wheel digging into the road. The new wheel style is offered in dark tint paint with polished accents, gloss black or silver painted.
The Benchmark Interior
The Continental family already features some of the most beautifully executed interiors in the world and showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the skilled team at Bentley's carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England.
The new grand tourer features a new precision quilt pattern taking inspiration from modern fashion design to the seats and doors. With sculptured quilting, fading perforations and a new quilt embroidery, the cabin provides the ultimate cocooning environment for any extraordinary journey.
The 20-way adjustable seats in the Continental GT have long set industry standards in comfort and refinement. New interior features include the optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate to the front seats, minimizing fatigue and providing a level of relaxation that is truly unique.
The new Dark Chrome Specification provides a more contemporary aesthetic and gives a more understated character to the cabin. This applies to door handles, switches, speak grilles and many other areas around the cabin. Bentley's bespoke division - Mulliner - will also be offering a collection of unique features enabling further personalisation to the latest model.
A choice of three audio systems is offered in the Continental GT. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650 Watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500 W, 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers. A Naim 2,200 W, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats and eight sound modes is offered for the true audiophile. Laminated acoustic glass is retained for the windscreen and side windows, resulting in a nine-decibel reduction in exterior noise versus non-acoustic glazing.
The new Continental GT continues to feature the innovative Bentley Rotating Display - the three-sided display featuring a 12.3" high-definition display, three elegant analogue dials, and an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer. The three sides are selectable at the touch of a button.
Mood lighting around the cabin works the sculptural shapes of the seats and doors to create a cocooning effect, with the user able to choose the colour of the lighting from 30 options.
Bold Colours
For the next generation of GT, new colours are being added to the already extensive palette, updating the world-class offer of virtually unlimited paint and interior trim combinations.
This includes a new modern Gravity Grey hide, also offered with a matching sophisticated metallic exterior paint that looks solid until the sunlight hits it, revealing metallic copper accents.
The new Bentley Continental GT will be launched in Tourmaline Green, a vivid and modern interpretation of the iconic Bentley green and a striking statement for any new Bentley.
Technology
The fourth generation Continental GT and GTC Speed benefit from the latest generation of electrical architecture, enabling a significant step forward in infotainment and driver assistance technology. This technology is the most advanced in the luxury segment, and extremely competitive for customers coming to Bentley from premium brands.
The environment display (shown in the drivers instrument panel) supports and enables driving in semi-assisted mode providing feedback to the driver how the car is responding to other vehicles. The vehicle's understanding of the surrounding environment allows for Intelligent Park Assist - the latest generation self-parking system with speed control. The technology is not just limited to driving aspects. The air conditioning system has been revised to increase cabin wellness including air ionisers, a new particulate matter filter and displays showing air quality outside and inside the vehicle. The new convenience features will make every journey more relaxed experience and can be tailored to reflect customers personal preferences. The system also synchronises with the car's satellite navigation, knowing when it might be necessary to improve cabin air quality (for example by recirculating the cabin air when in a tunnel).
Improvements have been made with essential features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and over-the-air map updates. Beyond these features, customers who choose to pair their mobile phone will enjoy connected car services, including:
Remote charging status, allowing monitoring and control of vehicle charging when plugged-in
Remote Park Assist - enabling the possibility for a customer to park or summon their vehicle remotely from their phone
Remote cabin pre-conditioning - ensuring the climate in the car is set before a drive starts, including seat heating
Each year further new features will be available, such as green traffic light prediction - which is increasingly activated in major cities in the US and Europe and allows a "magic carpet" drive through the city centre.
The fourth generation Continental will also benefit with the introduction of My Bentley app studio. The new My Bentley App Studio is the next addition to Bentley's digital ecosystem for customers. Customers can gain access to a wide variety of vehicle and third-party applications which can be downloaded directly, independent of a smartphone to the infotainment system. Applications include, Music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging etc. The applications are seamlessly implemented in the infotainment system and can be used safely and reliably even whilst driving. The application portfolio is adapted specifically to each market.
