Bentley Continental Supersports: Bentley’s Hardcore Variant of their most Iconic Car In 2009, at the tail–end of the first generation Continental GT’s run, Bentley launched a hardcore limited run edition, called the Supersports. To make the Supersports, Bentley started by lightening the standard Continental GT through fitting bespoke carbon-fibre seats at the front, removing the rear seats entirely, and constructing the entire car of carbon-fibre. The result was a 100kg drop in weight. They then fettled the 6.0l twin-turbo W12, not only giving it the ability to now run on Biofuel but also enhancing power to 621 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The result was 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 205mph, which at the time made it the fastest production car Bentley ever made. They even tweaked the all-wheel drive system, which in turn made this two-tonne barge generate 1.29G in the corners. In 2017, near the tail–end of the second-generation Continental GT, Bentley once again launched a Supersports as the Swansong. Like before it featured a 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12, which now generated 700 horsepower and 750lb-ft of torque. The result is 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is 209mph. Bentley built 710 Supersports, and after the final one rolled off the production line in 2018, everyone assumed it was indeed the final encore. Bringing back the Supersports names and Going Back to Petrol Power Until now. Bentley have recently teased an all new hardcore Continental GT, which most assume is the new Supersports. Despite limited material, there are some rumours that give an indication of what to expect from this new Continental. For starters, there are Carbon fibre panels, a carbon roof, lightweight Akrapovic exhausts, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, a larger diffuser, bespoke air intakes, and carbon-ceramic brakes. These, of course, not only make this Continental stand out from the range, but Bentley's claim has also improved the aerodynamics of the car. Inside, like the previous Supersports, Bentley have supposedly removed the rear seats, the front seats are trimmed in Alcantara and carbon fibre, and Bentley have also been rumoured to have reworked the air suspension to make handling more sharp. But the most controversial change is that, unlike every other Continental, this Supersports is rumoured to ditch its High Performance Hybrid Setup. Instead, Bentley are going back old-school, allowing their 4.0l twin-turbo V8 to supposedly produce 640 horsepower, which is actually less than most of the other Continentals. But then Bentley have supposedly reduced the weight down to 2,000kg. Perhaps the most surprising is that for the first time since the Mulsanne, Bentley will sell a car that is completely rear wheel drive, something that hasn’t been part of the Continental forever. So why are they doing this? My guess is this will invoke the emotion as the 2026 Bentayga Speed. A silly, wild, ludicrous ride that everyone just has to love. Well, I can tell you, I’m drooling over the thought of this and find myself reaching for the Cheque Book.Source: Autocar
