Bentley Continental Supersports due with enhanced V8, RWD

A lightweight Continental GT with a 477kW V8 will be the first of a new ‘extreme’ line from the British firm.

The return of the Continental Supersports name, it will be a high-end, rear-drive model with a pure-combustion V8. And it signals the beginning of a line of “extreme” performance cars from the company.

Snappers recently caught the new model out testing. A large rear spoiler, carbon brakes and substantial quad exhausts scream enhanced performance. The final production version, which is due to disrobe later this year, will receive a more dramatic makeover from the recently updated Continental GT.

The sporting intent is clear by the revival of the Supersports name, last used in 2017 when a Continental ran a 522kW W12 mill.

The new Continental Supersports will be a Bentley showcase of luxury and performance. Bentley boss, Frank-Steffen Walliser, previously hinted of plans for “more extreme” models that would reinforce the brand’s sporting heritage. The new Supersports is the first example of that. Other models will likely follow.

While the latest Conti Supersports won’t have as much power as its predecessor, nor as much poke as the GT Speed, a 575kW PHEV, the extreme lightweighting measures will more than compensate.

The Supersports will utilise the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 from the GT Speed, only without the gearbox-mounted electric motor. Nor will it have the GT Speed’s all-wheel drive set-up. 

Autocar UK reports that the car will weigh around 2000kg, or 450kg less than the GT Speed. It should be capable of matching that car’s 0-96km/h time of 3.1sec. And that was conservative, with our data logger suggesting 0-100km/h in 3.06sec.

The Supersports will also feature carbonfibre bodywork (including the roof), lightweight sports seats up front and no rear seats.

Figure also on an Akrapovic exhaust system, lightweight wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes. 

Read our review of the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Atop all that, there will be new bodywork, with a large rear spoiler, air channelling and extended ground effects to optimise its aerodynamics.

This will be a limited edition run, with pricing expected to be near to $NZ1m, roughly twice the cost of the Conti GT Speed. It is also a given that most will feature customisation from the Mulliner division.

Select customers have already seen the Supersports and it’s understood several orders are confirmed. Expect a public reveal before year end, with deliveries starting a year later.