After 100 years, Bentley has brought back its performance nameplate that had earned it a position in the performance luxury space. This is the “Supersports”, a name which was originally introduced in 1925 and earned success for the brand at Le Mans in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
This time around, it comes with a powerful, rear-wheel-drive without any support from a hybrid system and is based on the current Continental GT.
Specifically, the Continental GT Supersports seeks power from a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which pumps out 657 hp of power and 799 Nm of peak torque. The power is routed to a rear-wheel-drive setup via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. With this, the Supersports is capable of reaching 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds, and at the peak of its performance, the top speed is limited to 308 kmph.
Since it’s the only Continental GT without a hybrid system, it boasts a lighter weight compared to other electrified members of the family. It is claimed to be the lightest Continental GT, weighing at just under 2000 kg, making it 453 kg lighter than the GT Speed variant, which takes the second spot in terms of light weight.
To accommodate the rear-wheel-drive setup, Bentley used an electronic limited-slip differential, because of which the width of the car’s rear end increased by 16 mm. It also offers rear wheel steering, which, along with the traction control and suspension, has been recalibrated for the performance-oriented model.
According to Bentley, the Supersports features the largest brakes found on any modern production vehicle: 10-piston calipers with 440-mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide discs in the front, and four-piston calipers with 410-mm discs in the rear.
The Supersports is equipped with three distinct drive modes, tailored to different driving needs. The Touring mode raises the suspension and softens the dampers for a more comfortable ride. Bentley mode enhances throttle response and fine-tunes the chassis for a more dynamic experience. Sport mode activates the most responsive and aggressive settings available.
In terms of design, Bentley has adopted boldness, with extensive use of carbon fiber in the valances, skirts, wheels, and wings to reduce weight. The redesigned front bumper, which includes an integrated splitter, is the largest ever introduced on a road-legal Bentley. It features dive planes at each end of the bumper to help minimize lift. The Supersport also boasts special 22-inch lightweight forged wheels.
Efforts to save weight continue inside, where Bentley has completely removed the rear seats. This weight reduction also eliminates the rear audio system, lightening the front seats, and cutting down some of the sound insulation. While this will likely result in a louder cabin, it will allow for a better experience of the full-length Akrapovic titanium exhaust system.
Going with the weight saving measures, the seats are two lightweight, highly supportive buckets installed low within the vehicle. Buyers can choose from a variety of monotone, dual-tone, and even tri-tone interior options, featuring a stylish blend of leather, Dinamica, and carbon fiber accents.