Bentley Continental GT3 Project powers ahead

Last seen as a concept at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2012 the Bentley GT3 Racer builds on a rich racing heritage spanning ninety years, and explores the potential of Bentley's Grand Tourer and exploit the performance DNA contained.

With expert guidance and cooperation from Bentley's GT3 technical partner, M-Sport Ltd, the track focused spin-off to the Continental has been taking shape over the last six months. Leading the project is Brian Gush, Bentley's Director of Motorsport, who took the company to victory at Le Mans in 2003.

Speaking of the project, "Motorsport is an integral part of Bentley, and the performance and endurance qualities of all of our road cars reflect this racing heritage. Not one single part of the GT3 has escaped our attention, and the result is a car that can compete with the field in terms of factors such as power, weight and aerodynamics," said Brian.

Double wishbone suspension, four-way adjustable dampers and competition brakes make up the chassis system, while more than a tonne of weight has been saved over the road car by removing the equipment and parts including over fifty ECUs and extensive electrical systems.  

Despite being a track beast - the iconic silhouette of the road car is retained as the main body shell is almost a direct carryover, while doors, boot lid and bonnet are now hand-crafted in carbon fibre.

The bodyshell benefits from a FIA-specific roll cage, more than doubling its stiffness. Meanwhile, the carbon fibre racing seat has been trimmed by the craftsmen and women of the Crewe factory, who have also meticulously stitched the racing steering wheel and door pulls, akin to a Continental GT road car.

Bentley claims more details and specification of the Continental GT3 will be released soon as the car gets ready to begin a test programme ahead of its race debut.