Bentley has confirmed that its new performance halo, the stripped-out, two-seat Supersports, will be available in Australia, albeit in extremely limited numbers. Fewer than 10 of the 500 total examples of the Supersports have been allocated to the local market, each expected to carry a price tag around $900,000 before on-road costs.
“Let’s say it’s a high single figure,” Bentley’s chief communications officer Wayne Bruce told CarExpert regarding the Australian allocation. “It’s noisier and more exciting to drive than the current GT Speed, but you could still drive from Melbourne to Sydney in that car if you wanted to.”
Historical Legacy and Modern Innovation
The ‘Super Sports’ moniker first appeared on a Bentley in 1925, signifying a lighter, more powerful version of the 3 Litre. Since then, the Supersports branding has been applied to two separate generations of the modern Continental. The upcoming Supersports will abandon the Continental name but remain based on Bentley’s two-door coupe design.
Production of the new Supersports is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with customer deliveries commencing in early 2027. Under the bonnet, the vehicle features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with new cylinder heads, larger turbos, and a stronger crankcase, delivering 490kW and 800Nm. A bespoke Akrapovič exhaust adds to its performance and auditory appeal.
Performance and Engineering Excellence
Unlike the base Continental, the V8 in the Supersports drives the rear wheels only, through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential. The ZF transmission has been upgraded with enhanced clutches and remapped software for sharper gear changes, and its downshift on braking strategy has been retuned for improved stability.
Bentley claims the Supersports can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of around 310km/h.
In comparison, 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.
Advanced Handling and Weight Reduction
Handling is enhanced by torque vectoring and a 48V electric anti-roll control system known as Bentley Ride. Significant weight savings further contribute to the Supersports’ dynamic performance. It is the first Continental GT to weigh under 2000kg, making it the lightest Bentley in 85 years. Nearly 500kg has been shaved off through various measures, including the removal of the plug-in hybrid’s battery and electric motors, as well as the all-wheel drive system.
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 removal of certain driver assistance features.
Design and Customization Options
The Supersports rides on 22-inch forged and machined Manthey Racing alloy wheels, available in black or black with a machined silver accent. Standard Pirelli P-Zero tyres can be upgraded to Trofeo RS rubber. Exterior design highlights include new bumpers, a 15mm wider rear track, several aerodynamic attachments, and a fixed boot lid spoiler.
Inside, the cabin features lighter, lower sports seats with enhanced bolstering. Buyers can choose from 22 main colours and 11 secondary colours for the leather upholstery, along with 24 exterior paint options.
Vision and Leadership
According to Mr. Bruce, the radically focused nature of the fourth-generation Supersports is a testament to the vision of current CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, who joined Bentley from Porsche last year. “What is unique about Bentley is the polarity we have – we can be super-luxury but we can also be performance,” explained Mr. Bruce. “Supersports was about pushing us further in the performance direction. It was an idea that was knocking around for a while but it took the arrival of a new CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, to give it petrol and bring everyone together.”
“We’ve seen interest from customers in the social media coverage, it has brought new excitement to Bentley. It’s surprised people, and it’s good to surprise.”
The Supersports represents a bold step in Bentley’s performance evolution, blending historical legacy with cutting-edge technology. As the brand’s lightest car since 1940, it sets a new benchmark for luxury performance vehicles.
