New Bentley Continental Supersports Takes World's Fastest Four-Seater Crown
September 10 2019, Trevor Hofmann
Continental Supersports Convertible becomes world's fastest four-seat drop-top
Ask those in the know about their favourite luxury sports coupe or convertible and Bentley's Continental often gets named, not only for its beautiful lines and luxurious interior, but also its superb driving dynamics.
Whether equipped with its base 500 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 good for 4.8 seconds from standstill to 100km/h and a 305 km/h (190 mph) top speed, the 520 horsepower version of the same engine found in the V8 S that's capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 100km/h and 309 km/h (192 mph) terminal velocity, the 582 horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12-powered GT that achieves identical straight-line performance albeit a higher top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph), or the 633 horsepower version of that more potent W12 that's capable of 4.1 seconds to 100km/h and a 332-km/h (206-mph) top speed, it's a four-seat sport luxury coupe that few rivals come close to matching.
New Supersports blasts past 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds
Rather than give those challengers opportunity to catch up, Bentley now offers a new top-line Continental Supersports with a shocking 700-horsepower 12-cylinder engine capable of blasting the 2,750-kilo (6,063-lb) super coupe to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds before attaining a top speed of 336 km/h (209 mph)!
That's even quicker off the line and ultimately faster than the previous benchmark Continental GT3-R, that model inspired by Bentley's GT3 endurance racing car; the new Supersports the most powerful Bentley ever offered, its four wheels motivated by an otherworldly 750 lb-ft of torque. This not only makes it the quickest Bentley to ever sprint to 100km/h, but also the world's fastest four-seat luxury vehicle, period.
What's more, unlike the GT3-R, the Continental Supersports is available in both two-door hardtop and convertible body styles, the soft-top version now the fastest four-seat convertible in the world at 3.9 seconds to 100km/h with a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Exclusive performance upgrades set Supersports apart
For its Supersports application, the 6.0-litre W12 was revised with new higher-capacity turbos, a modified charge-air cooling system, and additional engine hardware including new main and conrod bearings. Additionally, a new torque converter that locks up faster gets all that twist down to the road, while torque-vectoring AWD (first introduced on the GT3-R) gives the already nimble Continental GT even greater claimed agility, and high-performance cross-drilled Carbon Silicon Carbide ceramic brakes featuring the largest production rotors in the world at 420 mm up front and 356 mm in the rear, plus enhanced cooling to minimize fade under extreme use, make sure the Supersports can be brought to a stop under quick control.
Gorgeous 21-inch forged alloy wheels (on 275/35ZR21 performance tires) are 20 kilos (44 lbs) lighter than standard GT rims, while Bentley can shave another five kilograms (11 lbs) from the Supersports' overall mass by adding an available titanium exhaust system, although it should be noted its standard exhaust system is already upgraded for freer breathing and delivers a "rifle-fire crackle" backpressure note upon downshifts, says Bentley.
Lightest-ever version of the current Continental GT
Speaking of weight, it shouldn't be overlooked that the new Supersports is already the lightest-ever version of the current Continental GT, not to mention lighter than the previous 2009 Supersports model.
Back to its mechanical details, the Supersports utilizes a Bentley-tuned ZF eight-speed automatic with Quickshift manual mode, Block Shifting, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, plus continuous all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear bias that adds more rear-drive feel, while it rides on a four-link double wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear computer-controlled self-leveling air suspension with anti-roll bars at both ends, featuring dynamic performance-tuned continuous damping control. This suspension is not only designed to carve up a circuitous two-lane canyon road with levels of speed and control nearing the likes of mid-engine supercars, but as importantly to Bentley and its clientele, deliver a comfortable, compliant ride.
"The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors. "From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 - and now with the third iteration of this iconic model - it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way."
Bentley's usual interior opulence enhanced
Inside, a unique three-hue "colour split" can be had, this being the first tri-tone motif made available in the current generation of Continental GT. Additionally, the seat inserts and door panel inserts receive a new diamond-quilted design in suede-like Alcantara, while exclusive checkered Supersports carbon-fibre fascia panels are offered alongside ten existing veneers and technical trim finishes. Completing the cabin design is Supersports emblem stitching, a bespoke Supersports steering wheel, and an exclusive gearlever, the latter two components incorporating Alcantara accents.
If yet more personalization is required, an 'X Specification' pack offers eight duo-tone paint treatments plus carbon-fibre door mirrors and heel plates. The previously noted titanium exhaust option is included, as are carbon-fibre finished interior side panels, the previously noted carbon-fibre engine cover, and a gloss black finish to the forged alloy wheels.
As with every Bentley model, the Continental Supersports can be further customized to individual tastes by the automaker's Mulliner division, bespoke coach building at its finest.
