The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company's commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012.
The Continental Supersports began as an 'under the radar' project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers.
The results are dramatic. With 621 bhp and new 'Quickshift' transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds onto a top speed of 329 km/h.
Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars.
Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.
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The evolution of the Supersports' design is very much a case of 'form following function' with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin.
For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley's designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents.
Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.
The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior 'brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex 'Physical Vapour Deposition' process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.
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Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley's interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and Alcantara not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight.
The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.
The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 percent in CO2 emissions on a 'well-to-wheel' basis.
Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel's net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel.
The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.
The 'Supersports' name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.
Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said:
"The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."
The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company's 90-year history
- 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine now produces 621 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque at 1,700 - 5,600 rev/min
- 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
- 0-160 km/h in 8.9 seconds
- 80 - 120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
- Top speed of 329 km/h
Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector
- Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
- Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
- A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent.
- Offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions
Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience
- Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
- New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by 'throttle steering'
- Uprated front suspension with aluminium forward levers, stiffer bushes together with retuned anti roll bar and Servotronic steering for sharper turn-in
- Revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for improved body control
- Unique lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 10 kg weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling. Increased 25 mm offset on rear wheels improves grip and stability
- 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
- Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the most powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
- Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes - the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car - contribute 20 kg weight saving
- 110 kg weight saving compared to Continental GT Speed
Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character
- Form follows function: distinctive centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay
- Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance
- Distinctive 'smoked steel finish' to all exterior 'brightware', including the first automotive application of 'Physical Vapour Deposition' to stainless steel
- Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider
- 2 new pearlescent and 2 new matt finish colours
- Unique driver-focused, two-seater cabin with lightweight sports seats, giving a 45 kg weight saving
- Rear seats replaced by stowage deck with carbon fibre luggage retaining beam
- AlcantaraTM, carbon fibre and 'Soft Touch' leather' provide a very different interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship with choice of Single Tone and Duo Tone combinations