The Continental GTC Speed
For the first time in the Continental family's history, the new open-top GTC is being launched at the same time as the coupe. The Convertible features Bentley's seven-bow fabric roof system, available in a range of seven exterior colours (including tweed) and deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
Performance of the Bentley Continental GTC Speed is breath-taking for an open-air Grand Tourer. 0-60 mph takes 3.2 secs, with 0-100 km/h taking 3.4 secs. Top speed is electronically limited to 177 mph / 285 km/h.
The Underwater Speed Record
To prove the performance of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley set out to establish a new speed record - one not formally attempted before. The authentic sound of the cross-plane V8 exhaust note inspired the idea of running the car above 200 mph through a tunnel - and a project lasting 18 months set out to achieve exactly that.
With the incredible support of the Norwegian highways authority (Statens Vegvesen) and the Norwegian police, the Ryfylke Tunnel in Rogaland county, Norway was secured for the attempt. The Ryfylke Tunnel is the world's longest subsea road tunnel at 8.9 miles / 14.4 km long, and the deepest tunnel of any kind in the world - descending to 292 metres below sea level.
Rounds of engineering analysis and simulation evaluated the airflow around the car at high speed in an enclosed tube to ensure safety. Then, in April, a team from Bentley and supporting suppliers headed to Norway to run the new Continental GT Speed through the tunnel, as part of the creation of a launch film for the new car. Running on renewable second-generation biofuel, and charged with electricity from fully renewable sources, the car went from a standstill to its 208 mph / 335 km/h top speed in just 33 seconds. Several runs were completed for filming, in so doing establishing a new unofficial speed record for a car in a tunnel.
Summary
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed redefines the definitive grand tourer. With its striking modern design, powerful stance and elegant lines, the fourth generation positions the car ahead of others in comfort, beautiful artisanal craftsmanship and personal choice.
The spectacular new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain delivers a revolutionary blend of extreme performance and effortless electric luxury, delivering an unforgettable driving experience every time. Enhanced by the significant technology upgrades that make every journey as seamless as possible, every customer can focus on the enjoyment of the drive.
I've always loved the way these look in pictures but when you see one in person, it looks absolutely massive with huge wheel gaps and high ride heights. Just out of place and disproportional for a sports car.
Quote: Bentley Motors revealed a one-off personal commission, displaying one of the most complex paint offerings to date - Ombre by Mulliner. Painted by hand at Bentley's Dream Factory in Crewe, England, the new exterior finish carefully transitions between two paint colours over the length of the car, with a truly stunning result. This new technique is now available to order, in three different colour combinations, from Mulliner - the bespoke division of Bentley.
The car is sprayed first in the contrast colours to the front and rear of the vehicle. The blend is then applied in stages using paint that has been tinted using traditional paint mixing methods to achieve the Ombre effect. This overall fade effect takes two paint technicians approximately 56 hours to apply. This time is required to achieve the correct blend of paint. Due to the complexity of how the two paints combine, the choice of colours that that are available have been specifically curated. This ensures a uniform and gradual transition between the two. Each paint colour behaves differently on application; therefore, the Paint Technician must react to this during the application of the blend. This means each car will be unique but will look perfect to the naked eye.
The first car to feature the new Ombre process is a new Continental GT Speed, showcased as part of Bentley's presence at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering - part of the 2025 Monterey Car Week. The car's extraordinary exterior fades Topaz from the front of the car to Windsor Blue at the rear. The fade is most apparent through the centre section of the car, with the angle of the fade following the angle of the rear haunch line. The 22" ten spoke swept wheels also match the body panels they sit within; Topaz at the front, Windsor Blue at the rear.
To ensure harmony across the car, Mulliner's Bespoke Studio have curated the same graded approach for the interior. The front of the cabin features bespoke Topaz hide to the front seats, steering wheel, and instrument panel flowing into the centre console. The rear of the cabin fades to the dark tone of Beluga. Detailing the seats and doors, a Dragonfly accent colour has been used to accentuate the piping and stitching of the cabin.
With colour being the predominant focus throughout the car, other surfaces within the cabin have taken a more tactile approach, with Satin Beluga painted veneers to the centre console, instrument panel and treadplate carriers, which are clearly visible when opening the door.
