The Supersports is back
100 years after Bentley released its first Supersports model in 1925, the storied British marque is bringing back the name for a new, exciting version of its Continental GT grand tourer, aptly named the Continental Supersports. This new ride is the fastest variant of the model, taking many cues from motorsports engineering to create a driver-focused experience for its clients.
According to Bentley, this new Supersports will be limited to just 500 individually numbered units, the lowest-production Bentley in 85 years, and the first Continental GT offered in rear-wheel drive that isn’t a racing model. This version of the Continental Supersports is the model’s third iteration, but seeing what makes this version different requires a closer look.
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley
The new Supersports features distinct racing-inspired bodywork
One distinct feature that separates the latest Continental Supersports model from its predecessors is its revised bodywork. While the 2009 and 2017 versions of the Supersports featured many subtle cosmetic changes compared to their grand touring counterparts, the latest version appears to incorporate numerous visible upgrades inspired by the racetrack.
Up front is a bumper that incorporates extensive air-cheating aerodynamic mods made out of carbon fiber, including a huge, prominent front splitter, massive intakes feeding the brakes and engine, as well as dual stacked winged canards on the ends of the bumpers.
Bentley
The front-mounted canards meet another set of canards mounted atop the side skirts at the other end of the front wheel wells, while out back, a carbon fiber rear diffuser meets an all-new rear bumper construction that also has vents for the rear wheel wells. In addition to the ground effects, the Supersports also gets a carbon fiber roof, mirrors, engine cover, and a fixed rear spoiler mounted atop the boot lid.
While the 2017 Supersports and the latest version feature prominent carbon fiber spoilers, the two models have distinct designs atop their respective trunk lids. The new Supersports features a fixed ducktail spoiler, whereas the previous model had a more pronounced pedestal wing that was offered as an optional extra.
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley is ditching the hybrid for pure V8 power in the new Supersports
In lieu of the twin-turbo W12 engines that powered Continental Supersports of the past, under the hood of Bentley’s new Supersports is a new, non-hybrid version of its 4-liter twin-turbo V8, featuring a stronger crankcase, new cylinder heads, and bigger turbochargers.
While it may not be a flex-fuel capable unit like the first Supersports or a monster 700-horsepower unit, Bentley claims that the new car features the most power-dense engine it has ever produced, delivering 657 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which amounts to approximately 164.22 horsepower per liter.
Bentley
Bentley
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed DCT that has been revised for the Supersports with upgraded clutches and tuning for sharper shifts and aggressive downshifts that are “precisely calibrated to deliver optimal stability and driver confidence.” The Supersports also gets an exclusive Akrapovič full-length titanium exhaust that it claims sounds “deep, powerful and completely authentic,” without any artificial noises.
Like its predecessors, Bentley has also fitted the new Supersports with uprated brakes to handle the additional power. While the 2009 and 2017 iterations were fitted with some substantially large brakes, the new Supersports features extra-large 440mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide discs with 10-piston calipers up front and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers in the rear. To help handle the additional power, the new model also features Bentley Dynamic Ride and an electronic limited-slip differential with torque vectoring for maximum traction.
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley
Sorry, passengers, there’s only room for two in the new Supersports
Like the 2009 iteration of the Continental Supersports, Bentley’s latest Supersports is just a two-seater. Per the automaker, the cabin is intentionally designed “to focus on driver engagement” while still retaining a level of luxury fit for the Bentley brand. Instead of rear seats, Bentley has fitted a “precision-engineered” carbon fiber tub that fills in the void where the rear seats are, while still integrating into the rest of the cabin.
The driver and passenger get a set of lightweight sports seats that hold you in with more bolstering in a lower driving position. Although they are designed for an enhanced and engaged driver experience, these 11-way power-adjustable heated seats are finished in a luxurious blend of leather and Dinamica. According to Bentley, owners can opt to have the entire interior of the Supersports completed in 22 different colors of “Main Hides,” 11 different “Secondary Hides,” and nine “Accent Hides” in a variety of single, dual, and tri-tone finishes.
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley
Final thoughts
Bentley states that orders for the Supersports will open in March 2024, with production scheduled to begin in Q4 2026, and the first units are expected to start at the beginning of 2027. The model will be limited to just 500 units, and according to Bentley, customers will be able to request a specific unit number out of these 500.
At first glance, the marque appears to have adopted a more streamlined, racing-inspired approach with the new Supersports. In its announcement, Bentley claims that the new Supersports’ new aerodynamic kit was developed as a result of extensive testing, with “no elements included just for aesthetic purposes.” Given that order sheets will not open until next year, we still have to see whether it will make a difference out on the open road and on the race track. We cannot wait.
About the author
James Ochoa
Senior Editor, Autoblog