Bentley Continental GT Supersports: Hardcore Lightweight Thriller Review
Bentley Continental GT Supersports: Hardcore Lightweight Thriller Review
In the illustrious world of grand tourers, Bentley has long stood as a titan, synonymous with unparalleled luxury, craftsmanship, and effortless performance. Yet, even within its own prestigious lineage, there are outliers—vehicles engineered to push the boundaries of what a Bentley can be. The Bentley Continental GT Supersports is precisely one such enigma. It’s not merely a more powerful version; it’s a radical reinterpretation, a deliberate shedding of weight and an injection of raw, untamed power designed to transform the refined GT into a genuine track-capable machine. This review will delve into how Bentley managed to fuse its quintessential opulence with the heart of a true sports car, creating a “hardcore lightweight thriller” that stands alone in the automotive landscape.
A lighter, meaner bentley
The transformation of the Continental GT into the Supersports model began with a meticulous and comprehensive weight reduction program. Bentley’s engineers weren’t content with superficial tweaks; they embarked on a mission to shave off significant mass wherever possible, a task often at odds with the brand’s traditional ethos of lavish materials and sound deadening. Key to this effort was the extensive use of carbon fibre. This lightweight yet incredibly strong material found its way into critical components like the bonnet, front wings, and even the rear diffuser. Furthermore, the Supersports introduced lighter forged alloy wheels, often paired with the largest carbon ceramic brakes ever fitted to a production car at the time. These brakes alone offered a substantial weight saving while also providing phenomenal stopping power. In its most extreme two-seater configuration, the rear seats were removed entirely, replaced by a carbon fibre parcel shelf, further underscoring its performance-oriented intent. This collective approach resulted in a weight reduction of up to 110 kg (242 lbs) compared to the standard GT W12, dramatically enhancing its agility and responsiveness.
The heart of the beast: power and performance
While shedding weight was crucial, the “thriller” aspect of the Supersports truly comes alive under the bonnet. The colossal 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, a Bentley hallmark, was re-engineered and tuned to deliver staggering output figures. Engineers recalibrated the engine’s management system, introduced larger turbos, and made other internal enhancements to unleash an unprecedented level of power. The result was an astonishing 700 to 710 horsepower and a monumental 1,017 Nm (750 lb-ft) of torque. This immense power is seamlessly channelled to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system, featuring a rear-biased torque split to enhance dynamic driving. Such prodigious output propels the Supersports from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.4 to 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest four-seat cars of its era. Its top speed of 209 mph (336 km/h) further cements its status not just as a luxurious cruiser, but as a genuine supercar slayer, capable of blurring landscapes with astonishing speed.
| Specification | Continental GT W12 (approx.) | Continental GT Supersports |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 | 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 |
| Horsepower | 600-626 hp | 700-710 hp |
| Torque | 750-820 Nm | 1017 Nm (750 lb-ft) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9 – 4.2 seconds | 3.4 – 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200-207 mph | 209 mph (336 km/h) |
| Weight Reduction | N/A | Up to 110 kg (242 lbs) |
Dynamic handling and driving experience
The Supersports isn’t just about straight-line speed; its comprehensive engineering package transforms its driving dynamics. Bentley outfitted the car with a stiffer, lower suspension setup, designed to minimize body roll and enhance cornering stability without completely sacrificing the brand’s renowned ride comfort. The steering, while still retaining a degree of Bentley’s characteristic heft, offers improved feedback and precision, allowing the driver to feel more connected to the road. The colossal carbon ceramic brakes, with their fade-resistant performance, provide immense stopping power, inspiring confidence even during aggressive driving. Despite its significant size and weight (even after the reductions), the Supersports exhibits an uncanny ability to tackle bends with surprising agility. It dances on the edge of physics, a testament to its finely tuned chassis and all-wheel-drive system. The driving experience is a visceral thrill, a potent blend of the W12’s thunderous roar and the car’s remarkable composure, making it far more engaging and dynamically capable than any Continental GT before it.
Luxury redefined for speed
Even in its pursuit of performance, the Bentley Continental GT Supersports never forgets its aristocratic roots. While elements were re-imagined for weight saving, the cabin still exudes an unmistakable aura of Bentley luxury, albeit with a racier edge. Alcantara, a lightweight and grippy material, extensively covers surfaces like the seats, steering wheel, and door panels, often contrasted with exquisite diamond quilting. Carbon fibre trim replaces traditional wood veneers, reinforcing the performance theme. Despite the functional deletions like the optional rear seats, the remaining appointments are crafted with Bentley’s legendary attention to detail. The front sports seats, designed for lateral support during spirited driving, are still sumptuously comfortable for long journeys. This unique blend of stripped-down performance aesthetics and inherent Bentley opulence creates an interior that is both functional and indulgent, proving that hardcore doesn’t necessarily mean spartan. It’s an exclusive environment, befitting a car produced in limited numbers, where luxury is not merely about excess, but about purposeful elegance.
The Bentley Continental GT Supersports stands as a monumental achievement, a testament to Bentley’s willingness to challenge its own conventions. We’ve explored how its radical weight reduction, from carbon fibre panels to the largest carbon ceramic brakes, transformed its agility. We’ve delved into the heart of its beastly performance, the retuned W12 engine delivering over 700 horsepower and monumental torque, propelling it to supercar-rivalling speeds. The review highlighted its surprising dynamic handling, thanks to a stiffer suspension and responsive steering, making it a true thriller on the road. Finally, we saw how it ingeniously marries this hardcore performance with Bentley’s undeniable luxury, creating an exclusive and purposeful cabin. The Supersports is more than just a car; it’s a bold statement, a magnificent fusion of extreme power, reduced weight, and refined luxury, delivering an unforgettable, exhilarating driving experience that remains unparalleled in the grand tourer segment. It’s a collectible masterpiece, a true benchmark for performance and panache.
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