The interior also features Bentley's Rotating Display, the Naim for Bentley pinnacle audio system and the Dark Chrome Interior Specification that was introduced for the fourth generation Continental GT.
Quote: Elegant design, a lavish specification and a strong focus on wellbeing are the distinguishing features of the new Azure models. This is apparent from the very first impression of the exterior's new gloss black matrix grille with its bright chrome surround and vertical vanes. Beneath this, a gloss black front splitter provides a contrast to bright grilles on the front bumper and lower intakes. A new silver and bright machined 22" Azure wheel design, and Azure badging on the front fender, complete the exterior package. Inside, the seats and door inners feature new 3D Harmony diamond quilting with the Azure embroidered on the seat headrests.
An extensive specification includes Wellness seating, open pore crown cut walnut veneer trim, Azure interior treadplates with illumination and contrast stitching on the leather upholstery. The Touring, Comfort and Lighting Specification packages are also standard. The Continental GT Azure includes a panoramic sunroof, while the Continental GT Convertible Azure is equipped with the neck warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring in cooler weather.
Quote: 100 years after the birth of the first Bentley 'Super Sports', the nameplate returns to Bentley for only the fourth Supersports model in history. The new Bentley Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, with rear-wheel drive, a two-seat cabin and a gross weight below two tonnes. A non-hybrid, pure internal combustion powertrain has a new 666 PS (657 bhp), 800 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, with power fed through an eight-speed double clutch gearbox to the rear wheels only. Carbon ceramic brakes, new 22" lightweight forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing and an Akrapovi full-length titanium exhaust system are standard, while Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available.
The exterior represents the most purposeful Continental GT ever, with a series of form-following-function developments to maximise downforce and save weight. A new front bumper integrates the biggest front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, and feeds cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbon fibre dive planes, side sills, fender blades and a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing combine to generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed. The weight saving regime extends to the roof, which is now a carbon fibre panel to also lower centre of gravity whilst maintaining structural stiffness.
Inside, the two-seat cabin features new, highly bolstered sports seats, positioned lower in the car, with the rear cabin environment replaced with a carbon fibre and leather shell. Monotone, duo-tone and tri-tone interiors are available, with extensive use of leather, Dinamica and carbon fibre for a performance-focused space.
Bentley's Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, comments: "The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars - ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I'm proud of our team and the speed at which we've created a car so different to the GT on which it's based."+
Project Mildred
The new Supersports is the product of an idea that was first proposed in September 2024, when a small engineering team theorised how a rear-wheel drive, sub-two-tonne Continental GT might behave dynamically. Approval was given for them to build one test mule, which took to the track only six weeks later, to prove their concept. The performance of this key demonstrator was convincing, and the project to create the new Supersports was born - albeit under close guard and with a small and focused engineering team.
It was immediately recognised that the project needed a codename to keep it secret. For this, the team turned to inspiration from Bentley's past, and the story of Mildred Mary Petre. Born in 1895, she was a record breaker on land, and sea and in the air as a racing driver, a powerboat racer and a pilot. In 1929, she drove a Bentley 4½ Litre around the Montlhery circuit in France, solo, for 24 hours. In so doing, she averaged almost 90 mph and established a new endurance record - a phenomenal achievement by today's standards but even more incredible in the 1920s. She pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a fearless spirit, and so in her honour, the development team christened their new project: Mildred.
A Lineage of Performance
The word Supersports is a modern amalgamation of one of the most evocative names from Bentley history - "Super Sports" - first applied to a Bentley 100 years ago this year. The first Super Sports was launched in 1925 and based on the 3 Litre, with an uprated engine and shorter (and therefore lighter) chassis meaning it was the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph. It also established the second aspect that defines "Super Sports" - rarity, with only 18 examples built.
Dormant for decades, the Supersports name - now one word - roared back to life in 2009 with a 204-mph revival, defining the pinnacle model of the first-generation Continental GT. This was the first two-seat variant of the Continental family, was 100 kg lighter than the standard car, and the most driver-focused Bentley of the day.
