The new Bentley Supersports has been unveiled, promising a thrilling driving experience with its lighter build and striking design. Although it may not match the speed of the standard Continental GT, the Supersports offers a unique blend of agility and style, making it a standout in Bentley’s lineup. Under the hood, it features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 490kW and 800Nm, complemented by a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust system for a distinctive sound.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential. The ZF transmission has been enhanced with upgraded clutches and remapped software, ensuring sharper gear changes and improved stability during braking. Additionally, the vehicle boasts torque vectoring and a 48V electric anti-roll control system, known as Bentley Ride, to enhance cornering performance.
Performance and Comparisons
Bentley claims the Supersports can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 310km/h. In contrast, the regular Continental GT, equipped with a 575kW/1000Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain and all-wheel drive, achieves 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h. Despite the difference in acceleration, the Supersports’ lighter weight and rear-wheel-drive configuration promise a more engaging driving experience.
The Supersports is notably the first Continental GT to weigh under 2000kg, making it the lightest Bentley in 85 years. This weight reduction is largely due to the removal of the plug-in hybrid’s battery and electric motors, as well as the all-wheel drivetrain. Additional weight-saving measures include a carbon-fibre roof, a leather-wrapped carbon-fibre tub replacing the rear seats, reduced sound deadening, a simplified sound system, and the elimination of certain driver assistance features.
Engineering Excellence
Stopping power is provided by what Bentley claims to be the “largest automotive braking system in the world.” The front features 440mm Carbon-Silicon Carbide discs with 10-piston calipers, while the rear is equipped with 410mm discs and four-piston calipers. Standard calipers are painted black, with red as an optional choice. The Supersports rides on 22-inch forged and machined Manthey Racing alloy wheels, available in black or black with a machined silver accent. Pirelli P-Zero tyres are standard, although buyers can opt for Trofeo RS rubber.
The Supersports’ exterior design takes the Continental GT’s classic silhouette and infuses it with a more aggressive aesthetic. The front features a new bumper with dual cooling channels for the brakes and engine, a front splitter, stacked dive planes, and a laser-cut mesh grille. B-shaped fender blades manage airflow along the car’s sides, which now sport chunky new sills. The rear includes a 15mm wider track, a redesigned bumper with wheel arch vents, an integrated diffuser, and a fixed boot lid spoiler.
Interior and Exclusivity
Inside, the Supersports offers new lightweight sports seats with increased bolstering, positioned closer to the ground. Buyers can customize their vehicle with 22 main leather upholstery colors, 11 secondary colors, and 24 exterior paint options. Only 500 units of the Supersports will be produced, with production commencing in the fourth quarter of 2026 and deliveries starting in early 2027. Orders will open in March next year, with Australia and New Zealand among the confirmed markets.
The announcement comes as Bentley continues to innovate within its Continental lineup, offering enthusiasts a vehicle that combines luxury with a more dynamic driving experience. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, the Supersports represents a nod to traditional performance engineering, emphasizing weight reduction and rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Experts suggest that the Supersports could appeal to purists who appreciate the tactile feedback and engagement of a lighter, rear-wheel-drive sports car. With its limited production run, the Supersports is poised to become a collector’s item, embodying Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and performance.
As the automotive world eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Supersports, Bentley’s latest offering underscores the brand’s ability to innovate while maintaining its heritage of luxury and performance. The Supersports not only adds a new dimension to the Continental range but also sets a benchmark for future models in terms of design and engineering excellence.
