Bentley will soon launch a Conti Supersports range topper

Bentley has confirmed that the Continental Supersports will return to the line-up. The high-end, rear-driven flagship will feature a 477kW V8.

The firm had hinted this vehicle will serve as a showcase for a line of “extreme” performance cars. Spy photographers captured it testing recently featuring a large rear spoiler and diffuser, and quad exhausts. The production version will debut later this year and will differ markedly in look from the recently updated Continental GT.

Bentley is looking to revive the seldom used Supersports name. It last adorned a Continental GT in 2017, packing a 522kW 6.0-litre W12.

The new Continental Supersports will showcase Bentley’s ability to merge luxury and performance, like in the EXP15 Concept. Bentley boss Frank-Steffen Walliser has mentioned “more extreme” models before and the new Supersports will be the first example of that. More will follow.

The new Supersports won’t have as much power as its W12 predecessor. Nor will it have as much power as the top-spec Continental GT Speed. That features a 575kW plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, it’s understood that extreme lightweighting measures mean the non-electrified Supersports will be more of a “pure-performance” model.

It will use the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 from the GT Speed, only with more power (477kW) and without the gearbox-mounted motor. Whereas the GT Speed is all-wheel drive, the Supersports will be purely rear-driven.

Crewe sources indicate that the car will weigh around 2000kg, compared with 2459kg for the GT Speed. Evidently it will match the GT Speed’s sprint time of 3.1sec (NZ Autocar confirmed 3.06sec).

Expect carbonfibre bodywork elements, like in the roof, and lightweight sports seats up front, with no rear seats. There will be an Akrapovic exhaust, custom lightweight wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes. Likely there will also be a large rear spoiler and aggressive air channelling, along with extended ground effects.

Likely as not this will be a limited edition model with only a few hundred on offer. It will be roughly 50 per cent more expensive than a cooking GT too. All are expected to undergo customisation from the Mulliner division so each will be unique.

A public unveiling will happen later this year before deliveries begin in 2026. Rivals include Ferrari 12Cilindri and Aston Martin Vanquish.