It was eclipsed in 2017 by an even faster, more thrilling successor, based on the second-generation Continental GT. Like the first generation Continental Supersports it was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, but now generating 710 PS - making it then the most powerful Bentley ever. 710 examples were produced, to match the power output.
The previous generations of Supersports all defined the ultimate performance version of their respective model families. The new Supersports takes this approach in a different direction; rather than focusing on top speed, the target is maximum driver engagement, through a combination of weight reduction - the most extreme in Bentley's history - and a new powertrain.
The First RWD Continental GT
The powertrain of the new Supersports is non-hybrid and purely Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). A new, strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is the heart of the car - with a stronger crankcase, uprated cylinder heads and larger turbos. The changes yield the highest power density of any Bentley engine - 666 PS / 657 bhp (166.5 PS per litre), with 800 Nm of torque. Coupled to the engine is the ZF eight-speed double clutch transmission used across the Bentley model range, but redeveloped for the Supersports with uprated clutches and a new shifting strategy. Gear shifts are now sharper and more responsive, while the downshift strategy during braking has been precisely calibrated to deliver optimal stability and driver confidence.
The engine breathes though a full-length titanium exhaust which is tuned to be significantly more characterful than any previous Bentley. Developed in conjunction with Bentley partners Akrapovi and unique to Supersports, the complete system amplifies and tunes the cross-plane V8 note to be extremely compelling - deep, powerful and completely authentic, with no artificial in-cabin enhancement.
The sprint to 62 mph / 100 km/h will be dispatched in 3.7 seconds, and top speed will be circa 192 mph / 310 km/h. More important that the headline figures though, will be how the Supersports behaves dynamically.
For that, Bentley's chassis engineers have enjoyed the opportunity for a new level of driver engagement, by making the new Supersports the first rear-wheel drive Continental - except for the Continental GT3 race cars - in history. Power is fed exclusively to the rear wheels through an eLSD, out to rear wheels that have an increased track of 16 mm over a Continental GT. The eLSD is assisted by torque vectoring by brake, with the systems working together to make turn-in as sharp as possible and to give maximum traction. Rear-wheel steering is retained for maximum agility and stability, while the calibrations for the steering, suspension, traction management and ESC systems are all-new.
ESC settings allow the driver to select how much independence or assistance they would prefer - from fully-on, through a Dynamic Mode that allows a level of slip and oversteer within reactive limits, to fully-off - where the driver has complete control of the rear axle, and can provoke the Supersports into significant but highly controllable oversteer.
There are three new configurations to the Drive Dynamics Controller:
Touring mode matches the performance character of the Sport mode in a Continental GT Speed, but pairs it with increased ride height, softer damping and a more discrete exhaust character.
Bentley mode increases the performance character beyond Touring mode, with gearbox strategy, throttle pedal and chassis settings all uplifted. Exhaust system valves open to enhance sound character, and launch control becomes available.
Sport mode goes even further, with ultimate optimisation for driver engagement and tuned for maximum chassis and powertrain response.
The chassis system uses aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and new twin chamber dampers - ECU-controlled in bump and rebound independently. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the proprietary 48V electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds. Braking is by the largest automotive braking system in the world - 440 mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs on the front axle, clamped by 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear - fitted as standard. Calipers are black as standard, with a red-painted option available.
The Supersports comes with new, 22" forged and machined aluminium allow wheels developed in conjunction with specialists Manthey Racing, available in two finishes - Black Painted, and Black Painted and Machined (introducing a silver metal accent). Uniquely for the Supersports, two tyre options are available: a standard Pirelli P-Zero tyre, and a new Trofeo RS performance tyre as an option. With Trofeo RS tyres fitted, the chassis changes and weight savings mean that the Supersports can corner approximately 30% quicker than a Continental GT Speed, with up to 1.3g peak lateral force.
The Lightest Bentley in 85 Years - With the Most Downforce
The new Supersports is nearly half a tonne lighter than the Continental GT, and will weigh less than 2000 kg. The most significant weight saving comes from the powertrain, with a reduction commensurate with the conversion to ICE-only propulsion and rear-wheel drive. The roof - usually aluminium - has been replaced with a carbon fibre panel, which saves weight and lowers the overall centre of gravity.
The rear cabin environment has been deleted, saving a significant amount of weight. Along with the seats and seatbelts, rear cabin sound insulation has been reduced, and the audio system has been reconfigured for the front cabin only. Additional weight savings come the deletion of certain driver assistance systems, not required on a driver-focused GT.
The new exterior details of the car combine to make this the most aggressive Bentley Grand Tourer ever. Crafting new elements in carbon fibre helped reduce weight further to meet the target, with new pieces including:
A new lower front bumper, with an integrated front splitter (the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley). The bumper includes two new cooling channels each side, that feed cool air to the front brakes and engine respectively. Above the bumper, a new lightweight mesh grille, with a design unique to Supersports, is laser cut in extremely fine aluminium
Two pairs of stacked dive planes sit at the corners of the front bumper, working in conjunction with the splitter to reduce front lift
New side sills, running the length of the wheelbase
Behind the front wheels, new B-shaped fender blades manage the airflow from the front wheel arches, aiding both extraction of high-pressure air and managing its flow along the body side.
A new rear diffuser, built into an all-new rear bumper construction that includes vents for the rear wheel arches
A one piece, fixed rear spoiler to the top of the boot lid
These aerodynamic pieces are all the result of extensive testing, with form following function, and no elements included just for aesthetic purposes. Together, the additions generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed, while maintaining lift balance along the car and helping to achieve a dynamic weight distribution, which starts at 54:46 when the car is stationary and gradually moves rearward with speed.
The final finishing carbon fibre touches are the wing mirrors and engine cover.
A Sporting Cabin
The interior of the new Supersports is as purposeful as the rest of the car, inspired by the energy and precision of motorsport. Two-seat only, it completes the focus on driver engagement that is the singular mission statement of the car. Every details is engineering to elevate the driving experience, redefining performance-focused luxury.
New lightweight sports seats are provided for the driver and one passenger, with increased lateral bolstering, a lower position in the car and carbon elements across the shoulder area. The seats feature 11-way electric adjustment and retain seat heating. The rear cabin is replaced by a lightweight and precision engineering carbon fibre tub that wraps around the space. Finished with a leather wraparound design, the tub integrates into the rest of the cabin and delivers a cleaner, more purposeful interior layout.
Lightweight and high gloss carbon fibre veneers to the waistrails and fascia panels are standard, joined by a blend of leather and Dinamica, with the latter technical material to the centres of the seat backs and seat cushions, the centre panels of the doors and the headlining. Supersports embroidery and badging completes the cabin, together with an individually numbered badge to the centre console.
Numbered, Individual, Bespoke
Every Supersports will be individually numbered before it leaves the factory, with customers able to request specific numbers from the 500 examples that will be handcrafted in Crewe.
Paint options start with a core range of 24 performance-focused colours, with additional paint finishes including Supersports logos and matte paint available via Mulliner. Beyond single-tone exteriors, Bentley's design team has developed five 'Design Themes', which include either a small section of vertical striping and a Supersports name in a contrasting colour on the lower body side behind the front wheel, or a series of painted stripes in two contrasting colours across the rear quarters of the car.
Exterior carbon fibre is available in high gloss finish, and the lower elements can be fully painted or pinstriped.
For the cabin, 22 Main Hide colours are accompanied by 11 Secondary Hide and nine Accent Hide colours. Single tone, duo-tone (as standard) and a new and unique tri-tone colour split are all available, and Dark Chrome Specification is standard.
In place of interior carbon fibre, customers can also choose from Diamond Brushed or Engine Turned Aluminium in a Dark Tint finish, or the clean and elegant simplicity of Piano Black.
The launch imagery for Supersports is in a Design Theme called "Nightfall", which blends Anthracite gloss exterior paint with a Camel accent to the lower bodywork along with Camel lower striping and a contrast number 8 to the grille. The interior is in Beluga and Camel, with Bronze accents.
Meanwhile, the car unveiled in New York at the global debut is in a specification called 'Daybreak', in Jetstream Matte with a Design Theme livery in Arctica and Portofino. The interior is Damson with Light Blue and Pillar Box Red accents.
to whoever shot those!
Especially with the Speed 8 
